Pictured (L-R): Joe Gillen, CFO & EVP, BMG North America; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Nashville; Benny Brown, Founder, BBR Music Group; Zach Katz, President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG North America; Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group.
BMG has acquired Nashville-based BBR Music Group, including its associated labels Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Wheelhouse Records, Red Bow Records and its music publishing company Magic Mustang Music.
The agreement includes the rights to a number of major country artists including Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser, Thompson Square and others.
This is BMG’s biggest acquisition in the recordings business since its launch in 2008 and gives BMG a significant position in the Nashville music business.
Since its formation by entrepreneur Benny Brown in 1997, BBR Music Group (BBRMG) has become one of the most successful independent music companies. BBRMG has scored seven multi-platinum or platinum albums, 19 multi-platinum or platinum singles and 32 No. 1 singles across eight different artists. Aldean alone has sold over 14 million albums including 18 number one country singles and seven platinum or multi-platinum albums.
BBRMG will continue to operate from its Nashville headquarters and its 48 staff will transfer to BMG, which has released projects by Janet Jackson, Blink-182, California, Andy Grammar, Danny Gokey, PVRIS and At The Drive-In among others.
BBRMG founder Benny Brown and CFO Paul Brown will remain as consultants while all existing staff remain in their positions reporting directly to Executive Vice President Jon Loba. Loba will report to BMG US President Repertoire & Marketing Zach Katz.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “BBR Music Group is a phenomenally successful operation whose philosophy and commitment to its artists fit perfectly with the new BMG. I have a huge respect for what Benny and his team have achieved. The combination of BBR and BMG gives artists and songwriters in Nashville and beyond a new route to the worldwide market. We will be the alternative so many artists are looking for.”
Benny Brown says, “Since 2001 I’ve been approached many times by various major labels wanting to purchase us. The most important thing to me has always been my artists, my employees and my songwriters. They have always been my family and after meeting with Hartwig and Zach, I knew that I’d found the right partners to ensure my family stayed together and to also continue the BBR Music Group legacy. We were one of the very first indie labels to ever break through in country music. Because of that we created a different culture within our walls that’s pretty simple– happy people are productive people. That’s always been important to me and that’s also the way Hartwig and Zach run BMG. I knew they shared my vision and my passion and that’s what made this the right fit.”
Loba adds, “Benny has been approached countless times about selling, but it took a very special company comprised of very special people for Benny to make this move. We couldn’t be more excited about joining BMG. Its culture aligns so closely with the core values the BBR Music Group was built on. BMG respects our heritage, but this is also about the future. Being part of the BMG family will afford our artists, songwriters and staff incredible new opportunities. Beginning today, for the first time we are plugged into a proven global platform committed to delivering for artists and songwriters. We can’t wait to get started.”
Katz says, “I want to pay tribute to what Benny and his team have created. It is truly exemplary. Nashville and its culture are such an integral part of the music industry that it was always only a matter of time before we expanded our presence. Never did we imagine that we could be able to do so with such an extraordinary roster of artists and team members. I am confident that together BMG and BBR will offer an unbeatable combination for artists and songwriters.”
The acquisition of BBR Music Group marks BMG’s return to the Nashville records business after an eight-year absence. The first incarnation of BMG acquired RCA Records, including its Nashville operation, in 1986. RCA became part of the Sony-BMG joint venture in 2004, before parent company Bertelsmann sold its stake in the joint venture in 2008. The new BMG business model was launched in 2009 led by EVP Kos Weaver. Weaver has developed a diverse roster that includes Alabama, Brett Beavers, busbee, Gokey, Hillary Lindsey, Buddy Miller, and John Paul White.
Weaver says, “The BBR Music Group folks are not only close neighbors of BMG here in Nashville, they share a similar approach in their philosophy and relationships with their artists. This is an amazing match, our potential together is enormous.”
Keith Urban And Dolly Parton Support Partners At SAG Awards
/by Eric T. ParkerKeith Urban and Dolly Parton were on hand at Sunday’s (Jan. 29) Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in support of their respective offscreen and onscreen partners.
Urban attended the 23rd annual ceremony in support of his wife Nicole Kidman, who was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Lion (2016).
For the 53rd SAG Life Achievement Award, Parton presented the legendary actress/comedian Lily Tomlin in honor of her encouraging, exemplary values. Both stars appeared in the 1980 film 9 to 5 and have been profoundly involved in literacy programs. A reunion of all 9 to 5 co-stars was cut short when the film’s production company owner Jane Fonda became ill and had to cancel.
Tomlin recently honored Parton during her receipt of the CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the association’s 50th annual program in November. Tomlin’s country roots extend to Reba McEntire, whom she partnered with for a season of Malibu Country (ABC).
The SAG Awards, which were broadcast live on TBS and TNT, has begun an auction including many ceremony items among experiences in a benefit for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP3xcU1DLOB/
Artist Updates: Scotty McCreery, Thomas Rhett, Randy Travis, Ryan Kinder, Aubrie Sellers
/by Lorie HollabaughMcCreery Gets Billy Bob’s Surprise
Pictured (L-R): Randy Travis, Scotty McCreery, and Mary Travis
Scotty McCreery got a big surprise during his show Friday night (Jan. 27) at Billy Bob’s Texas when Randy Travis, wife Mary and family showed up to cheer him on from the sidelines. McCreery had recently put “Forever and Ever Amen” into his set list, and experienced an ultra-cool career moment getting to sing that song for the first time ever live with Travis watching from the side of the stage.
“Definitely one of the coolest moments of my career to date is singing that song live, and looking over to my right and seeing him smiling ear-to-ear, dancing, and singing along with us!,” said McCreery.
Thomas Rhett Wows Thoroughbred Crowd
Photo: World Red Eye
Thomas Rhett performed at the inaugural $12 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Saturday (Jan. 28) at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The new race is the world’s richest Thoroughbred horse race and featured over 10,000 guests, including Vanessa Hudgens, Aaron Paul, Bobby Flay, Jon Lovitz, and more.
Photo: World Red Eye
Chris Young, William Michael Morgan, More Join Travis Tribute
Randy Travis. Photo: Robert Tractenberg
Chris Young, Chuck Wicks, Paul Overstreet, Shane Owens and William Michael Morgan are the latest artists to join the lineup for the Randy Travis tribute, “1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis.” The concert special set for Feb. 8 will include plenty of special moments, including a duet with Mark Chesnutt and Daryle Singletary.
Ryan Kinder Relishes Ryman Debut
“I have now crossed two things off the bucket list: playing guitar with my brother at The Gorge and now singing a capella at The Ryman,” said Kinder. “It’s an unreal feeling.”
Aubrie Sellers Doing Double Road Duty
Rosanne Cash Signs With SESAC
/by Jessica NicholsonRosanne Cash. Photo: Clay Patrick McBride
Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame member Rosanne Cash, known for hits including “Seven Year Ache,” “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me,” and “Blue Moon With Heartache,” has signed with SESAC for representation.
“Rosanne Cash is in a category of her own,” said John Josephson, Chairman and CEO, SESAC. “As a songwriter, her songs resonate with our souls. As a recording artist, she creates timeless music. Her creativity spans across not only musical genres, but also mediums, garnering accolades as both a musician and an author. She has built a career and a legacy that makes her an American treasure. We could not be more proud that Rosanne is now a part of the SESAC family.”
“I am thrilled to join SESAC,” Cash said. “I have long respected SESAC’s advocacy for the creative community, on Capitol Hill and in every realm in which songwriters work, and I value SESAC’s role as an innovator in music rights. This is an exciting time for SESAC, and I’m delighted to join the family.”
Cash’s recording career began in 1978, with an album released by the German label Ariola. One year later, Columbia Records signed Cash and released Right or Wrong, an album that produced the Top 20 single, “No Memories Hangin’ Around,” a duet with country music legend Bobby Bare. Two years later, Cash released Seven Year Ache, with the title track going to No. 1. From there, Cash has released 15 albums, earning four Grammy Awards and 11 Grammy nominations. She has released 21 Top 40 singles, including 11 No. 1 songs. Cash’s album, The List, won the Americana Music Album of the Year award in 2009.
Cash’s most recent project, The River and the Thread, a collaboration with co-writer, producer and husband John Leventhal, received three Grammys in 2015.
In addition to her musical achievements, Cash has authored three books, including her best-selling memoir, Composed. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, the Oxford-American and The Nation.
Cash’s affiliation is the latest in a string of prominent signings, with Kings of Leon, Randy Newman, Axl Rose, Robin Thicke, Green Day, George Clinton, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin and Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielson recently joining the SESAC roster.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Reception and Tour Experience Returns for CRS 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonThe cocktail reception, which will take place Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will be held in the museum’s Hall of Fame Rotunda.
Following the opening remarks and the welcoming of radio and industry attendees at the reception, museum galleries will be open for viewing.
Credentialed CRS registrants also have the opportunity to tour the museum Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., prior to the CRS Opening Ceremony.
“Much like the exhibitions in our galleries, country radio tells the story of country music every day,” said Sharon Brawner, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for the museum. “We are thrilled to welcome Country Radio Seminar attendees to the home of country music history for the second year in a row.”
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum representatives will also be on site daily at CRS 2017, and invite country radio to visit their booth to learn about year-round partnership opportunities.
Country Radio Seminar 2017 is set for Feb. 22-24, 2017 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.
RCA Studio A To Get $500K Renovation
/by Jessica NicholsonRCA Studio A Complex. Photo: Save Studio A/ Facebook
Nashville’s Historic RCA Studio A is set to receive a $500,000 renovation that will capture the glory of its 1960s heyday. According to The Tennessean, Nashville-based Anderson Design Studio will restore the retro feel to the studio’s offices, a smaller recording studio and work space. The building’s recording studio will remain mostly unaltered.
In 2014, a trio of entrepreneurs, including Mike Curb, Aubrey Preston, and Chuck Elcan, stepped in to purchase the studio, which is located at 30 Music Square West. RCA Studio A would also be named to the National Register of Historic Places.
In April 2016, producer Dave Cobb, known for his work with artists including Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson, took up working residence in the studio.
Plans include hanging a replica of the RCA Victor sign, which will be visible from the front of the building. The sign used to be on the building’s exterior for several years. Other changes include replacing tile flooring in the entrance on the front of the building with a late ’60s terrazzo style flooring. The lobby will also have two womb chairs in the same RCA red. Large photos displaying the covers of albums that have been recorded there will line walls throughout the building. Furniture will also be replaced in producer Chet Atkins’ old office, which currently serves as Aubrey Preston’s office.
Among the artists who have recorded in the building are Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Charley Pride.
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town Hold Top Chart Spots
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton maintains his position at No. 1 on the Top Country albums rankings again this week with his monster debut Traveller, with 8.7K albums sold. The album’s total sales to date have now reached 1.811 million.
Keith Urban ‘s Ripcord holds the second spot as a top seller with 5.8K sold for the week. Miranda Lambert‘s latest, Weight Of These Wings, takes third place with 3.8K, with Jason Aldean‘s They Don’t Know coming in just behind her with 3.7K in sales for the week. Newcomer Kane Brown’s self-titled debut rounds out the Top 5 with 3.2K.
The top country album chart debut is Muscadine Bloodline‘s self titled EP, which debuts at No. 14 selling 1.9K.
Overall album sales are down 22.7 percent, while overall digital sales are also down 25 percent. Country album sales fared a bit better yet are still down by 15% percent, while country digital album sales are down 28.5 percent.
Little Big Town
Little Big Town tops the digital track sales chart with “Better Man,” which comes in at No. 16 overall, selling 26K and racking up 387K sales to date. Keith Urban holds the No. 2 spot on the Top 5 Country Tracks this week with “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” at 22K, followed by Jon Pardi‘s “Dirt On My Boots” at 20K, Chris Lane‘s sophomore single “For Her,” at 16K, and Lady A‘s new single “You Look Good” at 15K.
Brantley Gilbert lands the top country debut with “You Could Be That Girl,” selling 5.6K.
Overall track sales are down 25.1 percent to date, while country track sales have declined by 23.7 percent.
Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.
BMG Acquires Nashville-Based BBR Music Group
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured (L-R): Joe Gillen, CFO & EVP, BMG North America; Kos Weaver, EVP, BMG Nashville; Benny Brown, Founder, BBR Music Group; Zach Katz, President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG North America; Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group.
BMG has acquired Nashville-based BBR Music Group, including its associated labels Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Wheelhouse Records, Red Bow Records and its music publishing company Magic Mustang Music.
The agreement includes the rights to a number of major country artists including Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser, Thompson Square and others.
This is BMG’s biggest acquisition in the recordings business since its launch in 2008 and gives BMG a significant position in the Nashville music business.
Since its formation by entrepreneur Benny Brown in 1997, BBR Music Group (BBRMG) has become one of the most successful independent music companies. BBRMG has scored seven multi-platinum or platinum albums, 19 multi-platinum or platinum singles and 32 No. 1 singles across eight different artists. Aldean alone has sold over 14 million albums including 18 number one country singles and seven platinum or multi-platinum albums.
BBRMG will continue to operate from its Nashville headquarters and its 48 staff will transfer to BMG, which has released projects by Janet Jackson, Blink-182, California, Andy Grammar, Danny Gokey, PVRIS and At The Drive-In among others.
BBRMG founder Benny Brown and CFO Paul Brown will remain as consultants while all existing staff remain in their positions reporting directly to Executive Vice President Jon Loba. Loba will report to BMG US President Repertoire & Marketing Zach Katz.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “BBR Music Group is a phenomenally successful operation whose philosophy and commitment to its artists fit perfectly with the new BMG. I have a huge respect for what Benny and his team have achieved. The combination of BBR and BMG gives artists and songwriters in Nashville and beyond a new route to the worldwide market. We will be the alternative so many artists are looking for.”
Benny Brown says, “Since 2001 I’ve been approached many times by various major labels wanting to purchase us. The most important thing to me has always been my artists, my employees and my songwriters. They have always been my family and after meeting with Hartwig and Zach, I knew that I’d found the right partners to ensure my family stayed together and to also continue the BBR Music Group legacy. We were one of the very first indie labels to ever break through in country music. Because of that we created a different culture within our walls that’s pretty simple– happy people are productive people. That’s always been important to me and that’s also the way Hartwig and Zach run BMG. I knew they shared my vision and my passion and that’s what made this the right fit.”
Loba adds, “Benny has been approached countless times about selling, but it took a very special company comprised of very special people for Benny to make this move. We couldn’t be more excited about joining BMG. Its culture aligns so closely with the core values the BBR Music Group was built on. BMG respects our heritage, but this is also about the future. Being part of the BMG family will afford our artists, songwriters and staff incredible new opportunities. Beginning today, for the first time we are plugged into a proven global platform committed to delivering for artists and songwriters. We can’t wait to get started.”
Katz says, “I want to pay tribute to what Benny and his team have created. It is truly exemplary. Nashville and its culture are such an integral part of the music industry that it was always only a matter of time before we expanded our presence. Never did we imagine that we could be able to do so with such an extraordinary roster of artists and team members. I am confident that together BMG and BBR will offer an unbeatable combination for artists and songwriters.”
The acquisition of BBR Music Group marks BMG’s return to the Nashville records business after an eight-year absence. The first incarnation of BMG acquired RCA Records, including its Nashville operation, in 1986. RCA became part of the Sony-BMG joint venture in 2004, before parent company Bertelsmann sold its stake in the joint venture in 2008. The new BMG business model was launched in 2009 led by EVP Kos Weaver. Weaver has developed a diverse roster that includes Alabama, Brett Beavers, busbee, Gokey, Hillary Lindsey, Buddy Miller, and John Paul White.
Weaver says, “The BBR Music Group folks are not only close neighbors of BMG here in Nashville, they share a similar approach in their philosophy and relationships with their artists. This is an amazing match, our potential together is enormous.”
New CCM Projects Coming from MercyMe, Hollyn
/by Lorie HollabaughMercyMe Announce Spring Album Release
MercyMe is set to release a new project, LIFER on Mar. 31. The new CD will be available for pre-order Feb. 17 on iTunes and Amazon Music, with an instant grat track of the debut single “Even If.”
“After 23 years of being in MercyMe, calling the album LIFER just seemed right. And, after those 23 years, I can honestly say this album is the best project I’ve ever been a part of,” shares MercyMe’s Bart Millard.
The band will also embark on a home state tour of Texas throughout the month of February.
LIFER Track Listing: *All tracks written by MercyMe, David Garcia, Ben Glover and Solomon Olds
Lifer
You Found Me
Grace Got You
Best News Ever
Even If
Hello Beautiful
We Win
Happy Dance
Heaven’s Here
Ghost
Hollyn Has Some ‘One-Way Conversations’
Gotee Records’ Hollyn is releasing her debut album, One-Way Conversations, on Feb. 10. The CD is the follow-up to her acclaimed self-titled EP that produced the No. 1 single “Alone (feat. TRU)” and the Top 5 single “Nothin’ On You.” The new album has already yielded a No. 1 single with the track “Love With Your Life.”
“Can’t Live Without” (Holly Miller, Toby McKeehan, Bryan Fowler)
“Love With Your Life” (Holly Miller, Toby McKeehan, Bryan Fowler)
“Obvious?” (Holly Miller, Dave Lubben, Toby McKeehan)
“All My Love” (Holly Miller, Cole Walowac, Eric Ramey, Toby McKeehan, Samuel Alexandre)
“In Awe” (Holly Miller, Dave Lubben, Toby McKeehan)
“Party In The Hills’ (Steven Malcolm, Scottie Mineo, Andy Mineo)
“Lovely” (Holly Miller, Toby McKeehan, Bryan Fowler)
“Go” (Holly Miller, Dave Lubben, Toby McKeehan)
“Waiting For” (Holly Miller, Toby McKeehan, Bryan Fowler)
“Girl” (Holly Miller, Elvin Shahbazian, 42 North, Toby McKeehan, Daniel Chrisman, Israel Hindman)
ACM Party For A Cause Festivities Announced For 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Academy of Country Music has announced the return and expansion of the 5th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® — in conjunction with the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast live for the first time ever from its new venue home at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
This year, ACM Party for a Cause will consist of industry and fan events located at different venues across Las Vegas including a new host hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and several others from Thursday, March 30 – Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Las Vegas.
Each of the festivities will feature performances by artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Billy Currington, Ryan Follese, Lady Antebellum, LoCash, Kip Moore, Jake Owen, Chris Stapleton, Michael Tyler, Clay Walker, Brett Young and others. Festivities will also include interactive ACM fan experiences, which will be announced in the coming weeks. All events will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy, which works to lift lives through the power of music.
“Fourteen years ago, when the Academy moved the Awards to Las Vegas, we kicked off a decade of wide-ranging special events for fans including a motorcycle ride through Las Vegas and the surrounding area, a golf tournament at a prestigious club, concerts on Fremont Street, games and a country lifestyle marketplace and loads of live country music performances. That’s how The Week Vegas Goes Country® earned its moniker. This year, we’re going back to our roots with the evolution of ACM Party for a Cause events taking place throughout Las Vegas, all benefiting ACM Lifting Lives and the good work of the many worthy organizations Lifting Lives supports through grants and more,” said Ed Warm, Chairman of ACM Lifting Lives and Co-Chairman of the ACM Events Committee. “It feels good to align all of our auxiliary events surrounding the ACM Awards with a philanthropic purpose the fans have always embraced.”
“ACM fans have demanded more events, more artist engagement, more variety,” said George Couri, Co-Chairman of the ACM Events Committee. “Some of our fans clearly like the more intimate environments compared to the big festivals, so this year we will give them that version celebrating more artists up close and in their faces. From songwriter rounds to fun party nights out, with this schedule there will be plenty for fans to dive into all day every day.”
For a full lineup of ACM Party For A Cause events, visit partyforacause.com
MusicRowRecess: Vince Gill Lands A Job With Nashville Predators
/by Jessica NicholsonMCA Nashville recording artist Vince Gill put his enthusiasm for the Nashville Predators hockey team, and his signature wit, to work when he landed a “job” working in the Nashville Predators’ merchandise store as an employee for one evening.
See the humorous video below: