Bobby Bones
Bobby Bones‘ second annual “The BIG 98 Presents: Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots’ Million Dollar Show For St. Jude” celebrated $5.9 million raised to date for the children’s research hospital from the iHeartMedia personality. Held Monday evening (Jan. 9), the Ryman Auditorium show in Nashville played a part in the efforts, not only selling-out but saw a $2 million donation from Garth Brooks.
The Black River Entertainment duo was joined by country music superstars and friends, including Craig Campbell, Lindsay Ell, Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Caitlyn Smith and The Band Perry. Surprise special guests included Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne and Thomas Rhett.
Rascal Flatts offered a performance of “Life Is A Highway,” while The Band Perry induced “DONE.” Thomas Rhett covered DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean,” Brothers Osborne performed a rendition of Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” and Sam Hunt took on Travis Tritt’s “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”
Brooks’ donation came after inspiration from a light-hearted phone call with Bones during the The Bobby Bones Show’s Radiothon broadcast. Upon hearing that the event raised over $1.3 million in just one day, Brooks decided to donate proceeds from a portion of the sales of his Target exclusive boxed-set The Ultimate Collection. Yesterday’s evening show came to a close with Brooks leading the crowd with a show-stopping singalong of “Friends In Low Places.”
Bobby Bones has long held radiothons, on-air fundraisers, charity concerts and more for the Memphis, Tennessee hospital.
Bobby Bones and Garth Brooks
“I’m still on a crazy high from everything that happened last night,” said Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show. “It’s hard to put into words how humbling nights like that are. The fact that so many superstars, that also happen to be really great people, took time out of their busy schedules to be a part of the event is not lost on me. It makes everything we do worthwhile, when we can all come together as a pretty unique community in that sense and benefit an important cause such as St. Jude. It’s one I’ll never forget.”
“We are incredibly humbled by the support of Bobby Bones, The Raging Idiots, Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Craig Campbell, Caitlyn Smith and the millions of country music fans that support our mission,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The funds announced last night in support of our mission are staggering and are another example of the country music industry’s incredible support of St. Jude for more than 20 years. These funds are critically important in helping St. Jude doctors and scientists find cures and save the lives of children in every community who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
Loretta Lynn Hall of Fame Exhibit to Open August 25
/by Lorie HollabaughLoretta Lynn
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will debut a major exhibition on the life of Loretta Lynn opening August 25.
“I am so happy the Country Music Hall of Fame has asked me to be one of their main exhibits in 2017…gonna show off my 50 some odd years in country music!,” exclaimed Loretta on hearing news of the exhibition. “They best have a big space…I have a lot of stuff! I’m so proud to share my life, and music with the Hall of Fame. Y’all come see us!”
2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for the legend, who celebrates her 85th birthday April 14. As part of the celebration she will perform two shows at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville April 14-15. The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner is also up for another Grammy this year for Best Country Album for 2016’s Full Circle project. Full Circle was Lynn’s 40th Top 10 Country album and the highest-charting album she’s ever had on the Billboard 200.
PBS will also be re-airing “American Masters – Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl” on Jan. 27 on the network.
Celebration Of Life Set For Andrew Dorff
/by Jessica NicholsonAndrew Dorff
A celebration of life has been set for songwriter Andrew Dorff. Dorff died on Dec. 19, 2016, just days after his 40th birthday.
The celebration of life, hosted by BMI and Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville, will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11, beginning at 4 p.m. at City Winery. City Winery is located at 609 Lafayette Street in Nashville. Parking is limited.
The son of songwriter/composer Stephen “Steve” Dorff, Sr. and brother of actor Stephen Dorff, the Los Angeles native made his way to Nashville in 2003 to pursue songwriting. He went on to sign with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville.
In 2008, he earned a Top 10 hit with Martina McBride’s “Ride.” Since then he went on to deliver more hits, including “Somebody’s Heartbreak” (Hunter Hayes), “Bleed Red” (Ronnie Dunn), and “Missing” (William Michael Morgan).
In July 2016, BMI celebrated Dorff’s hit for Kenny Chesney, “Save It For A Rainy Day,” and honored him with four Million-Air Awards, for one million radio spins each of “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” “Neon Light,” “My Eyes,” and “Save It For A Rainy Day.”
Old Dominion To Play Free Nashville Show
/by Jessica NicholsonIn 2016, Old Dominion played 182 shows to over 60,000 fans in North America on the Meat and Candy Tour alone (not including fans they played to on Kenny Chesney’s Spread The Love Tour). Their debut album Meat & Candy was certified Gold by the RIAA.
Old Dominion, comprised of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers, will kick-off 2017 joining Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabon Tour.
Chris Tomlin to Host ‘Good Friday Nashville’ Worship Event
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin is planning a special night of worship in Music City with his upcoming “Good Friday Nashville” event. Tomlin aims to unite the church in remembrance and celebration of the meaningful day with the special show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena April 14. The show will also feature Big Daddy Weave, Zach Williams, Mosaic MSC and more who will lead in a time of worship during the event. Best-selling author Max Lucado will also share a message during the evening.
“I’m so excited for the Church to come together on Good Friday and remember the incredible gift we’ve been given because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross,” Tomlin said. “It’s my prayer that we never lose sight of Calvary. It’s the reason we have hope – the reason we sing.”
“Good Friday Nashville” falls in the midst of Tomlin’s Worship Night In America Tour which will make 23 stops in arenas across the country this spring. He plans on using the event as a way to give back to the community, rallying behind impactful efforts in the city of Nashville, where he and his family reside.
Shane McAnally Purchases Former Jim Owens Entertainment Building
/by Jessica Nicholson1110 16th Ave. S. Photo: @2017 Google Maps
Songwriter/producer Shane McAnally has purchased the two-story Music Row building that was previously home to Jim Owens Entertainment, Inc., located at 1110 16th Ave. S. The building was purchased for $1.89 million.
63 Music Sq. E. Photo: @2017 Google Maps
John Ettinger Joins Cold River Records
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Ettinger
Cold River Records President Pete O’Heeron has appointed John Ettinger to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Radio Promotion and Artist Development. Ettinger will report directly to O’Heeron, effective immediately.
“We are excited to take the next step and expand our team with someone who has such a fantastic reputation,” comments O’Heeron.
“The whole team at Cold River Records is overjoyed to welcome John,” said Cold River’s VP/Radio Promotion Jim Dandy. “John’s expertise and passion help continue our label’s commitment to excellence and growing new fans at radio for Drew Baldridge.”
With over 26 years in the music business, Ettinger’s previous roles include VP of Promotion at Mercury Records, leader of Disney’s Carolwood Records promo staff, and head of label-service company The Talent Associates.
“I am a fan of the talented group of promotion staffers Jim and Pete have put together at Cold River, and have been a fan of Drew Baldridge since I first saw him perform two years ago. They are a passionate team who are making great strides in the industry,” said Ettinger. “This new chapter is very exciting for me and I know The Talent Associates is in great hands with Ryan Barnstead!”
Ettinger can be reached at john@coldriverrecords.com or 615-438-7667.
Mackenzie Johnson Signs With Spirit/Fluid
/by Lorie HollabaughPennsylvania native Johnson taught herself to play guitar at 15, and began uploading covers and original songs to her YouTube channel. She has since garnered over 425,000 YouTube subscribers and nearly 40 million views.
“I was intrigued by Mackenzie Johnson from the very first note. She is a uniquely talented singer, songwriter and artist. We look forward to helping her expand her already impressive fan base and bring her music to the world. Fluid Music Revolution could not be more excited to welcome Mackenzie Johnson to the family,” said Rogers.
“I am thrilled to be starting my Nashville journey alongside everyone at Fluid/Spirit. I get to make music with Frank Rogers, one of my favorite people and someone who believes in my work wholeheartedly. I know my songs are in great hands with this entire team. I can’t wait to get to work!” said Johnson.
U2, The Weeknd, Margo Price Part of Bonnaroo’s 2017 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughOther artists performing this year include Chance The Rapper, Major Lazer, Flume, The XX, Lorde, Travis Scott, Marshmello, Big Gigantic, Glass Animals, Future Islands, Portugal, The Man, Car Seat Headrest, Louis The Child, Flatbush Zombies, The Orwells, and Lucy Dacus.
The festival continues to expand and improve upon its pursuit of true sustainability each year, and 2016 saw the grand opening of more than 400 permanent toilets and hundreds of permanent shower stalls and water filling stations, all made possible by the park’s investment in its own devoted water line. The festival has been recognized twice by the state of Tennessee, winning the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Pursuit of Excellence Award for its environmentally-friendly ways.
Tickets for Bonnaroo 2017 are on sale now exclusively at bonnaroo.com.
CRS 2017 Registration Rates To Increase Friday
/by Jessica NicholsonThe CRS 2017 panels include: “Objects are Larger Than They Appear: Small Markets that do BIG Things,” “Speeding Towards Tomorrow: Programming & Branding in the Mobile World,” a CRS Research Presentation: Presented by Edison Research,” “Women Empowering Women,” “Victory in the Hallways: Creating a Positive Work Culture,” “More Than Words: Presenting Ideas That Inspire Bold Action,” “Promotions Start to Finish: Part YOU,” “Capturing the Millennial Ear: Rethinking our Traditional Medium for the Next Generation,” and many more.
As a first time guest of CRS, Olympic figure skater, Scott Hamilton, will present the keynote address and will inspire others through his motivational story and how to overcome life’s obstacles.
Other CRS 2017 agenda highlights include two label luncheons and performances (sponsored by Big Machine Label Group and UMG Nashville), Acoustic Alley (sponsored by Bob Kingsley), the CRS featured speaker discussion, “My Way” with Toby Keith (sponsored by BMI), the popular New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance and more.
Bobby Bones Celebrates $5.9 Million Raised For St. Jude During Second Annual Show
/by Eric T. ParkerBobby Bones
Bobby Bones‘ second annual “The BIG 98 Presents: Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots’ Million Dollar Show For St. Jude” celebrated $5.9 million raised to date for the children’s research hospital from the iHeartMedia personality. Held Monday evening (Jan. 9), the Ryman Auditorium show in Nashville played a part in the efforts, not only selling-out but saw a $2 million donation from Garth Brooks.
The Black River Entertainment duo was joined by country music superstars and friends, including Craig Campbell, Lindsay Ell, Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Caitlyn Smith and The Band Perry. Surprise special guests included Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne and Thomas Rhett.
Rascal Flatts offered a performance of “Life Is A Highway,” while The Band Perry induced “DONE.” Thomas Rhett covered DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean,” Brothers Osborne performed a rendition of Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” and Sam Hunt took on Travis Tritt’s “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”
Brooks’ donation came after inspiration from a light-hearted phone call with Bones during the The Bobby Bones Show’s Radiothon broadcast. Upon hearing that the event raised over $1.3 million in just one day, Brooks decided to donate proceeds from a portion of the sales of his Target exclusive boxed-set The Ultimate Collection. Yesterday’s evening show came to a close with Brooks leading the crowd with a show-stopping singalong of “Friends In Low Places.”
Bobby Bones has long held radiothons, on-air fundraisers, charity concerts and more for the Memphis, Tennessee hospital.
Bobby Bones and Garth Brooks
“I’m still on a crazy high from everything that happened last night,” said Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show. “It’s hard to put into words how humbling nights like that are. The fact that so many superstars, that also happen to be really great people, took time out of their busy schedules to be a part of the event is not lost on me. It makes everything we do worthwhile, when we can all come together as a pretty unique community in that sense and benefit an important cause such as St. Jude. It’s one I’ll never forget.”
“We are incredibly humbled by the support of Bobby Bones, The Raging Idiots, Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Craig Campbell, Caitlyn Smith and the millions of country music fans that support our mission,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The funds announced last night in support of our mission are staggering and are another example of the country music industry’s incredible support of St. Jude for more than 20 years. These funds are critically important in helping St. Jude doctors and scientists find cures and save the lives of children in every community who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”