Today, it’s the battle of the sexes.
We have ties in both of our award categories between guys and gals. For the Disc of the Day, it’s a dead heat between Drake White and Miranda Lambert. For the DisCovery Award, it’s Texan Bret Mullins versus Georgia peach Angie Lynn Carter.
Play them all.
ANGIE LYNN CARTER/Love You That Way
Writers: Angie Lynn Carter/Ryder Sanders; Producers: Jeff Tomei & Ryder Sanders; Publishers: none listed; Crucial (track)
– She has an attractive, throaty vocal quality. The title tune of her CD is a stately, languidly paced lament of lost love. The lead guitarist answers her phrasing eloquently. This lady has the goods. Listen and believe.
AARON WATSON/Outta Style
Writer: Aaron Watson; Producers: Marshall Altman/Aaron Watson; Publisher: Tunes From HTK, BMI; Big
-I have always liked this d.i.y. troubadour. His long, successful career gets another goose via this upbeat, romantic toe tapper. As always, he sings with assurance and writes like a total pro. Go, man, go.
MARK McHENRY/I’ll Bring The Beer
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Chris Gill/Gaven Shea; Publishers: none listed; 3 Chords
– He shows promise as a budding songwriter. Vocally, he is just barely on pitch. The session musicians should be ashamed of themselves.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/We Should Be Friends
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producers: Frank Liddell/Glenn Worf/Eric Masse; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog, BMI; RCA (track)
– Ordinarily, I am leery of double albums. They are usually padded and could easily be edited down to normal length. But Miranda’s The Weight of These Wings is the exception. To put it plainly, it is a stunning achievement, packed with one cool song after another. This second single from it is a wonderfully written, wry commentary on her quirky character. The grunge-y production is just right.
BRET MULLINS/Long Live
Writer: Andrew Dorff; Producers: Michael and Ron Morales; Publishers: none listed; BM (track)
– His smooth, Texas-accented baritone flows easily over this ode to country values. He’s an award winner in his native Lone Star State, and I can sure hear why. Country music, the way it is meant to be performed.
DRAKE WHITE/ Makin’ Me Look Good Again
Writers: Drake White/Monty Criswell/Shane Minor; Producers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover; Publishers: EMI April/Reverend Jack/Sony-ATV Tree/Dixey Bar/Code Six Charles. ASCAP/BMI; Dot (track)
– I remain an enormous fan. This time around, he applies his ultra soulful voice to a love ballad that will melt the heart of every woman who hears it. Face it, this guy is a hoss.
RICK CAVENDER/Renegade Fire
Writers: Rick Cavender; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publisher: Ring Planet, BMI; RC (track)
-Mexicali trumpets flavor this uptempo ditty. He’s not the strongest singer I’ve ever heard, but he gets through it, thanks to the propelling arrangement.
PHIL VASSAR/American Soul
Writers: none listed; Producers: Phil Vassar/Jeffrey Smith; Publishers: none listed; American Soul
– I love this guy. Throbbing energy infuses this celebration of American pop culture. Phil invests everything he performs with intensity and fire. Well worth your spins.
MARK McKINNEY/Bridge
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; MM
– He points his finger at his ex, pointedly telling her to, “quit throwing matches on that bridge we burned.” You see, she’s so melodramatic, she turns an ordinary rainy day into a hurricane. Exceptionally well written and performed with drawling conviction.
TWYLA FOREMAN/Sunday Kind of Love
Writers: Anita Nye/Barbara Belle/Louis Prima/Stanley Rhodes; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publishers: nonen listed; TF (track)
– She phrases like a classic big-band singer, sticking to the melody but embellishing just enough to give the standard a little jazz spin. The understated production is perfect.
In Pictures: Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam
/by Jessica NicholsonGroup artist shot. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Webster PR
Charlie Daniels welcomed a superstar lineup of talented friends for his 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 30). Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Chris Stapleton, Travis Tritt, 3 Doors Down, and Larry The Cable Guy performed performed for a packed house. Notably, Bryan has made headlines for a fan altercation during his performance at the event.
Later in the evening, Daniels was surprised onstage by Randy Travis, as Travis and Lt. General Keith Huber presented him with the inaugural Rare Country Humanitarian of the Year honor.
The jam featured a variety of the artists singing standards like “Can’t You See” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
As part of Rare Country’s involvement in the event, the outlet hosted a private VIP Pre-Jam party at the Bridgestone Arena, which featured acoustic performances by Kellie Pickler, Mark Collie and Ryan Weaver, with a special appearance by Purple Heart recipient and Army veteran BT Urruela.
“Looking back over my 50 plus year career, this is among the top five shows I have ever done in my entire life, Volunteer Jam 2016,” said Charlie Daniels.
A portion of the proceeds from the night went to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager, David Corlew, to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Charlie Daniels performs. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Webster PR
Chris Stapleton. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Webster PR
Kid Rock and Travis Tritt. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Webster PR
Larry The Cable Guy. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Webster PR
Luke Bryan. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Webster PR
Mark Your Calendar — December 2016
/by Eric T. ParkerSingle Add Dates
Ryan Kinder/Close/Warner Bros
Jason Aldean/Any Ol’ Barstool/Broken Bow
Seth Ennis/Woke Up In Nashville/Arista Nashville
Drake White/Makin’ Me Look Good Again/Dot Records
December 12
Miranda Lambert/We Should Be Friends/RCA Nashville
Jackie Lee/Getting Over You/Broken Bow
Dylan Jakobsen/Silverado/CB Music Management
Album Release Dates
Kane Brown/Kane Brown/RCA Nashville-Zone 4
RaeLynn/WildHorse/Warner Bros. Records-Warner Music Nashville
Keith Urban/Get Closer (vinyl)/Capitol Nashville
Keith Urban/Fuse (vinyl)/Capitol Nashville
Keith Urban/Get Closer/Capitol Nashville
December 9
Shane Owens/Where I’m Comin’ From/AmeriMonte Records
Charles Kelley/Live From Capitol Studios [vinyl]/Capitol Nashville
Industry Events
63rd annual Nashville Christmas Parade presented by Tootsie’s held in downtown Nashville at 9 a.m. at the intersection of 8th avenue and Broadway
December 8
BMI Christmas Tree Lighting
December 9
Academy of Country Music Awards radio submissions due at 4 p.m. CT
December 31
Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Thomas Rhett To Perform On New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
/by Sarah SkatesThomas Rhett. Photo: Cameron Powell.
Thomas Rhett will perform on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2017. He’s among the line-up announced today which includes Mariah Carey, multi-platinum selling band DNCE, and international superstar Gloria Estefan with the cast of her hit Broadway musical On Your Feet!
They will perform live for the crowds gathered in Times Square during the hours leading up to the 2017 countdown on Dec. 31, airing on the ABC Television Network.
Carey was the first artist to perform live from Times Square on the program in 2005 and will return to perform her greatest hits during the show’s 45th anniversary.
In addition to these performances, actress and comedian Jenny McCarthy will report live from Times Square while Fergie returns to host the Billboard Hollywood Party.
Artist Updates: Maren Morris, Jake Owen, Vince Gill
/by Sarah SkatesMaren Morris And Alicia Keys On ‘CMT Crossroads’
Alicia Keys (left) and Maren Morris collaborate for CMT Crossroads. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images via CMT.com
Columbia Nashville singer/songwriter Maren Morris and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and producer Alicia Keys perform on the new episode of CMT Crossroads. Taped in August in Nashville, fans will finally get to see the show when it premieres Friday night (Dec. 2) at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Jake Owen To Receive Arnie Award
Jake Owen. Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Jake Owen, Peyton Manning, and Phil Mickelson will be the recipients of the prestigious Arnie Award (named after the late Arnold Palmer) on Feb. 7, 2017, as part of Golf Digest’s “Golfers Who Give Back” event during the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The magazine’s December cover story is titled Philanthropy & Golf and for the fifth year, they are celebrating “Golfers Who Give Back,” featuring Owen, Manning, and Mickelson.
This news comes as Owen prepares for a sold-out 10th annual benefit concert in his hometown of Vero Beach, Florida, on Dec. 9, with all proceeds benefiting the Jake Owen Foundation. To date, the foundation has raised $1.25 million dollars, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and local children’s charities in the Indian River County area.
Vince Gill Teams With Songbirds Guitar Museum
Gill will perform at the Grand Opening Celebration on March 9. In addition, he will lend his voice and expertise to Songbirds Guitar Museum for its permanent and rotating historical exhibits.
“This is the most impressive collection of rare, vintage guitars I have seen,” says Gill, who will curate some of the exhibits. “I am honored and excited to be a part of such a tremendous display of music history.”
“We are incredibly excited to have Vince Gill join the Songbirds team. His connection as a guitar player and his talent as a performer make him a perfect spokesman to help us share our epic collection of guitars with music lovers everywhere,” says Johnny Smith, President of Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Dolly’s Christmas Movie Gives NBC A Ratings Boost
/by Sarah SkatesDolly Parton as Painted Lady in “Christmas of Many Colors.” Photo: Quantrell Colbert/NBC
Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love scored in the ratings last night (Nov. 30). The two-hour telepic boosted NBC to win the night with an average of 11.4 million total viewers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. With a lead-in from the special Christmas at Rockefeller, NBC earned its highest-rated Wednesday of the 2016-17 season.
While total viewership soared, Parton’s movie fell short in the key demo of 18-49 year olds, ranking No. 4 for the night with a 1.8 rating.
Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McCraney co-starred in the holiday movie and Parton made a special guest appearance. The faith-based movie tells the story of the singer’s family experiencing a Christmas miracle when she was a child growing up in the Smoky Mountains.
In related Parton news, last night she also announced the establishment of a fund to benefit victims of the wildfires around her hometown, Sevierville, Tenn.
Performers For CRS 2017 New Faces Of Country Music Show Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 2017 New Faces of Country Music Show, which will take place during Country Radio Seminar (Feb. 22-24, 2017), will feature performances by William Michael Morgan (Warner Bros.), Maren Morris (Columbia Nashville), Jon Pardi (Capitol Nashville), Granger Smith (Wheelhouse Records) and Drake White (Dot Records).
“This year’s New Faces lineup is reflective of our format’s strength, and steady growth. I’m happy to report we received a record number of qualified votes from country radio supporting these talented artists. We believe it is going to be an amazing show,” said John Crenshaw, Chairman of CRS New Faces Committee.
The five chosen artists, all whom have achieved significant success at country radio during the qualification period, will perform in front of an industry and radio-filled room.
This year’s show will take place on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Omni Nashville, and is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dinner tickets for the New Faces of Country Music Show are sold-out. The New Faces of Country Music Show as well as other performance events held in the performance hall during CRS 2017 are powered by Live Nation.
Qualifying radio station personnel voted and determined the class of 2017 New Faces of Country Music Show performers.
DISClaimer: Drake White, Miranda Lambert Tie In Battle Of The Sexes
/by Robert K OermannToday, it’s the battle of the sexes.
We have ties in both of our award categories between guys and gals. For the Disc of the Day, it’s a dead heat between Drake White and Miranda Lambert. For the DisCovery Award, it’s Texan Bret Mullins versus Georgia peach Angie Lynn Carter.
Play them all.
ANGIE LYNN CARTER/Love You That Way
Writers: Angie Lynn Carter/Ryder Sanders; Producers: Jeff Tomei & Ryder Sanders; Publishers: none listed; Crucial (track)
– She has an attractive, throaty vocal quality. The title tune of her CD is a stately, languidly paced lament of lost love. The lead guitarist answers her phrasing eloquently. This lady has the goods. Listen and believe.
AARON WATSON/Outta Style
Writer: Aaron Watson; Producers: Marshall Altman/Aaron Watson; Publisher: Tunes From HTK, BMI; Big
-I have always liked this d.i.y. troubadour. His long, successful career gets another goose via this upbeat, romantic toe tapper. As always, he sings with assurance and writes like a total pro. Go, man, go.
MARK McHENRY/I’ll Bring The Beer
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Chris Gill/Gaven Shea; Publishers: none listed; 3 Chords
– He shows promise as a budding songwriter. Vocally, he is just barely on pitch. The session musicians should be ashamed of themselves.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/We Should Be Friends
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producers: Frank Liddell/Glenn Worf/Eric Masse; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog, BMI; RCA (track)
– Ordinarily, I am leery of double albums. They are usually padded and could easily be edited down to normal length. But Miranda’s The Weight of These Wings is the exception. To put it plainly, it is a stunning achievement, packed with one cool song after another. This second single from it is a wonderfully written, wry commentary on her quirky character. The grunge-y production is just right.
BRET MULLINS/Long Live
Writer: Andrew Dorff; Producers: Michael and Ron Morales; Publishers: none listed; BM (track)
– His smooth, Texas-accented baritone flows easily over this ode to country values. He’s an award winner in his native Lone Star State, and I can sure hear why. Country music, the way it is meant to be performed.
DRAKE WHITE/ Makin’ Me Look Good Again
Writers: Drake White/Monty Criswell/Shane Minor; Producers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover; Publishers: EMI April/Reverend Jack/Sony-ATV Tree/Dixey Bar/Code Six Charles. ASCAP/BMI; Dot (track)
– I remain an enormous fan. This time around, he applies his ultra soulful voice to a love ballad that will melt the heart of every woman who hears it. Face it, this guy is a hoss.
RICK CAVENDER/Renegade Fire
Writers: Rick Cavender; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publisher: Ring Planet, BMI; RC (track)
-Mexicali trumpets flavor this uptempo ditty. He’s not the strongest singer I’ve ever heard, but he gets through it, thanks to the propelling arrangement.
PHIL VASSAR/American Soul
Writers: none listed; Producers: Phil Vassar/Jeffrey Smith; Publishers: none listed; American Soul
– I love this guy. Throbbing energy infuses this celebration of American pop culture. Phil invests everything he performs with intensity and fire. Well worth your spins.
MARK McKINNEY/Bridge
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; MM
– He points his finger at his ex, pointedly telling her to, “quit throwing matches on that bridge we burned.” You see, she’s so melodramatic, she turns an ordinary rainy day into a hurricane. Exceptionally well written and performed with drawling conviction.
TWYLA FOREMAN/Sunday Kind of Love
Writers: Anita Nye/Barbara Belle/Louis Prima/Stanley Rhodes; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publishers: nonen listed; TF (track)
– She phrases like a classic big-band singer, sticking to the melody but embellishing just enough to give the standard a little jazz spin. The understated production is perfect.
Dolly Parton Establishes Fund For Smoky Mountain Wildfire Victims
/by Sarah Skates“I’ve always believed charity begins at home and my home is some place special,” Parton explained. “That’s why I’ve asked my Dollywood Companies—including the Dollywood theme park, and DreamMore Resort; my dinner theater attractions including Dixie Stampede and Lumberjack Adventure; and my Dollywood Foundation—to help me establish the My People Fund.
“We want to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires. I know it has been a trying time for my people and this assistance will help get them back on their feet.”
Anyone who would like to contribute to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org.
More information on the program will be released on Friday, Dec. 2.
Industry Ink: Rumble On The Row, Integrity Music, Press Management Group
/by Jessica NicholsonThird Rumble On The Row Set For March 3
A third “Rumble on the Row” bout has been added to the 13th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids gala boxing event happening Friday, March 3 in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin, TN. Braden Gall, co-host of “Braden & Fitz” on ESPN 102.5 the GAME, will face AJ Calvin, Southeast Director of Promotions and Marketing for Dot Records. This is the first time in Ringside history that there will be three “Rumble on the Row” bouts.
Previously announced fights include: Chris Schuler, UMG Nashville’s director of promotion and radio marketing, versus CAA booking agent Justin Cahill; and Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV Nashville’s creative manager, who will duke it out with Lyndsay Church, Columbia Nashville’s regional promotion manager.
The Charley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support to charitable agencies throughout Middle Tennessee addressing the critical needs of children.
For tables, standing room only tickets and additional event information, visit charleyfoundation.org.
Integrity Music Extends Agreement With CCM Artist Darlene Zschech
Pictured (L-R): Morgan Shirey, Marketing, Integrity Music; Adrian Thompson, A&R, Integrity Music; Darlene Zschech; Mike Murray, Creative/Publishing, Integrity Music; Danny McGuffey, WILDFIRE7
CCM artist Darlene Zschech has extended her relationship with Integrity Music. A new live album is set to release March 3, 2017, courtesy of Zschech and her church, Hope Unlimited, in New South Wales, Australia.
“Darlene has been a huge inspiration to worship pastors and leaders globally and we are honored to have her as part of the Integrity Music family,” says Adrian Thompson, Integrity’s Vice President of Song and Artist Development. “She has an undoubted call on her life to build up worshipers and mentor worship leaders, aligning with what we believe God has called us to do as an organization.”
“I couldn’t be happier to enter this next season of writing and recording with Integrity Music,” says Zschech. “It literally feels like coming home. My heart is filled to overflowing with thanksgiving and songs, and I cannot wait to share them.”
The album follows 2013’s Revealing Jesus.
Press Management Group Adds Junior Manager
Kelsey Ellstrom
Kelsey Ellstrom has joined Press Management Group in the role of Junior Manager.
A Belmont graduate, Ellstrom interned with KINGmgmt, Good Time Inc., and Suit Music before joining PMG to work alongside Kimberly Novosel and David Kiggins.
Press Management Group clients include Chris Bullard, Caleche Ryder, Dew Pendleton, Golden West, Jarred Pierce and more.
Ellstrom can be reached at kelsey@pressmanagementgroup.com.
iHeartRadio Launches Tiered Subscription Services From $4.99 Per Month
/by Eric T. ParkerHeartRadio Plus ($4.99 a month) and iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster ($9.99 a month) will be the first to offer a service adding on demand functionality and interactivity to live radio. The services are expected to be fully available on mobile and desktop in January.
iHeartRadio Plus:
iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster:
With more than 850 radio stations in 150 markets that reach over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners across the U.S, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. In addition, 84 percent of iHeartRadio users do not currently subscribe to an on demand service.
“10 times more Americans listen to radio every month than use a subscription service so the debut of iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster is a unique opportunity to capture these non-music subscribers with an on demand service built around radio,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “Whereas the LP, CD and music downloads are the ancestors of all current on demand services, the ancestor for our new on demand offerings is broadcast radio. By combining radio’s popularity and reach with interactive on demand functionality, we have created the first fully differentiated streaming music service for consumers.”
“iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster are revolutionizing how we think of live radio,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio. “With features such as personal music libraries and playlists, the ability to search and play any song instantly, and the option to save and replay songs directly from live and custom radio listening, our new iHeartRadio on demand offerings are fundamentally changing the way consumers interact with live radio at an unprecedented level. We are introducing a service like no other to tens of millions of consumers across dozens of devices, and also driving massive awareness of the new service to more than a quarter of a billion Americans a month through our broadcast stations alone, which presents a major revenue growth opportunity for our very important strategic partners – artists and the music industry.”
iHeartMedia partnered with Napster to power the music technology back office behind iHeartRadio All Access. Napster brought their depth of experience in on-demand music delivery, customer billing, data and analytics and rights holders’ payments to complement the iHeartRadio-based application.
“iHeartMedia has a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the tremendous value premium streaming services bring to music fans, and to the music community at large,” said Mike Davis, Napster CEO. “We’re honored that iHeartMedia selected the Napster platform and brand to power a great music experience for consumers, and we’re excited to play a role in what will be a successful launch.”
Aside from the two new subscription on-demand services, iHeartRadio will remain free.