
James Corden will host the 2017 Grammy Awards.
Grammy Awards nominations will be revealed the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 6. The 2016 Grammy Best New Artist, Meghan Trainor, will reveal nominees in the four General Field categories (Best New Artist, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year) live on CBS This Morning at 8:30 a.m. ET. Immediately following, at 8:45 a.m. ET, The Recording Academy will announce nominations across all 84 categories via press release and on GRAMMY.com.
In February, James Corden, host of CBS’ The Late Late Show With James Corden, will host the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, marking his first year as master of ceremonies for Music’s Biggest Night. Taking place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Previously LL Cool J had a successful five-year run as host.
In 2016, Corden hosted the 70th Annual Tony Awards, which had its largest audience in 15 years. In addition, he has hosted England’s Brit Awards four times. Since he took the helm of The Late Late Show in March 2015, the show has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Program and achieved its highest ratings since its inception in 1995. It is also known for the viral phenomenon “Carpool Karaoke” which has featured Adele, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Sir Elton John, and Justin Bieber and set YouTube records, with nearly 2 billion views.
“Thanks to ‘Carpool Karaoke,’ we’ve all been on some incredible rides with James, and The Recording Academy couldn’t be more excited to welcome his passion and enthusiasm for music, both as an entertainer and a fan, to the Grammy stage on Feb. 12,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. “He’s got big shoes to fill after the magnificent run we had with LL Cool J, but James is a commanding, dynamic showman who is perfect to host the Grammy Awards.”
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.

Meghan Trainor, pictured at the 2016 Grammys, will announce the upcoming nominees. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, courtesy Grammy.com
Tonight ‘American Supergroup’ Features Jennifer Nettles, Jeffrey Steele, Shannon Sanders
/by Sarah SkatesJennifer Nettles performs on American Supergroup. Photo: Jeff Xander
Jennifer Nettles will play double-duty this week on Pop TV/MTV’s American Supergroup, performing new single “Hey Heartbreak” in addition to her usual role on the judges’ panel alongside pop/soul artist Aloe Blacc, rock/blues artist Elle King and classic rock icon Jason Scheff (Chicago).
Joining the program to offer guidance to the contestants this week are award-winning songwriters Marti Frederiksen, Jeffrey Steele and Shannon Sanders. The bands were also given instruction from Bobby Bones (iHeartRadio personality), Noelle Scaggs (Fitz and the Tantrums) and Ed Roland (Collective Soul), who shared tips on performance and presentation.
American Supergroup is recorded at Nashville’s Skyway Studios.
The show’s finale airs December 6, and the winning band will be determined by a combination of votes from audience participation, the judges and the producers. The show airs on Pop TV (Tues. 11 ET/10 CT), MTV Live (Thurs. 8 ET/7 CT) and MTV Classic (Fri. 7 ET/6 CT).
Artist Updates: Brooke Eden, Brad Paisley, Corey Smith
/by Jessica NicholsonBrooke Eden Makes Opry Debut
Pictured Left: Brooke Eden. Pictured Right: (L-R): The Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers; Brooke Eden; Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs; Grand Ole Opry announcer Mike Terry. Photos: Chris Hollo/©2016 Grand Ole Opry
RED BOW Records’ artist Brooke Eden fulfilled a lifelong dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Nov. 19). Eden made her debut on the historic Ryman Auditorium stage alongside legendary country artists Bill Anderson, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith and Ray Stevens.
“I remember the very first time I got to witness what that room feels like, and the only way I can describe it is like baptism day at church. I remember feeling so blessed to just be in the presence of that sacred ground and thinking that could be me one day!” reflects Eden. “I am so grateful that day finally happened!”
The vocal powerhouse rocked a performance of infectious girl-power anthem “Diamonds” and a cover of Hank Williams Sr.’s “Lovesick Blues,” returning to the stage for a second show the same night. Eden’s current single “Diamonds” is rising at country radio and is featured on debut EP, Welcome To The Weekend.
Brad Paisley, Label Team Celebrate Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit
Brad Paisley and Sony Music Nashville execs celebrate the opening of Paisley’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The career-spanning exhibition opened to the public Friday, Nov. 19 and runs through May 14, 2017. Read full coverage of the event.
Pictured (L-R): Olivia Laster (Arista Promotion Specialist), Rusty Sherrill (Arista Regional), Abi Fishbone (Arista Regional), Brad Paisley, Lauren Thomas Fowler (Director, National Promotion), Josh Easler (VP Arista Promotion)
Corey Smith Slates 2017 Tour
Corey Smith
Independent singer/songwriter, producer and guitarist Corey Smith will hit the road for a cross country tour beginning Jan. 19 in Monroe, Louisiana. The Great Wide Underground Tour will make stops in cities including Baton Rouge, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Chicago.
Tickets are available for presale beginning Monday, Nov. 28 and go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. via Smith’s website. A full list of cities and tickets will available at coreysmith.com/tour.
Date Set For Grammy Noms, New Host For 2017 Ceremony
/by Sarah SkatesJames Corden will host the 2017 Grammy Awards.
Grammy Awards nominations will be revealed the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 6. The 2016 Grammy Best New Artist, Meghan Trainor, will reveal nominees in the four General Field categories (Best New Artist, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year) live on CBS This Morning at 8:30 a.m. ET. Immediately following, at 8:45 a.m. ET, The Recording Academy will announce nominations across all 84 categories via press release and on GRAMMY.com.
In February, James Corden, host of CBS’ The Late Late Show With James Corden, will host the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, marking his first year as master of ceremonies for Music’s Biggest Night. Taking place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Previously LL Cool J had a successful five-year run as host.
In 2016, Corden hosted the 70th Annual Tony Awards, which had its largest audience in 15 years. In addition, he has hosted England’s Brit Awards four times. Since he took the helm of The Late Late Show in March 2015, the show has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Program and achieved its highest ratings since its inception in 1995. It is also known for the viral phenomenon “Carpool Karaoke” which has featured Adele, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Sir Elton John, and Justin Bieber and set YouTube records, with nearly 2 billion views.
“Thanks to ‘Carpool Karaoke,’ we’ve all been on some incredible rides with James, and The Recording Academy couldn’t be more excited to welcome his passion and enthusiasm for music, both as an entertainer and a fan, to the Grammy stage on Feb. 12,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. “He’s got big shoes to fill after the magnificent run we had with LL Cool J, but James is a commanding, dynamic showman who is perfect to host the Grammy Awards.”
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.
Meghan Trainor, pictured at the 2016 Grammys, will announce the upcoming nominees. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, courtesy Grammy.com
High Valley Celebrates Album Release By Giving Back
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Alan Poizner
Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville duo High Valley’s Brad and Curtis Rempel gathered in Nashville with friends from the music industry to give thanks and donate to a worthy cause. The duo celebrated the recent release of their major label debut, Dear Life, while simultaneously raising awareness and donations for charity Food For The Hungry.
Guests were encouraged to sign a cut-out footprint and post to a wall upon arrival to show the impact of the event. A pair of shoes will be donated to communities in Burundi, Africa for each of the more than 200 guests in attendance.
The duo joined Food For the Hungry’s work in 2014, traveling to the poverty-stricken country to share in the organization’s advocacy efforts. Both fathers themselves, Brad and Curtis sponsor three young boys in Kabarore, Burundi.
Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville artists High Valley (Curtis and Brad Rempel) performed during their Give Thanks and Give Back event. Photo: Alan Poizner
Of course, the album release celebration also included plenty of music, with the duo performing tracks from Dear Life, including their radio single, “Make You Mine.”
“We are thankful for so much right now – it was staggering to look around that room and see the faces of so many friends in the business who have supported us all these years and allowed us to live out our dreams,” said Brad Rempel.
“And how cool is it that we get to share our thanks and pay it forward at the same time with a donation to Food For The Hungry. Tonight not only celebrated our new album Dear Life but the event directly benefitted the community we’ve gotten to know in Burundi,” shared Curtis Rempel.
The duo recently spoke with MusicRow to discuss their album, and their unique, old-school meets new-school sound.
Warner Music Nashville celebrated the release of High Valley’s major label debut album Dear Life while giving back to the duo’s long-time non-profit partner Food For The Hungry.
Photo: Alan Poizner
Pictured: Shawn Blackney, Artist Relations Manager, Food For The Hungry; High Valley’s Curtis and Brad Rempel; Daniel White, Director of Entertainment Division, Food For The Hungry. Photo: Alan Poizner
Radio Industry Files Anti‐Trust Complaint Against Global Music Rights
/by Eric T. ParkerThe complaint is motivated by what the RMLC calls “anticompetitive behavior that, if unchecked, would allow GMR to charge the U.S. commercial radio industry monopoly prices to publicly perform musical works in the GMR repertory.” In documents, the RMLC goes so far as to say GMR us unlawful and its desire to seek “substantially higher” and “exorbitant” royalties “would do irreparable harm to our [radio] industry.” Thus, the RMLC seeks more government oversight in the form of a judicial rate—comparable to what the consent decrees governing ASCAP and BMI impose.
According to the RMLC’s industry email, the proposed fees from GMR could increase some stations payouts anywhere from 1/3 to over 1/2 of what they currently pay to ASCAP or BMI. GMR’s “weighted, preliminary” market share is cited by the RMLC to be at most, 5 to 7.5 percent.
The privately‐held, for‐profit SESAC reached a similar settlement with the RMLC in summer 2015. The RMLC is under the belief those types of free market systems create “a bottleneck to, and artificial monopoly over, the works in its repertory.”
The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by the law firm of Latham & Watkins, on behalf of the RMLC as the sole plaintiff in the action. Along with the complaint, the RMLC has also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent GMR from charging radio stations monopoly prices for a GMR license while the litigation is pending.
Writers in GMR’s fold include Nashville’s Shane McAnally, Luke Laird, and Paul Overstreet, in addition to Pharrell Williams, Ryan Tedder and the estates of Lennon and Ira Gershwin among many others.
Garth Brooks Adds Memphis Date To World Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will again bring their tour to Tennessee. The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood will visit Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 4 at FedEx Forum. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. CST. There will be an eight ticket limit per purchase. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will cost $60.55 plus a $6.18 tax, a $2.00 facility fee and a $6.25 service charge for a total of $74.98.
The tour previously visited Tennessee for four shows in Knoxville in 2015.
Brooks and Yearwood have also made performances in Nashville in recent months. Brooks gave a private concert at the Ryman Auditorium to launch his own SiriusXM channel. He also performed a free concert at the Ascend Amphitheater, where he celebrated his seventh RIAA Diamond Award, marking seven albums that have each earned 10 million in sales.
Earlier this month, onstage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Brooks earned the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year honor for a fifth time. Additionally, he and his the “G-Men” were honored by the Musicians Hall of Fame.
Blake Shelton Welcomes RaeLynn For 2017 Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Blake Shelton and RaeLynn during a recent No. 1 party.
Blake Shelton will welcome special guest and labelmate RaeLynn for his 2017 Doing It To Country Songs Tour, a title taken from a track on his current album If I’m Honest.
The tour will begin in Bakersfield, California on Feb. 16, 2017, the first of 13 shows announced so far.
“Performing for an audience is what I love most – and if you’re coming to see me, you’re coming to hear country music, because that’s what I do,” said Shelton. “So get ready as we’re going to be ‘Doin’ It To Country Songs’ all night long!”
Tickets for the Bakersfield, Portland, Sacramento, San Jose and Chicago show will go on sale beginning Dec. 2, with the remaining dates following on Dec. 9. American Express® Card Members and Blake Shelton Fan Club members have the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public.
DOING IT TO COUNTRY SONGS TOUR DATES
Feb. 16: Bakersfield, Calif.
Feb. 17: Los Angeles
Feb. 23: Portland, Ore.
Feb. 24: Spokane, Wash.
Feb. 25: Seattle
March 3: Fresno, Calif.
March 4: Las Vegas
March 9: Sacramento, Calif.
March 10: San Jose, Calif.
March 11: San Diego, Calif.
March 16: Evansville, Ind.
March 17: Chicago
To Be Announced Omaha, NE
National Park Service Approves Music Row Research Study
/by Jessica NicholsonAdditionally, the National Park Service approved a nomination to list the House of David Recording Studio Complex in the National Register of Historic Places. Once a building is listed on the National Register, owners are eligible to pursue federal historic tax credits to help fund historic rehabilitation and preservation easements to reduce property taxes.
House of David opened in 1974, in a former boarding house belonging to music industry leader and musician David Briggs. For more than 40 years, a diverse array of major artists such as Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison, Ann Margaret, Travis Tritt, B.B. King and Willie Nelson recorded there. The House of David continues to be an active studio.
“The Park Service’s approval of the Music Row research is a powerful validation of our efforts to see this one-of-a-kind cultural district not only survive but thrive for generations to come,” said David J. Brown, executive vice president and chief preservation officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Older buildings and blocks are key components to creating successful cities and neighborhoods. Re-using and reinvesting in the historic properties of Music Row will help create a vital and economically strong area that will sustain key treasures of our nation’s musical heritage.”
Nashville’s Metro Planning Department is also utilizing the National Trust’s research to develop a new Music Row Code that will guide future development of Music Row while preserving its historic character.
“The U.S. Park Service’s recognition of the National Trust’s work in the Music Row neighborhood echoes the sentiments of the Metropolitan Planning Department,” said Doug Sloan, executive director of the Metro Planning Department. “The study is an invaluable tool for the preservation of the history of Music Row, and enables us to identify opportunities for continued growth of the music industry in the area.”
“Historic Places on Music Row” inventories almost 400 music-related properties on Music Row. The document begins in 1954 when brothers Owen and Harold Bradley, two of Nashville’s early music industry leaders, converted a Victorian era home into a recording studio and traces Music Row’s evolution into the centerpiece of Nashville’s international reputation as Music City.
American Music Awards Ratings Slide
/by Eric T. ParkerABC’s three-hour broadcast brought in 8.16 million viewers in its 8 p.m. time slot with a 2.4 rating for adults 18-49, which was a 31 percent departure from last year’s 3.5 rating.
“It’s the lowest 18-49 rating on record for the awards, whose previous low point was a 3.4 in 2012,” analyzed the ratings site.
Nashville winners were noted in musicrow.com‘s earlier coverage.
ABC came in third among average total viewers last night, including ratings and share. Adjustments will be made for NFL coverage in some markets for the other networks, not affecting ABC. NBC took the night with an averaged 14 share (14.42 million), hosting Sunday Night Football with slightly lower numbers than last week (preliminary 5.6). CBS’ 60 Minutes, NCIS: Los Angeles, Madam Secretary and Elementary edged the network into the runner-up slot.
Kenny Chesney’s Only 2017 US Stadium Show Slated For Gillette Stadium
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney may not be planning to tour in 2017, but even this superstar entertainer couldn’t resist playing at least one stadium show next year.
Chesney’s only 2017 US stadium show will take place at Gillette Stadium near Boston on Aug. 25, 2017. He will welcome Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion as openers. The superstar recently wrapped his Spread the Love 2016 Tour with a two-night stint at the venue, playing to 121,399 cumulative attendees.
“I can’t imagine summer without getting out there and rocking everyone at Gillette Stadium,” Chesney said via a video on social media. “From the beginning, the amount of heart and soul that came at us from the first note at Gillette was beyond intense. It’s never let up, it’s never slowed down. Every summer, every show, every song, they push us even harder than we push them. It’s kind of addicting, and something I can’t imagine a summer without. So we’re coming, Boston – and you know, this is our one shot at a big, big show, so you better get ready.”
As of now, Chesney is also scheduled for four music festivals through June 2016.
The Gillette presale begins this Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET on kennychesney.com. General on-sale begins Dec. 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Kenny Chesney’s 2016 tour wraps at Gillette Stadium. Photo: Shaun Silva