NSAI Honors Cole Swindell With Songwriter/Artist Of The Year Award
The NSAI Board of Directors presents the NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year award for 2016 to Cole Swindell at Nov. 14’s board meeting. Cole was unable to accept in person in October.
Jon Pardi, Matt Nathanson Aid Musicians On Call
Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi and artist Matt Nathanson recently aided Musicians On Call, a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, as the organization celebrated Veterans Day by performing for veterans and their families and caregivers in 14 VA facilities nationwide.
In Atlanta, MOC hosted Pardi, who took a break from his national Me and My Kind Tour with Kip Moore to brighten the day of Veterans by performing his hit, “Head Over Boots.”
“It was an honor to spend time today with the Veterans who have given so much of their lives and time serving this country,” said Pardi.
Matt Nathanson performs at San Francisco VA Medical Center.
Craig Morgan Honors US Military Veterans During American Stories Concert
Pictured (L-R): Mac Powell, Jodi Cornelison (Record Rack), Tricia English (Folds of Honor), Craig Morgan. Photo: Jerry Hines
Country entertainer, TV host and former soldier Craig Morgan honored United States military veterans over the weekend during his “American Stories” concert experience tour stops in Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, Virginia. Morgan was joined by his daughter Alexandra, Third Day front man Mac Powell, best-selling author (American Wife) and Veterans’ family activist Taya Kyle, and songwriter/producer Phil O’Donnell (“Give It All We Got Tonight,” “Back When I Knew It All”).
Nearly 200 members of the Armed Services and their families were given complimentary tickets to attend the show at Washington D.C.’s Warner Theater courtesy of the USO. The following night at Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia, Morgan presented a $20,000 donation to Folds of Honor on behalf of Record Rack® and Tarter. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
Kelsea Ballerini Wraps First Weekend Of Headlining Tour
Photo: David O’Donohue
Kelsea Ballerini launched her first headlining tour with three sold-out shows over the weekend (Nov. 10 – Nov. 12), performing for fans at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.; the Tennessee Theatre in her hometown of Knoxville; and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.
“This opening weekend was so surreal! I still can’t believe how loud each crowd was when they sang back all of the words to my songs!” exclaims Ballerini. “To see the rooms filled with fans that love all the same things I do; lots of glitter, fun and country music, was the best feeling. Every night was more fun then I could have ever imagined!”
Photo: David O’Donohue
Don Henley Presents Clint Black With Stephen Bruton Award
Pictured (L-R): Clint Black, Jane Seymour, Don Henley
Clint Black was named the recipient of the Stephen Bruton Award in Fort Worth, Texas, and was presented the award by Don Henley on Nov. 10 at the 10th annual Lone Star Film Festival in Sundance Square.
The award is presented annually to celebrate exceptional artists whose careers include artistic expression in film or television. Previous recipients include Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, Lyle Lovett, Ray Benson, and Betty Buckley.
“It is incredibly humbling to be recognized for my life’s work, even though it’s still a work-in-progress,” said Black. “Adding to the great honor, the award’s namesake is one of our best loved and most talented musicians and songwriters, Stephen Bruton. I’m so grateful for all of the support that has led to this moment, especially from my fans who have been there for every album and acting gig along the way. And in receiving this honor, I’m especially grateful to Don (Henley) for taking time out of his schedule to be there. His work has had a huge impact on me and it adds some mighty fine icing to an already great moment in my career.”
Shane McAnally Honored With CMA Chairman’s Award
/by Jessica NicholsonCMA Board Chairman John Esposito (right) presents “Forever Country” musical producer and CMA Board member Shane McAnally with the CMA Chairman’s Award Monday night during a CMA Board dinner at the Association’s new Music Row headquarters. Photo: Christian Bottorff / CMA
The musical producer behind “Forever Country,” CMA Board member Shane McAnally, was presented the CMA Chairman’s Award Monday night during a dinner for CMA Board members at the Association’s new corporate offices on Music Row.
“I’m honored to present the Chairman’s Award and it is without compare that we recognize Shane McAnally,” said John Esposito, CMA Chairman of the Board and President/CEO of Warner Music Nashville. “His talent, dedication and passion for Country Music was a major force in the success of ‘Forever Country’ on a global scale, and I am proud to salute him and his contributions to the music industry with the Chairman’s Award.”
“As a child growing up in Mineral Wells, Texas, the CMA Awards broadcast each year was truly a highlight – I would plan my entire year around the one night I could see all the stars perform and be recognized for their music. I’ve spent my life loving these artists, their lyrics, and stories, so being a part of the ‘Forever Country’ project while serving as a CMA Board member is something wildest dreams are made of,” shared McAnally. “To say that I’m honored to receive the Chairman’s Award from one of my heroes and greatest champions of music would be an extreme understatement. John Esposito is the heart of this community and his encouragement and leadership as the CMA Chairman makes us all want to work harder and be better for this genre and this organization.”
The Chairman’s Award is given annually at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board. At the presentation, Esposito praised McAnally’s vision and tireless efforts on behalf of Country Music and “Forever Country.”
Pictured (L-R): Incoming CMA Chairman Sally Williams, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, and outgoing CMA Board Chairman John Esposito. Photo: Christian Bottorff / CMA
Planning Commission To Present Music Row Design Plan
/by Sarah SkatesThis plan comes after several months of discussion and community outreach.
On June 27, 2016, Metro Planning Staff presented a draft of the plan to the community for review. As a result of concerns related to that plan, the Planning Staff reached out to stakeholders, including participants in a Music Row Summit at Belmont University on Oct. 6.
The majority of participants appear to agree on the basic standards of the Design Plan. Most concerns are related to implementing the Plan, which the Staff recommends be done by creating a form-based zoning code, called the Music Row Code.
A separate process will be undertaken following the adoption of the Music Row Design Plan to determine the details and feasibility of a form-based zoning code.
Performer Nominees Revealed For CRS 2017 New Faces Show
/by Jessica NicholsonThe performer nominees for the 2017 CRS New Faces of Country Music Show have been revealed. Voting opens Thursday, Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. CT and ends Friday, Nov. 25. All full-time employees of a commercial, 24-hour country formatted radio station can vote at countryradioseminar.com.
The five acts with the most votes will make up the lineup for the show.
This year’s performer nominees are:
Lauren Alaina (Mercury Records)
Tucker Beathard (Dot Records)
Chase Bryant (Red Bow Records)
Chris Lane (Big Loud Records)
William Michael Morgan (Warner Bros.)
Maren Morris (Columbia Nashville)
Jon Pardi (Capitol Nashville)
Michael Ray (Warner Bros.)
Granger Smith (Wheelhouse Records)
Drake White (Dot Records)
Brett Young (Republic Nashville)
The New Faces of Country Music Show will be held during CRS 2017, at the Omni Hotel Nashville. The show is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is one of the most anticipated events at Country Radio Seminar. Five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at Country radio during the qualification period are selected each year to perform at the showcase event.
Below are the New Faces of Country Music qualification criteria:
1. The qualification period is Nov. 1 – Oct. 31 during the year immediately preceding the New Faces of Country Music Show.
2. Nominees may not have appeared on a previous New Faces of Country Music Show. Solo performers that become a member of a group or duo, or a group or duo member that becomes a solo artist are considered eligible.
3. Nominees must have charted at least one Top 25 single on the the Mediabase Country Chart as published in Country Aircheck or at least one Top 25 single on the Billboard Country Chart during the qualification period.
4. Nominees may not have more than two albums on the Billboard Country Top 50 Country Album chart, nor more than two albums that peaked above No. 50 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart (or corresponding Nielsen Soundscan-based chart) by the end of the qualification period.
Artist Pics: Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Matt Nathanson, Craig Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini, Clint Black
/by Jessica NicholsonNSAI Honors Cole Swindell With Songwriter/Artist Of The Year Award
The NSAI Board of Directors presents the NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year award for 2016 to Cole Swindell at Nov. 14’s board meeting. Cole was unable to accept in person in October.
Jon Pardi, Matt Nathanson Aid Musicians On Call
Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi and artist Matt Nathanson recently aided Musicians On Call, a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, as the organization celebrated Veterans Day by performing for veterans and their families and caregivers in 14 VA facilities nationwide.
In Atlanta, MOC hosted Pardi, who took a break from his national Me and My Kind Tour with Kip Moore to brighten the day of Veterans by performing his hit, “Head Over Boots.”
“It was an honor to spend time today with the Veterans who have given so much of their lives and time serving this country,” said Pardi.
Matt Nathanson performs at San Francisco VA Medical Center.
Craig Morgan Honors US Military Veterans During American Stories Concert
Pictured (L-R): Mac Powell, Jodi Cornelison (Record Rack), Tricia English (Folds of Honor), Craig Morgan. Photo: Jerry Hines
Country entertainer, TV host and former soldier Craig Morgan honored United States military veterans over the weekend during his “American Stories” concert experience tour stops in Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, Virginia. Morgan was joined by his daughter Alexandra, Third Day front man Mac Powell, best-selling author (American Wife) and Veterans’ family activist Taya Kyle, and songwriter/producer Phil O’Donnell (“Give It All We Got Tonight,” “Back When I Knew It All”).
Nearly 200 members of the Armed Services and their families were given complimentary tickets to attend the show at Washington D.C.’s Warner Theater courtesy of the USO. The following night at Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia, Morgan presented a $20,000 donation to Folds of Honor on behalf of Record Rack® and Tarter. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
Kelsea Ballerini Wraps First Weekend Of Headlining Tour
Photo: David O’Donohue
Kelsea Ballerini launched her first headlining tour with three sold-out shows over the weekend (Nov. 10 – Nov. 12), performing for fans at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.; the Tennessee Theatre in her hometown of Knoxville; and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.
Photo: David O’Donohue
Don Henley Presents Clint Black With Stephen Bruton Award
Pictured (L-R): Clint Black, Jane Seymour, Don Henley
Clint Black was named the recipient of the Stephen Bruton Award in Fort Worth, Texas, and was presented the award by Don Henley on Nov. 10 at the 10th annual Lone Star Film Festival in Sundance Square.
The award is presented annually to celebrate exceptional artists whose careers include artistic expression in film or television. Previous recipients include Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, Lyle Lovett, Ray Benson, and Betty Buckley.
“It is incredibly humbling to be recognized for my life’s work, even though it’s still a work-in-progress,” said Black. “Adding to the great honor, the award’s namesake is one of our best loved and most talented musicians and songwriters, Stephen Bruton. I’m so grateful for all of the support that has led to this moment, especially from my fans who have been there for every album and acting gig along the way. And in receiving this honor, I’m especially grateful to Don (Henley) for taking time out of his schedule to be there. His work has had a huge impact on me and it adds some mighty fine icing to an already great moment in my career.”
Dierks Bentley Takes Over Legends Corner
/by Sarah SkatesCole Swindell, who will join Bentley on his upcoming tour, also performed with him at the honky-tonk.
Bentley’s set included classics by Conway Twitty, George Jones, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Jr., Charlie Louvin, Brooks & Dunn, Sawyer Brown, John Michael Montgomery, Vern Gosdin and Alan Jackson. Swindell offered Joe Diffie’s “John Deere Green” and Randy Travis’ “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
The night was a warm-up for Bentley’s 2017 What The Hell World Tour, launching Jan. 19 in Dayton, OH, with special guests Swindell and Jon Pardi. The first leg will trek through 23 cities in the U.S. and Canada, making a notable stop its first weekend with a career-first for Bentley—headlining Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Jan. 21.
George Strait To Live Stream Album Release Show From Texas
/by Jessica NicholsonGeorge Strait
The King of Country Music will return to Texas for an exclusive Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 album release show this Wednesday, Nov. 16. Strait and his Ace in the Hole Band will revisit a historic Texas dancehall for a night of music. While tickets are not available for purchase, fans can live-stream the event Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT on Strait.WranglerNetwork.com.
Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 spans 20 years of Strait’s career from 1996 to 2016 and follows the highly successful, 8x Platinum-selling 1995 release, Strait Out of the Box. The two new songs offered in the set, “Kicked Outta Country” (George Strait/Jamey Johnson) and “You Gotta Go Through Hell” (George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon) are the first new recordings released from Strait since last year’s surprise Cold Beer Conversation album.
LifeNotes: Holly Dunn Passes In New Mexico
/by Eric T. ParkerHolly Dunn
Country singer Holly Dunn has lost her battle to ovarian cancer, surrounded by family and friends at a hospice facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 59 year old was diagnosed with a rare form of the cancer in February of this year.
“Daddy’s Hands,” Dunn’s self-written, breakthrough 1986 hit, earned recognition from the singer ACM, BMI, CMA and the Grand Ole Opry.
In the early 1990s, Dunn left Nashville to pursue a career as a visual artist but spoke with MusicRow in an article released earlier this month surrounding the 30th anniversary of “Daddy’s Hands.” In part, the interview touched on Dunn’s diagnosis and treatment.
“Since February 2016, I’ve been dealing with a rare form of ovarian cancer,” said Dunn.
“That was a fork in the road I never saw coming. I’m still making and selling my artwork, but my biggest daily focus is on my health, and frankly, trying to stay alive. I’m hanging tough and keeping a positive attitude and a grateful heart. None of us really know what lies ahead for us no matter how many plans we make.
“This may sound weird, but while I hate having it, this disease has taught me so much about what is really important in life, and how truly valuable it is to live in the present. So much of my music career was spent worrying about the next song, the next hit, the next show, the next…whatever. Now I just wake up every day feeling so incredibly blessed that I can look at this amazingly beautiful world, feel the sunshine on my face and the love of my family, friends and countless others out there who are praying for me. They don’t give awards for that. Life is its own gift.”
Warner Music Nashville’s The Last Bandoleros To Open For Sting’s 2017 Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Last Bandoleros
Warner Music Nashville band The Last Bandoleros is set to open for rock legend Sting‘s 57th & 9th Tour, as it works its way across the United States, Canada and Europe in 2017.
The tour launches February in Vancouver and wraps in mid-April with shows in Paris and Olympia. The trek also includes a stop at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. Joe Sumner will also open the outing.
Sting released 57th & 9th, his 12th solo studio album and first rock/pop project in more than a decade, on Nov. 11 on A&M/Interscope Records. Martin Kierszenbaum, who manages both Sting and The Last Bandoleros, invited the band to sing background vocals on the first single from 57th & 9th.
Tex-Mex band The Last Bandoleros released its own EP on Warner Music Nashville in September.
Industry Ink: NMPA, CRS, The Crew
/by Jessica NicholsonNMPA Honors Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini and NMPA’s David Israelite.
On Thursday (Nov. 10), Kelsea Ballerini kicked off her tour in Washington, D.C. at the 930 Club, and before the show, NMPA President & CEO David Israelite presented her with her NMPA Gold & Platinum Songwriting plaque for writing hits “Love Me Like You Mean It” which went Platinum; “Peter Pan” which went Gold and “Dibs” which went Gold.
These marked Ballerini’s first songwriting Gold & Platinum awards.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Nominations Being Accepted
The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees will be revealed at Country Radio Seminar 2017, which will take place Feb. 22-24, 2017 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Information regarding the date, location, sponsorship opportunities and ticket prices for the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony will be available in the coming months.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of 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 was founded in 1974 to recognize outstanding individuals working in the broadcasting industry who are promoting the Country radio format. The Hall of Fame has two categories: Radio and On-Air Personality. The CRB President’s Award and the Artist Career Achievement Award are also recognized at the event.
The Crew Hosts Eighth Annual CMA Viewing Party
The Crew (L-R): Kevin Lane, Kari Barnhart, Lee Krabel, Stephanie Davenport, Andrew Cohen, Matt Turner, Penny Gattis, Hannah Williams, Laurel Kittleson, Kenley Flynn
The Crew hosted their eighth annual CMA Viewing Party & Pre-Awards Happy Hour presented by Sony ATV and Regions Bank at Tin Roof Downtown. More than 700 guests attended to watch the awards and mingle with industry executives, songwriters and artists. Platinum partners for the evening included Huskins-Harris, James D. Landers/Raymond James, Songspace and Writerslist. All proceeds from the event benefit Musicians On Call which helps bring live recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.
The Crew is a group of 10 music business executives comprised of Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank), Andrew Cohen (Suit Music), Stephanie Davenport (Warner Music Nashville), Lee Krabel (SMACK Songs), Laurel Kittleson (Big Machine Label Group), Kenley Flynn (Combustion), Penny Gattis (Round Hill Music), Kevin Lane (BMG), Matt Turner (Big Loud Shirt), and Hannah Williams (Sony ATV).
Pictured (L-R): Chris DeStefano (Sony ATV writer), Penny Gattis, Duff Berschback (Sony ATV)
California’s Stagecoach Festival Announces Bentley, Chesney, Twain As Headliners
/by Eric T. ParkerIndio, California’s Stagecoach Country Music Festival has revealed the headliners for its 11th annual three-day gathering, slated for April 28-30, 2017.
Dierks Bentley, Shania Twain and Kenny Chesney have been announced as the respective headliners for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Joining Bentley will be Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Maddie & Tae, Randy Rogers Band, Justin Townes Earle, William Micael Morgan, Ryan Hurd and more.
Artists joining Twain are Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Willie Nelson, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Jamey Johnson, Tucker Beathard, Bobby Bones, Brent Cobb, Nikki Lane and more.
Rounding out Sunday will be Thomas Rhett, Tyler Farr, Travis Tritt, Cyndi Lauper, Cam, The Cadillac Three, Wynonna, LANco, Levi Hummon and more.
Three-day passes go on sale Friday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. CT, starting at $299 with payment plans also available.