Country stations nationwide cleared a path for the all-star single “Forever Country” on Friday morning (Sept. 16). The CMA Board of Directors worked closely with radio stations for a “roadblock,” ensuring that fans couldn’t miss the milestone recording that commemorates the CMA Awards’ 50th anniversary on Nov. 2.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern tells MusicRow, “For us, country radio and the fans that listen to music on country radio are so key to the fabric for distributing our music. Starting the song there on a Friday is a great way to get some energy.”
Underscoring the importance of business relationships, she says, “I give incredible credit to our Board of Directors and the radio industry. Just like a couple of years ago when they all got together and decided to create a unified radio remote for the CMA Awards in the fall. It really came out of them. We took the track to them and said, ‘Let’s brainstorm some ideas.’”
Arranged by songwriter/producer Shane McAnally, the single is a medley of “On the Road Again,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Thirty CMA Award winners, from several generations, lend their vocals to the single, with each artist singing a line or two.
“I think Shane McAnally is a genius and the way he was able to marry the three songs together makes it special,” Trahern says. “I mean, all of them are amazing songs. But when you weave the stories together and you think about some of those key lines—‘I’m on the road again, the life I love is making music with my friends,’ ‘I will always love you,’ ‘Country roads, take me home to the place I belong’ — together, those themes almost become a testament to our business. The life our artists spend on the road, their love for the fans, their love for the music.”
McAnally tells MusicRow, “While working on this project, I had to repeatedly pinch myself because this was truly beyond my wildest dreams. I have been obsessed and consumed with country music since I was 5 years old, and having the opportunity to collaborate with so many of my heroes is indescribable. This is truly a piece of history and I am honored to have been asked to contribute to anything that shines a light on this genre that has shaped my entire life.”
The single is being distributed by Universal Music Group Nashville. After the artists recorded their lines to the song, they returned to film their segments for a landmark music video that will be released on Tuesday (Sept. 20). Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, the music video includes the following CMA Award winners: Alabama, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan,Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Vince Gill, Faith Hill,Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert,Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Milsap, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride,Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood.
During a CMA Board meeting nearly two years ago, BBC Radio’s Director of Music Bob Shennan showed a similar video that promoted BBC Music. That video sparked the idea to try a country version. Not coincidentally, the “Forever Country” video will be premiering in the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously.
In February, Trahern met with director Joseph Kahn, who has won Grammys for his music video work on Emimem’s “Without Me” and Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar’s “Bad Blood.” She was joined by industry leaders Jason Owen (Sandbox Management), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Joanna Carter (Capitol Records Nashville) and Chandra LaPlume (Taillight TV). Trahern credits Kahn with the idea of mashing up three songs, rather than just focusing on one classic. All three of the songs selected were made famous by past CMA Entertainer of the Year winners.
“You can imagine how hard it was to come up with the three songs,” Trahern says. “It went into a couple of different iterations, and any of the iterations would have been amazing videos, but Shane made a great track and one of the things that I’m just so thankful for our artist community. … Our artists all appreciate the history of where they came from. All 30 artists that are in the video are CMA Award winners so they know the importance of what it means to be respected by your peers.”
With the exception of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, the artists all filmed their portions during CMA Music Festival in June.
Trahern recalls, “The artists were so excited and did such a great job, every time we ran into them at one of the stages, they’d say, ‘Oh, I love the video, I can’t wait!’ And if there were fans around, we had to help quash it a couple of times,” Trahern says. “That’s been such a great problem to have happen because I’m just so proud of how our industry engaged with the project from Day One.”
To listen to “Forever Country,” visit Spotify.
Loretta Lynn Returns With First Christmas Album Since 1966
/by Craig_ShelburneLoretta Lynn will issue a new holiday album, White Christmas Blue, on Oct. 7 via Legacy Recordings. She recorded the songs at Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with producers Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash.
Lynn co-wrote the title track with Shawn Camp, who also sings and plays guitar on the track. White Christmas Blue is her first collection of seasonal songs since 1966.
The 12 studio performances also include new versions of two original compositions (“Country Christmas” and “To Heck With Ole Santa Claus”) which first appeared on Country Christmas (1966); traditional carols (“Away in a Manger,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night”); and seasonal pop standards (“Winter Wonderland,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas”). The album concludes with Lynn’s heartfelt recitation of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Lynn released a new country album, Full Circle, on Legacy Recordings in March.
Exclusive: CMA’s Sarah Trahern Feels The Love In “Forever Country” Single
/by Craig_ShelburneCountry stations nationwide cleared a path for the all-star single “Forever Country” on Friday morning (Sept. 16). The CMA Board of Directors worked closely with radio stations for a “roadblock,” ensuring that fans couldn’t miss the milestone recording that commemorates the CMA Awards’ 50th anniversary on Nov. 2.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern tells MusicRow, “For us, country radio and the fans that listen to music on country radio are so key to the fabric for distributing our music. Starting the song there on a Friday is a great way to get some energy.”
Underscoring the importance of business relationships, she says, “I give incredible credit to our Board of Directors and the radio industry. Just like a couple of years ago when they all got together and decided to create a unified radio remote for the CMA Awards in the fall. It really came out of them. We took the track to them and said, ‘Let’s brainstorm some ideas.’”
Arranged by songwriter/producer Shane McAnally, the single is a medley of “On the Road Again,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Thirty CMA Award winners, from several generations, lend their vocals to the single, with each artist singing a line or two.
“I think Shane McAnally is a genius and the way he was able to marry the three songs together makes it special,” Trahern says. “I mean, all of them are amazing songs. But when you weave the stories together and you think about some of those key lines—‘I’m on the road again, the life I love is making music with my friends,’ ‘I will always love you,’ ‘Country roads, take me home to the place I belong’ — together, those themes almost become a testament to our business. The life our artists spend on the road, their love for the fans, their love for the music.”
McAnally tells MusicRow, “While working on this project, I had to repeatedly pinch myself because this was truly beyond my wildest dreams. I have been obsessed and consumed with country music since I was 5 years old, and having the opportunity to collaborate with so many of my heroes is indescribable. This is truly a piece of history and I am honored to have been asked to contribute to anything that shines a light on this genre that has shaped my entire life.”
The single is being distributed by Universal Music Group Nashville. After the artists recorded their lines to the song, they returned to film their segments for a landmark music video that will be released on Tuesday (Sept. 20). Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, the music video includes the following CMA Award winners: Alabama, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan,Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Vince Gill, Faith Hill,Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert,Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Milsap, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride,Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood.
During a CMA Board meeting nearly two years ago, BBC Radio’s Director of Music Bob Shennan showed a similar video that promoted BBC Music. That video sparked the idea to try a country version. Not coincidentally, the “Forever Country” video will be premiering in the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously.
In February, Trahern met with director Joseph Kahn, who has won Grammys for his music video work on Emimem’s “Without Me” and Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar’s “Bad Blood.” She was joined by industry leaders Jason Owen (Sandbox Management), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Joanna Carter (Capitol Records Nashville) and Chandra LaPlume (Taillight TV). Trahern credits Kahn with the idea of mashing up three songs, rather than just focusing on one classic. All three of the songs selected were made famous by past CMA Entertainer of the Year winners.
“You can imagine how hard it was to come up with the three songs,” Trahern says. “It went into a couple of different iterations, and any of the iterations would have been amazing videos, but Shane made a great track and one of the things that I’m just so thankful for our artist community. … Our artists all appreciate the history of where they came from. All 30 artists that are in the video are CMA Award winners so they know the importance of what it means to be respected by your peers.”
With the exception of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, the artists all filmed their portions during CMA Music Festival in June.
Trahern recalls, “The artists were so excited and did such a great job, every time we ran into them at one of the stages, they’d say, ‘Oh, I love the video, I can’t wait!’ And if there were fans around, we had to help quash it a couple of times,” Trahern says. “That’s been such a great problem to have happen because I’m just so proud of how our industry engaged with the project from Day One.”
To listen to “Forever Country,” visit Spotify.
Target To Release Garth Brooks’ 10-Disc Set With New Music
/by Jessica NicholsonComplete track lists, pricing and pre-sale information for Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection will be released later this fall.
“Target has always been a friend to artists and their music. I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to be partnering with them,” said Brooks. “This holiday season is going to be amazing with a new album, plus a boxed set with never-before-released music from the vault and music you can’t hear or get anywhere else.”
“Simply put, Garth is in a league of his own. He is unquestionably one of the most accomplished and celebrated musicians, with a fan base that spans all ages and genres,” said Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “We’re thrilled to welcome Garth into the Target family, and are confident that the boxed set we’ve created with him, which we’ll offer for an unbeatable value, will be at the top of many wish lists this holiday season.”
Artist Updates: Kid Rock, Michael Ray, Abi
/by Craig_ShelburneKid Rock Plans Fish Fry And Concert At Fontanel
Kid Rock
Kid Rock is confirmed for the Second Annual Fish Fry at Fontanel near Nashville on Oct. 7 and 8. Each day will include a full show by Kid Rock as well as food trucks and the Nashville debut of Kid Rock’s American Badass Beer. Muddy Magnolias, The Steel Woods, Tim Montana and The Shrednecks, Tim Watson, and Michigan Rattlers will also perform. Tickets are $99 and $75 for reserved seating and $45 for general admission lawn seating.
Michael Ray Announces Fall Tour
Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray will launch his Think A Little Less Tour on Oct. 14 in Phoenix at Cowboys Saloon.
The tour will continue through Nov. 26 in Rome, Georgia. His singles include “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Real Men Love Jesus” and “Think a Little Less.” He released his major label debut album in August 2015.
“So incredibly excited and grateful for my first official headlining tour,” Ray said. “Ten years of hard work has led me to this point. Lots of incredible music in store as well as a few surprises. Can’t wait to see you all out there!”
Abi Sets Tour Dates With Pentatonix
Abi
Abi, a Nashville-based country/pop artist also known as Abi Ann, has been selected to support the second leg of the Pentatonix World Tour, opening shows for the band as well as Us The Duo. The tour will begin Oct. 17 in San Jose, California, and conclude Nov. 22 in Houston. Over the summer, the singer performed at NASCAR events all over the country. She is working on new music scheduled for early 2017.
Starstruck Writers Group Signs Evan Coffman
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Bradley Collins, BMI; Courtney Allen, Creative Director; Starstruck; Evan Coffman; Cliff Williamson, Starstruck.
Starstruck Writers Group has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Evan Coffman.
The southwest Arkansas native moved to Orlando, Florida, in his early 20s and began producing local and national acts like Twenty One Pilots, Halestorm and Matt Hires. In 2015, he moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting. Since then, he has earned cuts with The Lacs (Average Joes Entertainment) and Waterloo Revival (Show Dog Records).
“I knew during our first meeting that I wanted to sign Evan. Not only are his songs and tracks fresh and unique but he works harder than anyone I know. His dedication to creating the best music paired with his work ethic are two things that are sure to make him a success in Nashville and beyond,” said Starstruck Creative Director Courtney Allen.
“I love things that sound different,” Coffman said. “I love mashing up genres to find something that sounds a little left of center, something unique. I felt that Starstruck got me and allowed me to do what I do. Cliff Williamson and Courtney Allen made me feel at home and like I was family. Courtney has been on my side since our first meeting. She is and will be a big reason for my success in Nashville. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to join the Starstruck family.”
GMA Dove Awards Reveal More Performers, Presenters
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced additional performers and presenters for the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Hillsong UNITED, Natalie Grant and Tamela Mann will perform. Donnie McClurkin, KB, Priscilla Shirer and Ryan Stevenson will present.
These new appearances join already announced hosts for KING & COUNTRY and Tye Tribbett, as well as performers TobyMac, Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, Steven Curtis Chapman and Hollyn. Blanca and Travis Greene will host the pre-telecast.
When the evening’s nominees were recently announced, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong UNITED, Chris Tomlin, Kirk Franklin and Bill Gaither were among the top nominees.
The awards show will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 16. Tickets are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office or online.
Geaux Music Row! Raises $4,000 For Louisiana Flooding Victims
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Courtney Crist, HoriPro; CJ Solar, SeaGayle songwriter/artist; Cyndi Forman, UMPG; Hunter Hayes; Jake Gear, Sea Gayle.
Geaux Music Row!, a campaign to aid those affected by the floods in Louisiana, ended Tuesday night (Sept. 13) with a benefit show at the Basement East. The lineup included Louisiana natives CJ Solar, Jacob Davis and Hunter Hayes. The night raised over $4,000 and proceeds will be sent to The Louisiana Flood Relief Fund.
Geaux Music Row!, a group of Louisiana-native songwriters, artists, and music business executives, teamed to help those affected by flooding in Louisiana. The floods have affected more than 100,000 homes, leaving numerous people and animals displaced. Twenty parishes have been declared as federal disaster areas.
Trace Adkins Donates To Red Cross, Earns US Army Honor
/by Craig_ShelburneTrace Adkins
Trace Adkins will donate his fee from his performance in Vinton, Louisiana, on Saturday (Sept. 17) to the American Red Cross. His donation will specifically fund relief efforts in his home state of Louisiana after severe flooding in August.
In related news, Adkins will be presented with the United States Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Award this week. The award is the third-highest public service honor the Army can bestow upon a civilian.
“We are so grateful to Trace Adkins for his long-standing support of the Red Cross and for stepping up again now when his home state of Louisiana is in need,” said Don Herring, chief development officer for the American Red Cross. “Funds generously donated by our partners like Mr. Adkins and the general public are essential to our ability to immediately fulfill the mission of the Red Cross when disaster strikes.”’
ole, City National Bank Announce $500 Million Credit Facility
/by Craig_ShelburneThe transaction, originally launched as a $400 million facility, generated strong demand from both new and existing lenders, and as a result was increased to $500 million, making it the largest credit facility in independent music publishing industry in recent years.
“We believe the overwhelming demand for the facility speaks volumes to ole’s track record of execution and success, and we look forward to finding new opportunities to continue to scale in existing and complementary verticals as well as to further enhance our technology and data management assets,” said ole Chairman and CEO Robert Ott. “We are pleased to have the financial backing, expertise and support from City National Bank and our other financial partners.”
“We’ve been supporting the entertainment industry for over 60 years and we see great potential in ole, which has earned a premier reputation not only in the music industry, but in film and television as well,” said City National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Russell Goldsmith. “City National’s lead role in this significant credit facility is possible in part because we are now an RBC company and it highlights our ever-growing commitment to serving the broad financial needs of the music industry.”
Now in its twelfth year, ole has completed more than $520 million in acquisitions and controls over 50,000 songs and 60,000 hours of TV/Film music across all genres, making it one of the largest independent rights management companies by revenue and one of the most profitable.
Artist Updates: Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Eric Paslay
/by Eric T. ParkerJason Aldean Added To Colorado’s Country Jam Festival
Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean has been added as a headliner for the 26th Annual Country Jam festival at Jam Ranch outside Grand Junction, Colorado, slated for June 15-18, 2017. Aldean joins previously announced headliner Kenny Chesney. Last year’s event saw attendance numbers at 90,000 fans. Tickets start at $125 for four-day general admission.
Blake Shelton To Headline 2017 East Carolina University Concert
Blake Shelton will headline the 2017 Carolina Kickoff concert on the campus of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, on Aug. 19, 2017. Shelton made the announcement Saturday (Sept. 10) on the jumbotron during the East Carolina football against NC State. The on-campus football facility for the East Carolina Pirates, Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, will again host the event and see proceeds returned to the facility and operations.
More top country talent should be announced in the following weeks. Early bird tickets are currently on sale, starting at $39 online at eckickoff.com.
Eric Paslay Announces Angels In This Town Tour 2016
Eric Paslay has announced his 15-date Angels in This Town Tour 2016. The tour will launch Oct. 13 in Providence, Rhode Island, with special guests alternating between Lindsay Ell, Adam Sanders and Courtney Cole. Additional stops may be added.
His current single has spawned the #AngelsInThisTown movement, including “Angel Visits” across the country—visiting local hospitals, fire houses, police stations, Girls and Boys Clubs, Habitat for Humanity builds and more—in addition to bringing Kelsey Montague original angel wing street art on tour for fans to spread the brand’s movement.
Angels in This Town Tour 2016 Fall Dates:
Oct. 13: Providence, R.I.; Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel*
Oct. 14: Philadelphia; Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)*
Oct. 15: Boston; House of Blues*
Oct. 19: Tulsa, Okla.; Cain’s Ballroom**
Oct. 21: Dallas; Klyde Warren park
Oct. 28: Ocala, Fla.; Cowboy’s Saloon*
Oct. 29: Pensacola, Fla.; Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds
Nov. 3: Cleveland, Ohio; House of Blues**
Nov. 4: Tiffin, Ohio; Ritz Theatre**
Nov. 5: Carlisle, Pa.; Carlisle Theatre**
Nov. 6: Columbus, Ohio; The Bluestone**
Nov. 10: Patchogue, N.Y.; The Emporium***
Nov. 11: Clifton Park, N.Y.; Upstate Concert Hall***
Nov. 12: Rochester, N.Y.; Anthology***
Nov. 18: Charlotte, N.C.; Coyote Joe’s
*Lindsay Ell special guest
**Adam Sanders special guest
***Courtney Cole special guest