Kelsea Ballerini Partners With Justice Lifestyle Brand
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini partnered with Justice, the largest tween girl lifestyle brand retailer, to bring her debut album The First Time to select stores nationwide. Justice is known as a fashion destination for girls who are 7-14, offering fashion apparel and accessories in over 950 stores throughout the United States and Canada.
Ballerini, a Black River Entertainment artist, will perform at The Concert at The Classic presented by Justice at the 19th Annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 25, in New Albany, Ohio. Previous performers at the event include Fifth Harmony (2014), Ariana Grande (2013), Demi Lovato (2008), the Jonas Brothers (2007), and more.
MTSU Renames Veterans and Military Family Center To Honor Charlie Daniels
Charlie and Hazel Daniels, left, view the metal plaque given by MTSU acknowledging their gifts and those from The Journey Home Project for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center named in their honor. Celebrating the moment with them are MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, second from right, and Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
Charlie Daniels‘ longtime association with Middle Tennessee State University continues with the unveiling of a plaque and new logo for MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. MTSU recognized the couple, as well as The Journey Home Project Daniels co-founded to assist veterans, during a celebration Tuesday (Aug. 23) at the Miller Education Center. The 2,600-square-foot, $329,000 center is a one-stop-shop for MTSU’s approximately 1,000 student veterans and family members.
Additionally, Mike Krause, the new Tennessee Higher Education Commission executive director and a U.S. Army veteran, announced the awarding of a nearly $185,500 grant after THEC accepted the center’s proposal focusing on increasing veterans’ student success. The grant will fund a full-time transition manager, a graduate assistant for communications, student travel to conferences, and travel for the transition manager/employing agent.
“It’s an extreme honor having my wife and myself named for the veterans center,” Daniels said. “I accept the honor on behalf of The Journey Home Project. We are just the tip of the iceberg. Thank you. I will carry this with me for the rest of my life.”
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, right, visits with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, and Charlie Daniels. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who is on the Nashville Serving Veterans Community Board, said, “The work of the Veterans and Military Family Center changes many lives for the better, opening new opportunities up to veterans so they have every chance to reach their potential and continue serving their communities and their country in new ways. Thank you to Charlie and Hazel Daniels for everything they’ve given to honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans. The renaming of the center is a fitting tribute to Charlie, Hazel and their many contributions.”
Daniels’ second Volunteer Jam was held in MTSU’s Murphy Center. The university presented him with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award in 2009. The Danielses and The Journey Home Project gave separate $50,000 (for computers and technology) and $70,000 gifts to the Veterans and Military Family Center in 2015 and ’16. MTSU renamed the facility the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center in April.
Dolly Parton Teams With Cracker Barrel Old Country Store For Deluxe Album Release
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced Dolly Parton as its latest Spotlight Music artist. The singer will exclusively release a deluxe version of her album Pure & Simple via Cracker Barrel stores nationwide and online on Friday (Aug. 26).
The deluxe offering features 10 new tracks inspired by Parton’s East Tennessee roots. The project will include content exclusive to Cracker Barrel, including two versions of the singer’s chart-topping hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5” recorded live at Glastonbury Festival and a 48-page magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton.
City Of Hope Confirms Clive Davis, Pharrell Williams For Gala Event
/by Craig_ShelburneClive Davis
Clive Davis will present a songwriting award to Pharrell Williams at an event benefiting City of Hope in Los Angeles on Sept. 15.
During the Songs of Hope XII event, the 2016 Clive Davis “Legend in Songwriting” Award will be personally presented by Davis to Williams, whose recent projects include Wanderlust, an album with Little Big Town. In addition, Steve Schnur, President, Music of Electronic Arts, will present the 2016 Electronic Arts Composer Award to The Jungle Book composer John Debney. Schnur is a board member of City of Hope, The Recording Academy, Nashville Film Festival, and The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
The 2016 Pandora Trendsetter Award will be given to artist, songwriter and producer Mike Posner, known for co-writing songs such as Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” and Maroon 5’s “Sugar.” His own hit singles include “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” and “Cooler Than Me.”
Songs of Hope brings together the music and entertainment industry VIPs committed to fighting cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. The star-studded event, silent auction and CharityBuzz.com auction raises money to support lifesaving research at City of Hope, an independent biomedical research institution and cancer treatment center.
The event is again co-chaired by David Renzer, Chairman of Spirit Music Group; Doug Davis, Founder/Principal of The Davis Firm; Evan Lamberg, President – North America, Universal Music Publishing Group; and Steve Schnur, President, Music of Electronic Arts.
Eric Paslay Honored With Two MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Eric Paslay with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Eric Paslay visited the MusicRow office on Wednesday (Aug. 24), where he was presented with two MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins.
The EMI Records Nashville singer-songwriter was honored for his hit “Song About a Girl,” which topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart on July 10, 2014. The song was co-written by Paslay, Jessi Alexander and Gordie Sampson. Publishers for the track include Cal IV Songs, Five Stone Publishing, Party Of Five Music, Bughouse, ASCAP/Dash8 Music, Bug Music, and BMG Chrysalis Music.
Eric Paslay accepts his MusicRow Challenge Coins for “Song About A Girl” and “Rewind.” Photo: Molly Hannula
Paslay was also recognized for co-writing “Rewind,” recorded by Rascal Flatts. The track topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart on April 3, 2014. “Rewind” was co-written by Paslay, Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley. Publishers on the track include EMI April Music, Sugar Glider Music, External Combustion Music, Out Of The Taperoom Music, Songs Of Southside Independent Music Publishing, and Cal IV Songs.
Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart earns a MusicRow Challenge Coin.
Paslay is currently on the road with Toby Keith as part of the Interstates and Tailgates Tour, presented by Ford F-Series. Inspired by his current single, “Angels In This Town,” Paslay has been making “angel visits” to perform at local hospitals, Ronald McDonald houses, and other charities during each tour stop.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson; Eric Paslay; MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Eric Parker, and Jessica Nicholson
Cole Swindell Visits Opry To Celebrate Platinum Single, 1 Billion Impressions
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher, WME’s Kevin Meads, WMN’s Kristen Williams, Cole Swindell, WMN’s Megan Joyce, WMN’s Justin Luffman, WMN’s Cris Lacy, Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Sirius XM’s J.R. Schumann.
Photos: Chris Hollo
Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cole Swindell celebrated the birthday of his late father on Tuesday (Aug. 23) on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where he was honored with a plaque celebrating over 1 billion audience impressions of “You Should Be Here.”
The achievement was measured by Mediabase audience (979 million), on-demand audio/video streams (53 million), and digital track sales (714,000+). The five-time No. 1 hit maker co-wrote “You Should Be Here” with Ashley Gorley about the passing of Swindell’s father.
Cole Swindell celebrates 1 billion impressions of “You Should Be Here.”
Earlier in the day, Swindell was surprised with the news that the title was certified platinum during a visit to the Country Music Association, where he was sharing video for his next single “Middle of a Memory.”
Swindell spent the morning with the staff at CMT to prepare for his upcoming fall headlining tour, CMT Presents the Cole Swindell Down Home Tour, which begins Oct. 26. The release of a new EP, Down Home Sessions III, is scheduled for Oct. 28. He is currently out with Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots Tour.
Cole Swindell
You Can Help: Nashville Music Community Rallies to Aid Louisiana Flooding Victims
/by Jessica NicholsonUpdate [Wednesday, Aug. 24, 5:o3 p.m.]:
Geaux Music Row! Flood Relief Drive has teamed with Vanderbilt to accept donations for victims of the recent flooding in Louisiana. On the final day of the relief drive (Friday, Aug. 26), donations will be accepted at Vanderbilt Stadium’s McGugin Center (Gate 2), from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring bottled water, school supplies, clothing, sheets, blankets and towels to donate.
Donations will be distributed by the Mayor’s office in Baton Rouge.
Original post [Aug. 19, 2016, 4:30 p.m.]:
A group of Louisiana-native songwriters, artists, and music business executives have teamed to help those affected by flooding in Louisiana. The recent floods have affected more than 100,000 homes, leaving numerous people and animals displaced. Twenty parishes have been declared as federal disaster areas.
Geaux Music Row! Flood Relief Drive will launch Monday, Aug. 22 and will run through Friday, Aug. 26.
Supplies can be dropped off at the following locations: ASCAP (2 Music Sq. W.), BMI (10 Music Sq. E.), Universal Music Publishing Group (1904 Adelicia St.), Sea Gayle Music (1221 17th Ave. S.), and Creative Nation (1508 16th Ave. S.).
Supplies needed are listed below:
-Cleaning supplies (bleach, household cleaners, paper towels, etc.)
-Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.)
-Plastic Storage Containers/Bins
-Debris Removal Equipment (box cutters, hammers, contractor trash bags, gloves, bubble wrap, tape etc.)
-Clothing (school uniforms needed – maroon/khaki, blue/khaki sizes 4/5T – large)
-School Supplies (pencils, pens, notebooks, paper, binders, school bags, etc.)
-Non-perishable food items (canned goods, dried beans, rice)
-Water (bottles, gallon jugs)
-Pillow & Blankets
-Phone Chargers
Artist Updates: Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton
/by Jessica NicholsonKelsea Ballerini Partners With Justice Lifestyle Brand
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini partnered with Justice, the largest tween girl lifestyle brand retailer, to bring her debut album The First Time to select stores nationwide. Justice is known as a fashion destination for girls who are 7-14, offering fashion apparel and accessories in over 950 stores throughout the United States and Canada.
Ballerini, a Black River Entertainment artist, will perform at The Concert at The Classic presented by Justice at the 19th Annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 25, in New Albany, Ohio. Previous performers at the event include Fifth Harmony (2014), Ariana Grande (2013), Demi Lovato (2008), the Jonas Brothers (2007), and more.
MTSU Renames Veterans and Military Family Center To Honor Charlie Daniels
Charlie and Hazel Daniels, left, view the metal plaque given by MTSU acknowledging their gifts and those from The Journey Home Project for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center named in their honor. Celebrating the moment with them are MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, second from right, and Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
Charlie Daniels‘ longtime association with Middle Tennessee State University continues with the unveiling of a plaque and new logo for MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. MTSU recognized the couple, as well as The Journey Home Project Daniels co-founded to assist veterans, during a celebration Tuesday (Aug. 23) at the Miller Education Center. The 2,600-square-foot, $329,000 center is a one-stop-shop for MTSU’s approximately 1,000 student veterans and family members.
Additionally, Mike Krause, the new Tennessee Higher Education Commission executive director and a U.S. Army veteran, announced the awarding of a nearly $185,500 grant after THEC accepted the center’s proposal focusing on increasing veterans’ student success. The grant will fund a full-time transition manager, a graduate assistant for communications, student travel to conferences, and travel for the transition manager/employing agent.
“It’s an extreme honor having my wife and myself named for the veterans center,” Daniels said. “I accept the honor on behalf of The Journey Home Project. We are just the tip of the iceberg. Thank you. I will carry this with me for the rest of my life.”
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, right, visits with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, and Charlie Daniels. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who is on the Nashville Serving Veterans Community Board, said, “The work of the Veterans and Military Family Center changes many lives for the better, opening new opportunities up to veterans so they have every chance to reach their potential and continue serving their communities and their country in new ways. Thank you to Charlie and Hazel Daniels for everything they’ve given to honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans. The renaming of the center is a fitting tribute to Charlie, Hazel and their many contributions.”
Daniels’ second Volunteer Jam was held in MTSU’s Murphy Center. The university presented him with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award in 2009. The Danielses and The Journey Home Project gave separate $50,000 (for computers and technology) and $70,000 gifts to the Veterans and Military Family Center in 2015 and ’16. MTSU renamed the facility the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center in April.
Dolly Parton Teams With Cracker Barrel Old Country Store For Deluxe Album Release
The deluxe offering features 10 new tracks inspired by Parton’s East Tennessee roots. The project will include content exclusive to Cracker Barrel, including two versions of the singer’s chart-topping hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5” recorded live at Glastonbury Festival and a 48-page magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton.
Lee Brice Accepts Three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management/Red Light Management; Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne, and Sherod Robertson of MusicRow; Sara Reevely and husband Lee Brice; Eric Parker, Jessica Nicholson and Troy Stephenson of MusicRow
For three years straight, Lee Brice has notched a No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart. To commemorate the achievement, the Curb Records artist dropped by the MusicRow office on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 23) to meet the staff and personally accept three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins.
Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who earns a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart earns a MusicRow Challenge Coin.
Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Lee Brice, Enzo DeVincenzo
Brice’s chart-topping hits include: “I Don’t Dance” (July 31, 2014); “Drinking Class” (Feb. 5, 2015); and “That Don’t Sound Like You” (March 3, 2016).
He is currently working on a new album. His latest single, “A Little More Love,” is a duet with good friend and labelmate Jerrod Niemann.
In Pictures: Zac Brown Band, RaeLynn, Drake White
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Band Earn Platinum Jekyll + Hyde Album
John Varvatos Records/Republic Records and Dot Records/Big Machine Label Group presented Zac Brown Band with a plaque for their platinum certified album, Jekyll + Hyde at New York’s Citi Field on Friday (Aug. 19). The band was presented with the plaque and celebrated with industry friends backstage before the sold-out show.
Pictured (L-R): David Plyler, Manager, ROAR; Kris Tanner, Manager, ROAR; Chris Stacey, GM, Dot Records; Bernie Cahill, Partner, ROAR; John Varvatos, President/Founder, John Varvatos Records; Rob Stevenson, EVP, A&R Republic; Monty Lipman, Founder & CEO, Republic; Danny de los Reyes; Charlie Walk, President, Republic; John Driskell Hopkins; Zac Brown; Clay Cook; Chris Fryar; Coy Bowles; Jimmy De Martini; Matt Mangano; Mike Alexander, SVP, International, Republic; Brian Sutnick, VP International Marketing, Republic; Steven Rowen, Sr. Director International Marketing, Republic; Avery Lipman, Founder & President, Republic; Kevin Lipson, SVP, Commerce, Republic; Matt Maher, Partner, ROAR; Suzy Yoder, Account Director, Girlilla; Natalie Turano, Senior Director, Marketing, Republic; Liz Norris, Manger, ROAR; Rebecca Shapiro, Vice President, Shore Fire Media; Joe Carozza, SVP, Media, Republic; Nina Lee, Account Executive, Shore Fire Media.
RaeLynn Performs “Love Triangle” At Grand Ole Opry
Warner Music Nashville artist RaeLynn performed her new single “Love Triangle” at the Opry this past Friday (Aug. 19). Ricky Skaggs, who was the evening’s host, walked out to meet her on stage immediately following her performance saying, “This song’s gonna heal a whole lot of hearts.”
RaeLynn is currently in the studio working on her first record for Warner Music Nashville, with her producers and co-writers Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon.
Pictured (L-R): Kerry Hansen, Big Enterprises; Lisa Ray, VP Brand Management, WMN; RaeLynn; Jennifer Witherell, Big Enterprises.
Drake White Is “Livin’ The Dream” On Good Morning America
Drake White and his band The Big Fire performed “Livin’ the Dream” on Good Morning America on Tuesday (Aug. 23). Host Amy Robach introduced White before he performed the single from his brand new Dot Records album, Spark.
Drake White performs on Good Morning America. Photo: ABC/Fred Lee
Jason Aldean Brings Concert For The Cure To Grand Ole Opry
/by Craig_ShelburneJason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright
Jason Aldean has partnered with the Grand Ole Opry to raise awareness of breast cancer research.
On Oct. 25, Aldean will incorporate his 11th annual Concert for the Cure as part of the eighth annual Opry Goes Pink event, an annual special performance staged to fight breast cancer.
During his appearance, Aldean will flip a switch to turn the Opry stage pink. In addition, he will perform during the show, which will raise awareness and funds for Women Rock for the Cure and Susan G. Komen’s Nashville Chapter.
Aldean has been an advocate for breast cancer research since 2004, after losing a dear friend to the disease. Aldean continues to donate a portion of each ticket sale towards his longstanding partner, Susan G. Komen, while also honoring one breast cancer survivor and guest during his 2016 Six String Circus Tour, with a VIP backstage meet-and-greet experience.
During his Opry set, he will present a check to the Susan G. Komen Foundation from monies raised on his tour throughout the year.
“Finding a cure for breast cancer is something I’ll continue to fight for the rest of my life,” said Aldean. “Bringing the show back to Nashville this year as part of a special Opry performance where I will have so many friends and family in the crowd will be a good reminder of why we need to continue to fight this terrible disease.”
“Both Jason Aldean and the Opry have been working for several years now to fight breast cancer,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “We’re excited that the ACM’s Entertainer of the Year and the Opry are joining forces this year to make what we know will be a bigger impact than ever.”
IBMA Announces Nominees In Special Awards Categories
/by Jessica NicholsonThe International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced the nominees for their Special Awards, honors that recognize outstanding work in categories including Broadcaster of the Year, Bluegrass Event of the Year, Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project, Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project, Print/Media Person of the Year and Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year.
The Special Awards will be handed out Thursday, Sept. 29, during a luncheon at the World of Bluegrass Business Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.
“Announcing the Special Awards nominees is yet another highlight of the year, as our membership recognizes and celebrates annual contributions of excellence by people who are the backbone of the bluegrass community,” said IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger. “The artistry and hard work of these nominees is vital to everyone in bluegrass music.”
Nominees are selected by a specially appointed committee made up of bluegrass music professionals who possess significant knowledge of the history of the genre. The recipient of each award is decided on by the Panel of Electors, IBMA members with deep roots in the bluegrass music industry.
The 2016 IBMA Special Awards nominees are:
Broadcaster of the Year:
Event of the Year
Best Liner Notes for Recorded Project
Best Graphic Design for Recorded Project
Bluegrass Print/Media Person of the Year
Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year
Caroline Watkins Joins Warner/Chappell Nashville Roster
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (Front Row, L-R): Alicia Pruitt, Warner/Chappell; Caroline Watkins; Brenner McDonald, Butler Snow LLP. (Back Row, L-R): Ryan Beuschel, Warner/Chappell; Matt Michiels, Warner/Chappell; Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Will Overton, Warner/Chappell; Travis Carter, Warner/Chappell
Warner/Chappell Nashville has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Caroline Watkins.
Over the past few years, the Nashville native has made a name for herself, performing regularly at some of the city’s landmark establishments, including the iconic Bluebird Café.
Watkins will begin her studies at Belmont University in the fall as a music business major.