Florida Georgia Line Photo: Jim Wright
Florida Georgia Line hold the No. 1 and No. 3 spot on this week’s country digital tracks chart.
The duo has the top country debut this week, with “Smooth” landing at No. 3 country and No. 31 overall. The track sold 22K, and is the follow-up to “H.O.L.Y.”, which is still atop the country digital tracks chart. “H.O.L.Y.” moved 61K this week, for a total of 859K after 11 weeks.
At No. 2 on the country tracks chart is Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Peter Pan,” with 23K sold. “Different For Girls,” by Dierks Bentley with Elle King, moved 21K for a No. 4 rank. Jon Pardi‘s “Head Over Boots” lands at No. 5 this week, with 19K.
On the tracks sales rankings, Justin Timberlake‘s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” remains at No. 1, selling 92K this week. After 10 weeks, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” has sold more than 1.6 million units.
Overall track sales declined 25.4 percent YTD, while country digital track sales have declined 23.6 percent year to date
Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller returns to No. 1 on the country album chart with 14K. Blake Shelton‘s If I’m Honest lands at No. 2 with 11K, while Now That’s Country 9 moved 6.5K this week. Dierks Bentley‘s Black moved 5.9K albums this week to land at No. 4, followed by Keith Urban‘s Ripcord with 5.5K at No. 5.
The country rankings have no Top 10 debuts, though Mark Chesnutt‘s Tradition Lives debuts at No. 22 (1.8K). Kree Harrison‘s This Old Thing debuts at No. 28 with just over 900 units.
Overall album sales declined 15 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales declined 20.2 percent. Country album sales decreased 7.9 percent, while country digital album sales decreased 14.6 percent YTD.
On the overall chart, accounting for streams and sales, Drake‘s Views returns to No. 1 (92K units/18K album only), but the Top 10 sees three debuts. Schoolboy Q‘s Blank Face LP debuted at No. 2 (74K/52K album only), while Chevelle‘s North Corridor debuted at No. 8 (32.5K/31K album only), and Switchfoot‘s Where The Light Shines Through debuted at No. 10 (29K/27K album only).
Bobby Osborne, 84, Launches PledgeMusic Campaign
/by Craig_ShelburneBobby Osborne
Bobby Osborne, a bluegrass pioneer with The Osborne Brothers, has launched a campaign with PledgeMusic to record a new album.
At the age of 84, the Opry star is the oldest living artist to utilize PledgeMusic, the premier crowd funding platform for musicians. The campaign concludes Sunday (July 24).
The album will be produced by Alison Brown (Grammy-winning composer and instrumentalist, 2015 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award winner, and co-founder of Compass Records) and recorded at Compass Sound Studios in Nashville. Special guests will include Brown and Sierra Hull, who both filmed a performance of Osborne’s classic “Pain in My Heart” with him as part of the campaign.
Osborne carries on the bluegrass legacy with his high lonesome tenor vocals, yet plays the tradition forward in his role on the faculty at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in his hometown of Hyden, Kentucky.
Those who pre-order will also receive access to video stories with Osborne backstage at the Opry and live footage from the recording studio with some of the top players and singers in bluegrass. Best known for their recording of “Rocky Top,” the Osborne Brothers joined the Opry cast in 1964.
Rewards include signature picks and strings, a signed Bobby Osborne signature mandolin, a Grand Ole Opry backstage package, and a private concert with Osborne at the donor’s home or office.
Brown said, “One of the things that the bluegrass community does really well is to honor its elders. Bobby Osborne played a pivotal role in shaping the genre in its early days both through the classic songs he brought to the music like ‘Rocky Top’ as well as through the spirit of creativity and innovation that characterized the Osborne Brothers’ sound. Although he’s in his 7th decade as a recording artist, Bobby still has a lot to say musically. I’m delighted to be a part of an effort that will expand his recorded catalog and bring some new Bobby Osborne music to his fans.”
Recording will begin late summer and release date is slated for early 2017 on Compass Records.
Green Hills Music Group Signs Mary Haller To Publishing Deal
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Woody Bomar, Mary Haller, Sheree Spoltore. Photo: Jill Block
Boston songwriter Mary Haller has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Green Hills Music Group.
She was introduced to Green Hills president Woody Bomar by Sheree Spoltore, president of songwriter career development company Global Songwriters Connection.
Bomar said, “I met Mary a couple of years ago at a GSC event. I was impressed and started listening to her songs. We have already gotten a couple of cuts and I look forward to this exclusive relationship and a lot more success!”
Said Haller, “I am honored to be working with such a successful publisher. Woody understands songwriters and songwriting like no one else I know.”
Green Hills Music Group also markets the music of Bob Regan, Steve Mitchell, Danika Portz, Rich Karg, Bonnie Baker, Steve Williams and Georgia Middleman.
Kenny Rogers Wrapping Up Christmas Tours After 35 Years
/by Craig_ShelburneKenny Rogers will conclude 35 years of annual holiday shows with his final Christmas & Hits Tour this year.
The tour will begin on Nov. 25 in Independence, Missouri, and continue through Dec 23 in Westbury, New York. A very limited number of VIP ticket packages will be offered, allowing fans the opportunity to meet Rogers and receive one-of-a-kind memorabilia.
He will be joined by guest Linda Davis and will perform a mix of seasonal favorites and signature hits on the 16-city tour. Rogers will conclude his farewell tour, known as The Gambler’s Last Deal, in 2017.
“Christmas has always been a special time of year to me,” Rogers said. “The feeling I get performing on the Christmas tour is one of the things I’ll really miss about not being on the road. We will be sure to take extra time to cherish some moments on this last go around, and I hope as many people as possible will be able to join us in creating a new set of holiday memories.”
Vince Gill, Chris Stapleton, James Taylor Join All For The Hall In L.A.
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton and James Taylor will join Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill to perform at All for the Hall Los Angeles, a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27 at The Novo by Microsoft.
A limited number of VIP tables are on sale now and available for purchase at $5,000 and $10,000 levels. Event proceeds will support the Museum’s education programs.
In addition, the museum will join forces with Education Through Music-Los Angeles, a foundation that promotes the integration of music into the curricula of disadvantaged schools. The two institutions will provide the museum’s Words & Music educational experience for students at Dorris Place Elementary in Los Angeles. Later, the students will take the stage as the opening act at All for the Hall Los Angeles to debut an original song written for the evening. The students will write a song under the direction of Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose.
All for the Hall Los Angeles is produced by CAA’s Rod Essig, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan, Gary Overton, and BMI’s Jody Williams.
Black Box Hires Adam Zinke As VP, Digital, For New Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonAdam Zinke
Music marketing agency Black Box has opened a Nashville outpost and has hired Adam Zinke as VP, Digital, to lead the operation. Zinke is a former Sr. Director of Interactive Marketing for Warner Music Nashville.
Los Angeles-based Black Box has a client roster of more than 70 artists, including Andra Day, AWOLNATION, Best Coast, Bridgit Mendler, Brooke Candy, Death Cab For Cutie, Janelle Monae, Jason Mraz, Jidenna, and The Wombats. They also rep Nashville-based band MONA, who are signed with Bright Antenna Records.
“Black Box is focused on artist development and branding in today’s music business. Opening an office in Nashville in less than a year of our L.A. launch, with Adam at the helm of our digital operations, is an exciting moment for us,” said Black Box Founder & CEO Livia Tortella.
Black Box General Manager Brian Popowitz adds, “Adam’s track record and reputation is in a class of its own and will be an important part of building the premiere modern music marketing agency that can create a business out of authenticity and the artist-to-fan relationship.”
He can be reached at adam@blackbox.la.
Kane Brown Will Headline Tour Presented By Monster Energy, Outbreak Presents
/by Craig_ShelburneKane Brown
RCA Nashville artist Kane Brown will launch a headline tour presented by Monster Energy and Outbreak Presents in the fall. The 30-date tour will begin Nov. 3 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and conclude Jan. 21 in Houston. Not all dates have been announced.
For his Ain’t No Stopping Us Now Tour, Brown was handpicked by Outbreak Presents, which is known for presenting emerging artists across all genres in top venues at a reasonable price. Past headliners include Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, Iggy Azalea, Cole Swindell, and Fetty Wap.
“I’m so excited to announce that we are doing the Ain’t No Stopping Us Now Tour with Monster Energy and Outbreak,” Brown said. “This fall tour is going to be bigger and better than anything we’ve done so far and I can’t wait for all the fans out on the road to see the show.”
“Kane Brown is a man of his time and we look forward to continuing the trajectory of sold out shows on what will be his biggest headlining tour to date,” adds Steven Ljubicic, General Manager at Outbreak Presents.
Brown has already established himself as a social media force with “Used To Love You Sober” and his Chapter 1 EP. He will release a new country single, “Thunder in the Rain,” in August.
Weekly Register: Florida Georgia Line Make “Smooth” Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line Photo: Jim Wright
Florida Georgia Line hold the No. 1 and No. 3 spot on this week’s country digital tracks chart.
The duo has the top country debut this week, with “Smooth” landing at No. 3 country and No. 31 overall. The track sold 22K, and is the follow-up to “H.O.L.Y.”, which is still atop the country digital tracks chart. “H.O.L.Y.” moved 61K this week, for a total of 859K after 11 weeks.
At No. 2 on the country tracks chart is Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Peter Pan,” with 23K sold. “Different For Girls,” by Dierks Bentley with Elle King, moved 21K for a No. 4 rank. Jon Pardi‘s “Head Over Boots” lands at No. 5 this week, with 19K.
On the tracks sales rankings, Justin Timberlake‘s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” remains at No. 1, selling 92K this week. After 10 weeks, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” has sold more than 1.6 million units.
Overall track sales declined 25.4 percent YTD, while country digital track sales have declined 23.6 percent year to date
The country rankings have no Top 10 debuts, though Mark Chesnutt‘s Tradition Lives debuts at No. 22 (1.8K). Kree Harrison‘s This Old Thing debuts at No. 28 with just over 900 units.
Overall album sales declined 15 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales declined 20.2 percent. Country album sales decreased 7.9 percent, while country digital album sales decreased 14.6 percent YTD.
On the overall chart, accounting for streams and sales, Drake‘s Views returns to No. 1 (92K units/18K album only), but the Top 10 sees three debuts. Schoolboy Q‘s Blank Face LP debuted at No. 2 (74K/52K album only), while Chevelle‘s North Corridor debuted at No. 8 (32.5K/31K album only), and Switchfoot‘s Where The Light Shines Through debuted at No. 10 (29K/27K album only).
Nashville Artists Join Benefit Concert For Slain Dallas Officers
/by Craig_ShelburneSixteen artists have been confirmed for a July 27 benefit concert supporting the families of slain Dallas police officers.
Billed as Stars Behind the Stars, the event is produced by Kirt Webster and Scott Adkins of Webster Public Relations in association with Concho Minick of Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Billy Bob’s Texas is donating the facility and providing staffing and marketing for the event.
The lineup includes Tanya Tucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, Collin Raye, Janie Fricke, T. Graham Brown, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang, The Bellamy Brothers, Johnny Lee, Gene Watson, Mark Wills, John Conlee, Ronnie McDowell, and Moe Bandy, with a special appearance from Randy Travis.
Advanced Aviation Team will provide private charter airfare to make it possible for artists to travel and participate in Stars Behind the Stars.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $20 reserved. All proceeds will go to Dallas Police Association’s Assist the Officer Foundation. The Assist the Officer Foundation provides immediate financial assistance to an officer’s family in the event of the death of an active officer.
In Pictures: Dierks Bentley, Elle King, ‘Skyville Live,’ Steven Tyler
/by Craig_ShelburneDierks Bentley, Elle King Discuss “Different For Girls”
Pictured (L-R): Cody Alan, Elle King, Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley and Elle King chatted with CMT’s Cody Alan about how the singers’ hit collaboration “Different For Girls” came together. In addition, Bentley talked about touring with Randy Houser, while King visited about touring with the Dixie Chicks. The full interview airs this week on CMT After MidNite and CMT Radio Live.
Skyville Live Features Cast of Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Mark Collie, Pam Tillis, JD Souther, Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
A new episode of Skyville Live was filmed Wednesday night (July 13) in Nashville, featuring cast members of the series Nashville. Performers included Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Lennon & Maisy, Mark Collie, JD Souther and Pam Tillis. “I don’t know where there is better music in Nashville,” said Tillis, who has made guest appearances as herself on the show.
Maisy Stella and Lennon Stella of Lennon & Maisy. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
Steven Tyler Buckles Up With Professional Bull Riders
Pictured: Steven Tyler (back row, center) poses with PBR riders Nevada Newman, Jess Lockwood, Cooper Davis, and Ryan Dirteater, with “Hold On (Don’t Let Go)” songwriters Jared Gutstadt and Poo Bear in front.
Steven Tyler’s new song, “Hold On (Won’t Let Go)” will be the new anthem for Professional Bull Riders (PBR) . The will be heard by fans at the beginning of each PBR event on CBS and CBS Sports, in arenas holding PBR events coast to coast, and throughout PBR’s advertising and marketing, including an upcoming social media campaign.
Tyler wrote the song with Poo Bear and Jared Gutstadt. The track appears on Tyler’s new album for Dot Records, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere.
“The toughest 8 seconds in sports is staying on the back and riding that bull,” said Tyler. “A musician’s whole career is judged in 8 seconds or less. Whether it’s a song on the radio or a performance, there’s no better anthem for the spirit of the game and the big win than ‘Hold On (Don’t Let Go)’.”
Artist Updates: Canaan Smith, Thompson Square, Jimmy Wayne
/by Jessica NicholsonCanaan Smith Launches ‘Smashing’ Charity Initiative
Canaan Smith
Mercury Nashville artist Canaan Smith has launched the charitable initiative Smash Cancer, which will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On stage earlier this year and feeling the energy he shares with his fans, Smith had an impulse to smash something. He says, “I didn’t realize what was happening, all of a sudden I’m clutching this drum I just bashed.”
Smith now autographs the drums he smashes in concert and auctions them off after each show to raise money for the organization. Prior to its official launch, Smash Cancer has already raised nearly $20,000 for St. Jude and caught the attention of Guitar Center. The instrument retailer generously donated a considerable number of drum sets and guitars to the cause.
Thompson Square Headlines Buchholz Bowl
Pictured (L-R): L-R: Keifer Thompson, Lindsay Buchholz, Clay Buchholz, Shawna Thompson
Thompson Square helped raise $250,000 for the Clay Buchholz Foundation when they headlined the fourth annual Buchholz Bowl on July 7 at the House of Blues in Boston. This year’s proceeds will benefit Melmark New England, Family Reach Foundation, Pitching in for Kids and Christopher’s Haven. The duo shared the stage with comedian Josh Wolf as the host and were joined by country artists Wade Bowen and Kevin Fowler.
“We always love to go to Boston but this past visit was particularly special,” says Keifer Thompson. “We always jump at the opportunity to be a part of a good cause but now with our son Cooper, charities that help children in need, like the Clay Buchholz Foundation, really strike a chord with us. I’m glad we were able to be there and do our part.”
Created by Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz and wife Lindsay in March 2013, the foundation works with established and qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations to provides health, educational and sports opportunities to improve the lives of children in need.
Jimmy Wayne’s Book Surpasses 100K Sales
“I wrote Walk To Beautiful with best-selling author Ken Abraham after walking from Nashville to Phoenix to raise awareness for at-risk foster children,” says Wayne. “When I was 16, I was given a home by Bea and Russell Costner, and I wouldn’t be here today if not for their kindness and generosity.”
“Jimmy Wayne is an inspiration to all who meet him, and there have been so many that have now met him through the pages of Walk to Beautiful as well,” says Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President of Thomas Nelson and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “Jimmy is a tireless promoter for a healthy foster care system in this country and has done more to advance this great cause than almost any other individual in the last few years. This book is just one small part of that effort, and we’re honored to partner with him.”