Jesse Keith Whitley Signs With Buddy Lee Attractions
Pictured (L-R): Tony Conway, Ontourage Management; Amy Aylward, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; David Kiswiney, Sr. Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions; Kat Boggs, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Jesse Keith Whitley; Grayson Flatness, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Zinnia Martinez, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; John Roberson, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Aura Guadagno, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Joe Lee, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions. (seated) Mike Meade, Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions.
Jesse Keith Whitley has signed with booking agency Buddy Lee Attractions for worldwide representation. Whitley has also teamed with Tony Conway of Ontourage Management.
Whitley’s joining BLA marks a family tradition of sorts. BLA represented both Whitley’s grandfather, Country Music Hall of Famer George Morgan, and mother, country entertainer Lorrie Morgan.
“I could not be more thrilled to be with Buddy Lee Attractions Inc. Our family history runs deep with this wonderful team. I am a 3rd generation artist to go through BLA, so to have Joe Lee and Donna Lee involved is such an honor,” Whitley said.
Warner/Chappell Production Music’s “Listen to Larry” Gets PromaxBDA Nomination
Mark Agent
Warner/Chappell Production Music, the production music arm of Warner Music Group, has had a piece nominated for the PromaxBDA Local Awards’ “Use Of Original Music in a Promo” category. The nominated piece, “Listen to Larry,” was created in conjunction with KTVT-TV (CBS 11 – Dallas/Ft. Worth) to promote the accuracy and dependability of their Chief Meteorologist, Larry Mowry.
Randy Wachtler, Warner/Chappell Production Music President & CE0 stated, “I’m thrilled that this collaboration with KTVT-TV is nominated for a Promax Local Award, and proud to have been a part of a successful and popular campaign!”
Mark Agent, Warner/Chappell Production Music’s Director of Licensing for Local Television added, “KTVT wanted something powerful, something to get their message across about their award-winning weather forecast. The Texas style of music really helped us bring out the pride that the viewers have in their state.”
The PromaxBDA Local Awards celebrate and honor the best in local media, marketing and design, driving excellence, creativity and innovation from the local market. The Awards will be held on June 23 in Las Vegas as part of the PromaxBDA Station Summit.
Hippie Chick Twang Is Going To The Country
Pictured (L-R): Kent Blazy, Kim McLean, Jake Neumar
Hippie Chick Twang’s creative community of music launches their first Finally Friday Party at The Country, a new music club in Nashville. Twelve acts will offer 2 songs each and there will also be a jam band featuring band leader Will McLean Johnston. Songwriters Kim McLean, Kent Blazy, Mary Sue Englund, Tyler Barham, and Jake Neumar will perform from 7-9 p.m.
Hosted by 650 AM WSM personality Devon O’Day, this series will continue every final Friday of the month at The Country. For information or to submit for a performance slot on future Hippie Chick Twang Finally Fridays, call or text 615-400-5140 or email hippiechicktwang@gmail.com.
There is no cover for the party at The Country, located at 110 28th Avenue North near Centennial Park.
Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann, Kelsea Ballerini
/by Eric T. ParkerDemi Lovato Surprises Brad Paisley’s California Audience
Pictured (L-R): Brad Paisley and Demi Lovato. Photo: Derek Cressman
On the second night of Brad Paisley’s Life Amplified World Tour on Saturday (May 20), he surprised the Irvine, California, audience when Demi Lovato took to the stage for a performance of their current single “Without a Fight.”
Paisley teased the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater crowd by saying, “We cut a little song that came out a week ago and we wanted to practice it, so you’re our guinea pigs tonight.”
The duo will make their national television debut Tuesday night (May 24) singing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. Paisley will be interviewed prior to the performance.
Jerrod Niemann Visits Four Countries For USO Tour
Jerrod Niemann performs in Kuwait during his 2016 USO Tour. Photo: Mike Clifton
On Sunday (May 22), Jerrod Niemann returned to the United States from his first-ever USO Tour with the National Guard. Other celebrities that joined him on the six-day, four-country tour through Europe and the Middle East include actors Robert Patrick and Matthew Lillard, former NBA player Sam Perkins and Top 10 in the world UFC middleweight, Special Forces Sniper, Ranger qualified and Green Beret assigned to the SOD(A) Tim Kennedy. Led by the Chief of National Guard General Frank J. Grass, the tour visited five bases in Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Romania.
Niemann’s lead single, “A Little More Love,” is a duet with labelmate Lee Brice. The song was written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Natalie Hemby and Kristi Neumann.
Kelsea Ballerini Featured on CBS’ ‘ACM Sessions’
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: CBS
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and CBS Digital Media have announced Kelsea Ballerini in the ACM Sessions online concert series, filmed in front of a live audience at The Hotel Café in Hollywood, California.
The on-demand performances and interviews with the Academy of Country Music’s Lisa Lee are available on-demand exclusively on CBS.com, the CBS app and CBS Audience Network partner sites. Other ACM Sessions have included Hunter Hayes, Old Dominion, Brandy Clark, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore, and Chris Young.
Chris Young To Host CMA Music Festival Opening Ceremonies
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young
Chris Young will host the CMA Music Festival’s opening ceremonies on Wednesday, June 8 at 11 a.m., at the festival’s newest venue, Skyview Stage at Ascend Amphitheater. The stage is located at Korean Veterans Boulevard and First Avenue.
Special guests will include Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and students from Metro Nashville Public Schools, a beneficiary of the Festival and the CMA Foundation’s support of quality, sustainable music education programs.
The CMA Music Festival opening ceremonies will be free and open to the public. Gates will open at 10 a.m.
“We are always looking at ways to grow the Festival and enhance the experience for our fans,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “Adding this fantastic venue to our numerous free stages downtown is a great addition and having Chris Young on hand to make it ‘official’ is icing on the cake.”
“As a Middle Tennessee native and someone who grew up going to Fan Fair, it’s pretty cool to get to kick off CMA Music Festival and shine a spotlight on the CMA Foundation and the music education students the Festival benefits,” said Young, who is also a member of the CMA Board of Directors.
Industry Ink: Buddy Lee Attractions, Warner/Chappell Production Music, Hippie Chick Twang
/by Jessica NicholsonJesse Keith Whitley Signs With Buddy Lee Attractions
Pictured (L-R): Tony Conway, Ontourage Management; Amy Aylward, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; David Kiswiney, Sr. Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions; Kat Boggs, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Jesse Keith Whitley; Grayson Flatness, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Zinnia Martinez, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; John Roberson, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Aura Guadagno, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions; Joe Lee, Agent, Buddy Lee Attractions. (seated) Mike Meade, Vice President, Buddy Lee Attractions.
Jesse Keith Whitley has signed with booking agency Buddy Lee Attractions for worldwide representation. Whitley has also teamed with Tony Conway of Ontourage Management.
Whitley’s joining BLA marks a family tradition of sorts. BLA represented both Whitley’s grandfather, Country Music Hall of Famer George Morgan, and mother, country entertainer Lorrie Morgan.
“I could not be more thrilled to be with Buddy Lee Attractions Inc. Our family history runs deep with this wonderful team. I am a 3rd generation artist to go through BLA, so to have Joe Lee and Donna Lee involved is such an honor,” Whitley said.
Warner/Chappell Production Music’s “Listen to Larry” Gets PromaxBDA Nomination
Mark Agent
Warner/Chappell Production Music, the production music arm of Warner Music Group, has had a piece nominated for the PromaxBDA Local Awards’ “Use Of Original Music in a Promo” category. The nominated piece, “Listen to Larry,” was created in conjunction with KTVT-TV (CBS 11 – Dallas/Ft. Worth) to promote the accuracy and dependability of their Chief Meteorologist, Larry Mowry.
Randy Wachtler, Warner/Chappell Production Music President & CE0 stated, “I’m thrilled that this collaboration with KTVT-TV is nominated for a Promax Local Award, and proud to have been a part of a successful and popular campaign!”
Mark Agent, Warner/Chappell Production Music’s Director of Licensing for Local Television added, “KTVT wanted something powerful, something to get their message across about their award-winning weather forecast. The Texas style of music really helped us bring out the pride that the viewers have in their state.”
The PromaxBDA Local Awards celebrate and honor the best in local media, marketing and design, driving excellence, creativity and innovation from the local market. The Awards will be held on June 23 in Las Vegas as part of the PromaxBDA Station Summit.
Hippie Chick Twang Is Going To The Country
Pictured (L-R): Kent Blazy, Kim McLean, Jake Neumar
Hippie Chick Twang’s creative community of music launches their first Finally Friday Party at The Country, a new music club in Nashville. Twelve acts will offer 2 songs each and there will also be a jam band featuring band leader Will McLean Johnston. Songwriters Kim McLean, Kent Blazy, Mary Sue Englund, Tyler Barham, and Jake Neumar will perform from 7-9 p.m.
Hosted by 650 AM WSM personality Devon O’Day, this series will continue every final Friday of the month at The Country. For information or to submit for a performance slot on future Hippie Chick Twang Finally Fridays, call or text 615-400-5140 or email hippiechicktwang@gmail.com.
There is no cover for the party at The Country, located at 110 28th Avenue North near Centennial Park.
In Pictures: Who Knew Presents
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jeremy Holley (FlyteVu), David M. Ross (BossRoss Media), Tom Truitt (Who Knew, MusicRowSearch), Ali Harnell (AEG Live), Michael Weintrob (entertainment photographer), Jim Donio (Music Business Association), Jeff Cuellar (AC Entertainment) and Adam Culver (Lightning 100). Photo: Paul Schatzkin
Who Knew Presents was the official after party for the Music Biz 2016 Conference last week, as multiple music industry leaders offered their stories of career growth to a packed house. The event was held May 18 at 3rd & Lindsley.
Those taking part included Jeremy Holley (FlyteVu), David M. Ross (BossRoss Media), Ali Harnell (AEG Live), Michael Weintrob (entertainment photographer), Jim Donio (Music Business Association), Jeff Cuellar (AC Entertainment), Adam Culver (Lightning 100) and Tom Truitt (Who Knew, MusicRowSearch).
Ali Harnell, senior vice president of AEG Live and co-manager of The Shadowboxers, shares her career trajectory and advice. Photo: D91 Photography
Jeremy Holley, partner and co-founder of FlyteVu, informs the crowd about his new Nashville-based marketing firm and their innovative campaigns. Photo: Stephanie Michella Photography
Pictured (L-R): Tom Truitt, (Who Knew, MusicRowSearch), Jeff Cuellar (AC Entertainment), Michael Weintrob (entertainment photographer). Photo: Paul Schatzkin
David M. Ross, president of BossRoss Media and founder of MusicRow Magazine, speaks on the future landscape of streaming. Photo: Katherine Seghers
SESAC Signs “Peter Pan” Songwriter Jesse Lee Levin
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Levin, Parallel’s Tim Hunze and Hannah Showmaker. Photo: Peyton Hoge
SESAC has announced the signing of songwriter Jesse Lee Levin for representation.
Levin, who is signed with Parallel Entertainment for publishing, is on the charts now with “Peter Pan,” as recorded by Kelsea Ballerini. Levin and Ballerini co-wrote the song with Forest Glen Whitehead.
Levin stopped by SESAC’s new Music Row headquarters with representatives from Parallel to celebrate.
ACM Honors Set For August 30 With Lady Antebellum Hosting
/by Craig_ShelburneLady Antebellum. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Lady Antebellum will host the 10th Annual ACM Honors on August 30 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The event recognizes special honorees and off-camera winners of the 51st Annual ACM Awards.
ACM Honors will be produced for television by dick clark productions and broadcast at a later date on the CBS Television Network. Performers and air date for the primetime special will be announced in the coming weeks.
Honorees include special awards recipients Glen Campbell, Crystal Gayle, Eddie Rabbitt (awarded posthumously), Tanya Tucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Jeff Walker (awarded posthumously), Jimmy Webb, Little Big Town and The Statler Brothers.
Studio Recording Awards recipients include Jim ‘Moose’ Brown, Dave Cobb, Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Justin Niebank, Danny Rader, Michael Rhodes and Derek Wells. In addition, Ross Copperman will be honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Video: Dierks Bentley Encores With Music Industry Guests
/by Jessica NicholsonWhen Dierks Bentley performed before a sold-out crowd of over 14,000 fans at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit on Sunday, May 22, he brought the show to a close with a creative ending. Bentley recruited friends and music industry guests to spill out from a plane-shaped set prop on stage during his encore performance of “Drunk on a Plane.”
MusicRow takes you along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the concert’s high-flying culmination.
Bentley is pictured here with Spotify’s John Marks, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Apple’s Sally Seitz, CMT’s John Hamlin and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
Callie Khouri At Watkins College Commencement: “Triumphant” Feeling After ‘Nashville’ Canceled
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Samuel E. Stumpf Jr., Watkins Board of Trustees Chair; Callie Khouri; J. Kline, President
Callie Khouri, the creator of ABC’s Nashville, said she felt “triumphant”’ and remembered “moments of greatness, of joy,” when she was told that the series had been canceled.
Khouri made the remarks during a commencement speech given at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film in Nashville on May 14. Read the speech.
Khouri also received the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, from the 131-year-old visual arts college, which offers BFA and MFA degrees in Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Photography. Khouri won an Oscar for her screenplay of the 1991 film, Thelma & Louise.
The speech was delivered just one day after the news broke of the cancellation. While speaking to the graduation attendees, she noted:
The series finale of Nashville airs Wednesday (May 25) on ABC.
IBMA Relocates To Gallatin Road
/by Craig_ShelburneThe International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) will move into a new location on Friday (May 27). The organization is leaving the Berry Hill neighborhood and its new address will be 4206 Gallatin Road, Nashville TN 37216.
Other contact information will remain the same. Phone numbers are 615-256-3222 and 888-438-4262. The contact email address will remain info@ibma.org.
IBMA has been based in Nashville since 2003.
2016 MusicRow Awards: Voting Closes Today At 5 P.M.
/by Craig_ShelburneVoting for the 28th Annual MusicRow Awards will close today (May 24) at 5 p.m. View the nominees.
Subscribed members of MusicRow determine the winners in four categories: Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Song of the Year.
If you have already submitted your ballot or RSVP, no further action is required.
If you do not have a MusicRow subscription, subscribe to receive your ballot.
To have your MusicRow Awards ballot resent, please email eparker@musicrow.com or call 615-499-5421. Ballots were sent by MusicRow on Wednesday, May 18.
The 2016 MusicRow Awards are an invitation-only event, hosted this year at BMI on June 29.