Sam Hunt
Several Nashville artists are nominated for honors at the upcoming 2016 Billboard Music Awards, set to take place in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, and air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Sam Hunt has four nominations, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Album (for Montevallo), and two entries in the Top Country Song category, with “Take Your Time” and “Break Up In A Small Town.”
The Top Country Artist and Top Country Album categories mirror each other this year, with Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood earning the nominations in both categories.
Additional finalists for the Top Country Song category include Little Big Town‘s “Girl Crush,” Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man” and Chris Young‘s “I’m Comin’ Over.”
The Top Christian Artist finalists include Casting Crowns, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong United, MercyMe, and Chris Tomlin, while Top Gospel Artist finalists include Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene and Marvin Sapp.
Country duo Joey+Rory‘s Hymns That Are Important To Us was also nominated in the Top Christian Album category.
The Weeknd has the biggest showing among the finalists, with 19 nominations in 16 categories. Justin Bieber follows with 12 nominations in 11 categories. Drake and Fetty Wap are both finalists 11 times, in 10 categories. Taylor Swift and Adele are both finalists for eight awards.
2016 Billboard Music Awards Nominations:
Top Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top New Artist:
Fetty Wap
OMI
Charlie Puth
Silentó
Bryson Tiller
Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Ed Sheeran
The Weeknd
Top Female Artist:
Adele
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group:
Maroon 5
One Direction
twenty one pilots
The Rolling Stones
U2
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Hot 100 Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Song Sales Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
The Weeknd
Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Silentó
The Weeknd
Top Social Media Artist:
Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift
Top Touring Artist:
Madonna
One Direction
The Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift
U2
Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
Jeremih
Rihanna
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd
Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future
Wiz Khalifa
Silentó
Top Country Artist:
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Top Rock Artist:
Fall Out Boy
Elle King
twenty one pilots
Walk the Moon
X Ambassadors
Top Latin Artist:
Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga
Juan Gabriel
Nicky Jam
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
David Guetta
Major Lazer
Zedd
Top Christian Artist:
Casting Crowns
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong United
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin
Top Gospel Artist:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Tasha Cobbs
Kirk Franklin
Travis Greene
Marvin Sapp
Top Billboard 200 Album:
Adele, 25
Justin Bieber, Purpose
Ed Sheeran, x
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness
Top Soundtrack:
Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Furious 7
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2
Top R&B Album:
Chris Brown, Royalty
Rihanna, Anti
Bryson Tiller, T R A P S O U L
Tyrese, Black Rose
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness
Top Rap Album:
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Drake & Future, What A Time To Be Alive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly
Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money
Top Country Album:
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Luke Bryan, Kill The Lights
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Zac Brown Band, Jekyll + Hyde
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller
Top Rock Album:
Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
David Bowie, Blackstar
Coldplay, A Head Full Of Dreams
Mumford & Sons, Wilder Mind
twenty one pilots, Blurryface
Top Latin Album:
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Juan Gabriel, Mis Número 1…40 Aniversario
Mana, Cama Incendiada
Gerardo Ortiz, Hoy Más Fuerte
Romeo Santos, Formula, Vol. 2
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
David Guetta, Listen
Major Lazer, Peace Is The Mission
ODESZA, In Return
Skrillex & Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü
Zedd, True Colors
Top Christian Album:
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
Hillsong UNITED, Empires
Joey + Rory, Hymns That Are Important To Us
TobyMac, This Is Not A Test
Chris Tomlin, Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship
Top Gospel Album:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Everyday Jesus
Tasha Cobbs, One Place Live
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Jonathan McReynolds, Life Music: Stage Two
Marvin Sapp, You Shall Live
Top Hot 100 Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Selling Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
OMI, “Cheerleader”
Rachel Platten, “Fight Song”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Radio Song:
Adele “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Justin Bieber, “Sorry”
Justin Bieber, “What Do You Mean”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Top Streaming Song (Video):
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Silentó, “Watch Me”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top R&B Song:
Alessia Cara “Here”
Omarion Featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko, “Post To Be”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Rap Song:
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Fetty Wap, “679” feat. Remy Boyz
Silentó, “Watch Me”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Top Country Song:
Sam Hunt, “Break Up In A Small Town”
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man”
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”
Top Rock Song:
Fall Out Boy, “Uma Thurman”
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
twenty one pilots, “Stressed Out”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
X Ambassadors, “Renegades”
Top Latin Song:
J Balvin “Ginza”
Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdon”
Maluma, “Borro Cassette”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring ROZES, “Roses”
DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge, “You Know You Like It”
David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack, “Hey Mama”
Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring MØ, “Lean On”
Skrillex & Diplo, “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber
Top Christian Song:
Hillsong UNITED, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
Hillsong UNITED, “Touch The Sky”
MercyMe, “Flawless”
NEEDTOBREATHE Featuring Gavin DeGraw, “Brother”
Chris Tomlin, “Good Good Father”
Top Gospel Song:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy, “Worth”
Erica Campbell feat. Big Shizz, “I Luh God”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?”
Travis Greene, “Intentional”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “Worth Fighting For”
Little Big Town Surprised With Double-Platinum Plaque For “Girl Crush”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): LBT’s Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, RIAA EVP Public Policy & Industry Relations Michele Ballantyne, LBT’s Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet. Photo: Becky Fluke
Little Big Town received a surprise visit from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) prior to a performance at Baltimore’s Royal Farms Arena Friday night (April 8). Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet were presented with an RIAA double-platinum certification plaque celebrating their hit, “Girl Crush.”
“Girl Crush,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, won two CMA Awards (Single of the Year and Song of the Year), was nominated for Grammy Song of the Year and earned the distinction of Grammy Best Country Song. The group also took home a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the record-breaking tune.
“Girl Crush,” the second single off Little Big Town’s gold-selling sixth studio album Pain Killer (Capitol Records Nashville), remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 13 consecutive weeks, setting the longest run in the top spot for a group since 1959.
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton Jumps To No. 2 On Overall Albums Chart
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
After winning numerous honors during last week’s ACM Awards, Chris Stapleton lands at No. 2 on the overall albums rankings, with Traveller selling 73K/59K album only (a 149 percent increase).
The jump is enough to put him on the top of the country albums rankings this week as well, followed by Joey+Rory‘s Hymns That Are Important To Us (21K), Carrie Underwood‘s Storyteller (9.5K), Sam Hunt‘s Montevallo (7.7K), and Thomas Rhett‘s Untangled (7.3K).
Other performers and winners saw increases after the awards show as well, including Little Big Town (72 percent increase), Kelsea Ballerini (58 percent increase), and Eric Church (56 percent). Underwood and Rhett were also performers during the ACMs. Joey + Rory’s The Album Collection, a Walmart exclusive that comprises their first three album releases on Sugar Hill Records, debuts at No. 10 (4.1K) on the country albums chart.
Merle Haggard
The passing of country legend Merle Haggard last week spurred album sales. Haggard holds the top two spots on the country album catalog rankings, with 20 Greatest Hits selling 5.6K and 40 Greatest Hits selling 4.2K. A total of four Haggard albums make the top 10 in the country catalog rankings, with Essential Merle Haggard and 40 No. 1 Hits also making the Top 10.
Kanye West‘s Life of Pablo takes the top spot in the overall albums chart with 94K units (28K album only).
Overall album sales are down 17.1 percent, while overall digital album sales are down 24.1 percent. Country album sales are down 4.1 percent, while overall country digital album sales are down 11.9 percent.
Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright
Newly-crowned ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean‘s latest track, “Lights Come On,” leads the country digital tracks rankings, debuting at No. 1 with 70K. Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind” is at No. 2 with 64K, followed by Blake Shelton‘s “Came Here to Forget” (44K), Dierks Bentley‘s “Somewhere On A Beach” (40K), and Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man” (40K).
Meanwhile, Haggard has eight songs on the country digital tracks chart this week.
The overall tracks rankings finds Lukas Graham‘s “7 Years” at the top spot, with 127K. The track has sold over 1 million RTD.
Overall tracks sales are down 25.1 percent YTD, while country tracks sales are down 19.6 percent YTD.
Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.
‘Nashville Scene’ Editor Jim Ridley Dies At 50
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Ridley
Nashville Scene editor Jim Ridley, who began his career at the alternative weekly in 1989, died Friday (April 8) at age 50.
According to an obituary on the weekly’s website, Ridley suffered a cardiac event on March 28, and never regained consciousness.
Ridley’s journalism career began at age 13, when he contributed book reviews to The Tennessean. In 1989, he joined Nashville Scene as a film review contributor and in 2009, he took the helm of the Scene as editor, when SouthComm purchased the paper from Village Voice Media.
Ridley’s talent earned first place honors in arts criticism from the Association for Alternative Newsmedia in 2006 and 2010. Under his leadership, the Nashville Scene won 40 AAN awards.
For a full obit and remembrance, visit nashvillescene.com.
Services were held Saturday, April 16, at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro. A GoFundMe account was set up to cover medical expenses, funeral expenses and to support his family.
Tin Pan South 2016: Night 4
/by Craig_ShelburneMarti Frederickson at The Country. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography
Some of Nashville’s top songwriters serenaded sold-out crowds at Tin Pan South shows at 10 different venues across Nashville on Friday night (April 8).
The “One Stop Shop for Nashville Pop” show at the Blue Bar featured Sammy Arriaga, Tyler Filmore, Sebastian Garcia and Steve Means. Kip Moore, Brett James, Caitlyn Smith and Justin Weaver delighted a packed Bluebird Café late show, and the same could be said for the late show at The Country with Kim McLean, Alyssa Micaela, Liz Rose and Emily Shackelton.
The line to see Naima Adedapo, Cassidy Lynn Alexander, Whitney Duncan, Clay Mills, Anthony Smith and special guests at the Commodore Grille early show was cut off before showtime due to an overflow crowd. Ella Mae Bowen, Marcus Hummon, Autumn McEntire, Chris Roberts and Scott Stevens packed the Douglas Corner early show, as did Tommy Lee James, Ryan Lafferty, Jon Randall and others at the Station Inn late show.
Meanwhile, the lineup at 3rd & Lindsley included Bobby Bones, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Travis Meadows, Lee Thomas Miller and Angaleena Presley, among others.
Pictured: Bobby Bones (red hat) leads the late round at 3rd & Lindsley with Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano and Lee Thomas Miller
Photo Credit: Jason Delkou Photography
Chris DeStefano. Photo: Jason Delkou Photography
Travis Meadows. Photo: Libby Oellerich
Angaleena Presley. Photo: Libby Oellerich
Carrie Underwood To Join Keith Urban On Tour In Australia
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood
While most artists will be winding down their tours in December, Carrie Underwood will ramp up with six newly-added tour dates in Australia. Underwood will join Keith Urban on the Australian leg of his Ripcord World Tour 2016.
The trek will be Underwood’s third trip Down Under, following an album promotional tour in 2011, and in 2012, when she brought her Blown Away Tour to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.
This time, Underwood and Urban will visit Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and wrap with two shows in Brisbane.
Underwood is touring throughout 2016 on The Storyteller Tour—Stories In The Round, which will wrap its U.S. dates on Nov. 28 in West Valley City, Utah.
Ripcord World Tour 2016 Australia Tour Dates:
Tues., Dec. 6, Adelaide – Entertainment Centre
Thurs., Dec. 8, Melbourne – Rod Laver Arena
Sat., Dec. 10, Canberra – GIO Stadium
Mon., Dec. 12, Sydney – Allphones Arena
Fri., Dec. 16, Brisbane – Entertainment Centre
Sat., Dec. 17, Brisbane – Entertainment Centre
Sam Hunt Leads Country Finalists For Billboard Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Hunt
Several Nashville artists are nominated for honors at the upcoming 2016 Billboard Music Awards, set to take place in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, and air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Sam Hunt has four nominations, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Album (for Montevallo), and two entries in the Top Country Song category, with “Take Your Time” and “Break Up In A Small Town.”
The Top Country Artist and Top Country Album categories mirror each other this year, with Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood earning the nominations in both categories.
Additional finalists for the Top Country Song category include Little Big Town‘s “Girl Crush,” Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man” and Chris Young‘s “I’m Comin’ Over.”
The Top Christian Artist finalists include Casting Crowns, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong United, MercyMe, and Chris Tomlin, while Top Gospel Artist finalists include Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene and Marvin Sapp.
Country duo Joey+Rory‘s Hymns That Are Important To Us was also nominated in the Top Christian Album category.
The Weeknd has the biggest showing among the finalists, with 19 nominations in 16 categories. Justin Bieber follows with 12 nominations in 11 categories. Drake and Fetty Wap are both finalists 11 times, in 10 categories. Taylor Swift and Adele are both finalists for eight awards.
2016 Billboard Music Awards Nominations:
Top Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top New Artist:
Fetty Wap
OMI
Charlie Puth
Silentó
Bryson Tiller
Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Ed Sheeran
The Weeknd
Top Female Artist:
Adele
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group:
Maroon 5
One Direction
twenty one pilots
The Rolling Stones
U2
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Hot 100 Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Song Sales Artist:
Adele
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
The Weeknd
Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Fetty Wap
Silentó
The Weeknd
Top Social Media Artist:
Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift
Top Touring Artist:
Madonna
One Direction
The Rolling Stones
Taylor Swift
U2
Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
Jeremih
Rihanna
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd
Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future
Wiz Khalifa
Silentó
Top Country Artist:
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan
Sam Hunt
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Top Rock Artist:
Fall Out Boy
Elle King
twenty one pilots
Walk the Moon
X Ambassadors
Top Latin Artist:
Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga
Juan Gabriel
Nicky Jam
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
David Guetta
Major Lazer
Zedd
Top Christian Artist:
Casting Crowns
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong United
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin
Top Gospel Artist:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Tasha Cobbs
Kirk Franklin
Travis Greene
Marvin Sapp
Top Billboard 200 Album:
Adele, 25
Justin Bieber, Purpose
Ed Sheeran, x
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness
Top Soundtrack:
Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
Fifty Shades of Grey
Furious 7
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
Pitch Perfect 2
Top R&B Album:
Chris Brown, Royalty
Rihanna, Anti
Bryson Tiller, T R A P S O U L
Tyrese, Black Rose
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness
Top Rap Album:
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Drake & Future, What A Time To Be Alive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly
Meek Mill, Dreams Worth More Than Money
Top Country Album:
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Luke Bryan, Kill The Lights
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Zac Brown Band, Jekyll + Hyde
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller
Top Rock Album:
Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
David Bowie, Blackstar
Coldplay, A Head Full Of Dreams
Mumford & Sons, Wilder Mind
twenty one pilots, Blurryface
Top Latin Album:
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Juan Gabriel, Mis Número 1…40 Aniversario
Mana, Cama Incendiada
Gerardo Ortiz, Hoy Más Fuerte
Romeo Santos, Formula, Vol. 2
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
David Guetta, Listen
Major Lazer, Peace Is The Mission
ODESZA, In Return
Skrillex & Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü
Zedd, True Colors
Top Christian Album:
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
Hillsong UNITED, Empires
Joey + Rory, Hymns That Are Important To Us
TobyMac, This Is Not A Test
Chris Tomlin, Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship
Top Gospel Album:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Everyday Jesus
Tasha Cobbs, One Place Live
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Jonathan McReynolds, Life Music: Stage Two
Marvin Sapp, You Shall Live
Top Hot 100 Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Selling Song:
Adele, “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
OMI, “Cheerleader”
Rachel Platten, “Fight Song”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Radio Song:
Adele “Hello”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Justin Bieber, “Sorry”
Justin Bieber, “What Do You Mean”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Top Streaming Song (Video):
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Silentó, “Watch Me”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top R&B Song:
Alessia Cara “Here”
Omarion Featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko, “Post To Be”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
The Weeknd, “The Hills”
Top Rap Song:
Drake, “Hotline Bling”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Fetty Wap, “679” feat. Remy Boyz
Silentó, “Watch Me”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Top Country Song:
Sam Hunt, “Break Up In A Small Town”
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
Thomas Rhett, “Die A Happy Man”
Chris Young, “I’m Comin’ Over”
Top Rock Song:
Fall Out Boy, “Uma Thurman”
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
twenty one pilots, “Stressed Out”
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”
X Ambassadors, “Renegades”
Top Latin Song:
J Balvin “Ginza”
Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdon”
Maluma, “Borro Cassette”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring ROZES, “Roses”
DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge, “You Know You Like It”
David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack, “Hey Mama”
Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring MØ, “Lean On”
Skrillex & Diplo, “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber
Top Christian Song:
Hillsong UNITED, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
Hillsong UNITED, “Touch The Sky”
MercyMe, “Flawless”
NEEDTOBREATHE Featuring Gavin DeGraw, “Brother”
Chris Tomlin, “Good Good Father”
Top Gospel Song:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy, “Worth”
Erica Campbell feat. Big Shizz, “I Luh God”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?”
Travis Greene, “Intentional”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “Worth Fighting For”
Capitol CMG Signs Hip Hop Duo Social Club Misfits
/by Jessica NicholsonSocial Club Misfits
Nashville-based label Capitol CMG has signed hip hop duo Social Club Misfits to its roster. The duo will release The Misfit Generation EP on May 6.
“We are honored to welcome Social Club Misfits to the Capitol CMG family of artists,” shares President of Capitol Christian Music Group Peter York. “They bring a unique energy, purpose and creative offering to our valued roster. They are effectively reaching their audience and making an impact in lives across the country with great music, a compelling show and a message of hope. I’m grateful to work with them and for what they represent in the world of hip hop.”
Social Club Misfits includes South Florida natives Martin (“Marty”) and Fernando (Fern”), and is working with producers Elvin “Wit” Shanhbazian, Chris Batson and Raymond Castro.
“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Capitol CMG,” says Social Club Misfits. “It’s an honor to get to work with such a great team who strongly supports our music and overall vision. Our new EP The Misfit Generation will maintain the Social Club [Misfits] sound while also broadening our scope to engage the culture at large.”
LifeNotes: Country Producer Brien Fisher Dies At 82
/by Robert K OermannBrien Fisher
Country record producer Brien Fisher has died at age 82.
Among his best-known productions is “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” by The Kendalls. It was named the CMA Single of the Year in 1978 and earned the father-daughter duo a Grammy Award.
The producer was born Frank O’Brien Fisher in 1933 in Kyles Ford, Tennessee. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Southeast Asia. Fisher was awarded a National Defense Service medal, a Korea Service medal, a China Service medal and the United Nations Medal. He received Sharpshooter Sniper status.
He was also a guitarist and a singer. After his discharge, Brien Fisher gained record label and producing experience in Ohio and Illinois, before heading to Music City.
In 1976, he was made the head of the country division of the Illinois-based independent label Ovation Records. The Kendalls’ debut LP for the company came out in 1977.
A disc jockey in Paducah, Kentucky, began playing “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” as an album track and called to say he was getting tremendous audience response to it. Fisher put it out as a single, and Ovation record promoter Joe Sun turned it into a chart-topping hit.
In 1978, Fisher produced promo man Sun singing “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” It also became a hit on Ovation. Further Fisher productions for The Kendalls in 1978-80 included “It Don’t Feel Like Sinnin’ to Me,” “Pittsburgh Stealers,” “Sweet Desire,” “You’d Make an Angel Want to Cheat,” “I’m Already Blue” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.”
Vern Gosdin signed with Ovation in 1981. Fisher produced such Gosdin hits as “Dream of Me” and “Too Long Gone” for the company. Other Ovation artists produced by Fisher included Max D. Barnes (“Cowboys Are Common as Sin”), The Cates (“Make Love to Me”), Jim Rushing (“I’ve Loved Enough to Know”) and Sheila Andrews (“Too Fast for Rapid City”).
Fisher continued to produce both Gosdin and The Kendalls after they left Ovation for other labels. Among the records were Gosdin’s “Today My World Slipped Away” and The Kendalls’ “Two Heart Harmony.”
He formed Brien Fisher Productions in Hendersonville in 1983. Later artists produced by him included DeAnna Cox, Glen Bonham, Ben Wasson and Jeannie Kendall as a solo artist.
In 1998, he produced the album Old Dogs, starring Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, Mel Tillis and Jerry Reed singing songs written by Shel Silverstein. The good-natured collection was well received by both fans and critics.
During his career, Fisher produced more than 20 Top 10 hit records. His productions resulted in some five million in sales. His works appeared on A.M.I.,Warner Bros., Mercury, Atlantic, Rustic and several other labels, in addition to Ovation.
In addition to record production, Fisher worked as the European TV music director for Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr., Ray Stevens, Emmylou Harris, B.J. Thomas, Jeannie C. Riley and Larry Gatlin.
The producer’s death was reported by The R.O.P.E. Reporter last week. Brien Fisher passed away on March 11, and his memorial service took place on March 19. Burial was in Nashville’s National Cemetery.
He is survived by his sons Kevin, Rufus and Dwayne Fisher, by brother Jack Fisher and by six grandchildren.
MusicRowPics: Rising Women On The Row 2016
/by Molly_HannulaMusicRow honored five music industry superstars today (April 8) during its fifth annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, held at the Omni Nashville.
The event saluted Sony/ATV’s Creative Director of A&R Abbey Adams, Maverick Nashville’s head of marketing and digital strategy Amanda Cates, Warner Music Nashville’s VP of A&R Cris Lacy, BMI’s executive director of writer/publisher relations Leslie Roberts, and WME’s first female partner in Nashville Risha Rodgers.
The morning also included an interview with AEG Live Sr. VP executive Ali Harnell, and a performance by Capitol Records Nashville rising artist Mickey Guyton.
City National Bank was again this year’s presenting sponsor. Supporting sponsors included Applauze, BMI, CAA, Dickinson Wright, IEBA, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, Martin Allbee & Associates, Maverick, Monarch Publicity, Nashville School of the Arts, The Recording Academy & MusiCares, Sony/ATV, Song Suffragettes: Let the Girls Play, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Nashville and WME.
Read all about it in Bobby Karl’s recap.
Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Amanda Cates, Leslie Roberts, Cris Lacy, Abbey Adams, Risha Rodgers, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, City National Bank’s Diane Pearson and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured: Ali Harnell and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured: Ali Harnell. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Abbey Adams and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Amanda Cates and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Cris Lacy and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Leslie Roberts and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Risha Rodgers and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured: Mickey Guyton. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured: Mickey Guyton. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured: Sherod Robertson and Ali Harnell. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L – R): Risha Rodgers and Lou Taylor. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured (L – R): Troy Stephenson, Robert K. Oermann and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured (L – R): Erika Wollam Nichols, Leslie Fram and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured: Sherod Robertson and Alicia Warwick. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured (L – R): Elizabeth Motley, Mickey Guyton and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured: Sherod Robertson and Whitney Daane. Photo: Molly Hannula
Pictured (L – R): Craig Shelburne, Tracy Gershon and Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
APA Nashville Office Adds Three
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jeff Hill, Jim Butler, Miles Hayes
APA has added three new agents to its Nashville office, including Jeff Hill, Jim Butler and Miles Hayes. The announcement was made today by Steve Lassiter, SVP/Partner and Head of Concerts at APA Nashville.
“I’m very excited to welcome Jeff, Jim and Miles to our team,” said Lassiter. “Each of them bring their own specific talents and expertise to the table, which will be a great asset to our company as we continue to expand our real estate and influence in Music City.”
A 21-year music industry veteran, Hill previously worked for CAA, where his clients included Trace Adkins, Two Foot Fred, Craig Morgan, Montgomery Gentry and Faith Hill. He has also been a member of the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
Butler most recently spent a decade at CAA, where his clients included Russell Dickerson, Chase Rice and Carter Winter. He has been a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame Troubadour Society.
Hayes began his career at Meridian Entertainment Group before joining WME and building his reputation through his work with organizations such as SOLID, Country Music Hall of Fame Troubadour Society, and IEBA.