The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) honored the top 221 songwriters and 290 certifications for this winter’s most popular tunes, as part of its G&P Program, which identifies and honors songwriters of RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum singles.
Country songwriter Rodney Clawson was among those songwriters picking up the most honors, with four G&P certifications, for “Burnin’ It Down” (Jason Aldean), “Sippin’ On Fire” (Florida Georgia Line), “Southern Girl” (Tim McGraw), and “Where I Come From” (Montgomery Gentry).
Other songwriters honored include Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Ed Sheeran, Peter Svensson, and Nadir Khavat.
“The songs we know by heart aren’t always written by the artists we see. They are the work of brilliant writers who pen the notes and lyrics we love,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program celebrates these talented songwriters and reminds us that great music is a team effort.”
The top publishers honored were:
Sony/ATV Music Publishing, with 86 certifications (29 Gold/21 Platinum/36-Multi-Platinum)
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), with 49 certifications (15 Gold/15 Platinum/19 Multi-Platinum)
Warner/Chappell Music, with 46 certifications (13 Gold/12 Platinum/21 Multi-Platinum)
Kobalt Music, with 31 certifications (12 Gold/9 Platinum/10 Multi-Platinum)
BMG, with 23 certifications (15 Gold/ 5 Platinum/3 Multi-Platinum)
Round Hill Music: 10
SONGS Music Publishing: 10
Pulse Music Publishing: 5
Reservoir Media Management: 5
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.: 5
Imagem: 4
Bluewater Music: 4
Spirit Music Group: 3
The Administration MP: 2
Disney Music Publishing: 1
Clearbox Rights: 1
Ole: 1
Peer Music: 1
Big Deal Music: 1
Black River Entertainment: 1
In Photos: SESAC ACM Awards After Party
/by Jessica NicholsonMGM Grand’s Losers Bar in Las Vegas served as the backdrop for SESAC’s festive party following the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM). The celebratory soiree attracted a diverse array of artists, songwriters, publishers and music industry executives crowning a week of performances and festivities.
Artist/songwriter Craig Campbell hangs out with SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Craig Campbell, songwriter Vicky McGehee, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and songwriter Rob Hatch. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Huskins-Harris Business Management’s Becky Harris and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Pictured: Shalacy Griffin, Jeffrey East, producer/publisher Michael Knox, Michael Tyler, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, songwriter Jaron Boyer and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
MusicRowLife: Kara Holmes, Ben Enos, Granger Smith, Dee Jay Silver
/by Jessica NicholsonKara Holmes, Ben Enos Wed
Kara Holmes (assistant at CAA) and Ben Enos (tour photographer for Brad Paisley) were married on Monday, March 28. The ceremony was held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Nashville with a reception following at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center. They are currently on their honeymoon in Italy and Greece.
Photo: Al Gordon
Photo: Al Gordon
Granger Smith, Wife Expecting Third Child
Granger Smith
Dee Jay Silver, Wife Expecting First Child
Dee Jay Silver and wife Jenna are expecting their first child in September.
The Nashville-based producer will return to the road as part of Jason Aldean‘s We Were Here Tour 2016 on April 29, to entertain concertgoers between sets from Aldean, Thomas Rhett and A Thousand Horses.
He also has several festival appearances lined up for the summer, including Rock the South (June 3-4 in Cullman, AL), Carolina Country Music Festival (June 10-12 in Myrtle Beach, SC), Windy City LakeShake Music Festival (June 17-19 in Chicago, IL),Faster Horses Country Music Festival (July 15-17 in Brooklyn, MI) and WatershedMusic Festival (July 29-31 and August 5-7 in George, WA).
Mingo Photography
In Photos: ACM Party For A Cause Festival
/by Molly_HannulaThe Academy of Country Music’s 4th ACM Party For A Cause took place April 1-3 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Headliners included Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley and Carrie Underwood.
Fri., April 1
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Cam. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for ACM
Jana Kramer. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM
Kelleigh Bannen. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Kellie Pickler. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Lauren Alaina. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Pictured (L-R): Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye of Maddie & Tae. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for ACM)
Martina McBride. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for ACM
Saturday, April 2
Pictured (L-R): John Osborne and TJ Osborne of the Brothers Osborne. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM
Chase Bryant. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Chris Janson. Photo: by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Chris Lane. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Chris Young. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Courtney Cole. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Pictured (L-R): Dierks Bentley, Eric Paslay and Charles Kelley. Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for ACM
Pictured: Dierks Bentley. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Dustin Lynch. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for ACM
Frankie Ballard. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for ACM
Jackson Michelson. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Lee Brice. Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for ACM
Michael Hobby of A Thousand Horses. Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
Sunday, April 3
Pictured: Kenny Chesney. Mark Davis/Getty Images for ACM
Sam Hunt. Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for ACM
Brett Eldredge. Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for ACM
Chase Rice (on right). Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for ACM
Lindsay Ell. Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for ACM
Maren Morris. Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for ACM
Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion. Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for ACM
Cracker Barrel Creates Clever Original Content At ACM Party For A Cause
/by Craig_ShelburneCountry artists and social media sensations connected with Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores to share original content while backstage at the ACM Party For A Cause Festival, which was held April 1-3 in Las Vegas. The multimedia event was produced by FlyteVu, a Nashville-based company co-founded by Jeremy Holley and Laura Hutfless in October 2015.
The Content Creator Studio, part of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Spotlight Music program, hosted several popular social media stars as they conducted exclusive interviews with country music’s top artists during the festival. Frankie Ballard, Kelsea Ballerini, Kellie Pickler, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, Cole Swindell, The Band Perry, and Chris Young were just a few of those artists checking out the event.
Music fans and festival goers can find these exclusive interviews, photos and videos on Cracker Barrel’s website and many of the brand’s other channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For three days, the four themed sections within the Content Creator Studio powered by Cracker Barrel were home to social media stars with a combined digital reach of 22 million followers. These include magician and America’s Got Talent finalist Collins Key, YouTube beauty star and The Amazing Race competitor Blair Fowler, Instagram favorite Doug the Pug, American Ultimate Disc League player and trick shot performer Brodie Smith, beatboxer and Pitch Perfect 2 star 80Fitz, and self-taught dance sensation Amymarie Gaertner. Additionally, fashion illustrator Alex Kim sketched artists as they arrive to the studio and final drawings will go up on her Instagram @KimDesigns.
Brodie Smith, host of the Man Cave, is a trick shot expert who appears on the current season of The Amazing Race. See the video of his appearance at ACM Party For a Cause, as he interacts with Chris Young and more country artists.
ACM Awards Receives 2.2 Rating, 11.18 Million Viewers
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton and Katy Perry. Photo: ACM/Getty Images/Ethan Miller
The 51st ACM Awards, which aired Sunday, April 3 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, slipped in year-to-year ratings, with the show averaging 2.2 adults 18-49 rating, and 11.18 million viewers from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. ET, according to Headline Planet. This year’s show included more than 20 performers, including an extended duet performance with Dolly Parton and Katy Perry.
Last year’s ACM Awards, which saw the show celebrate its 50th year with a special (and longer) show at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas Texas, drew 15.98 million total viewers and a 3.6 rating. In 2014, the show averaged a 3.3 rating among adults 18-49 and pulled in 14.1 million viewers.
This year, the ACM Awards was pitted against another music ceremony, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, which was simulcast on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, and ran in the same 8-11 p.m. timeslot. Additionally, The Walking Dead‘s season 6 finale aired, though only in the 9-10:30 p.m. window.
Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Zac Brown Band Win At iHeartRadio Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Swift (R), winner of the Best Tour award, and singer Justin Timberlake pose backstage at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photo: iheart.com/Kevin Mazur of Getty Images for iHeartRadio / Turner
Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, and Chris Janson were announced as winners on Sunday night’s (April 3) iHeartRadio Awards.
Zac Brown Band earned Rock Song of the Year for “Heavy Is The Head,” featuring Chris Cornell.
Though Bryan was busy co-hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards with Dierks Bentley that evening, he still earned the iHeartRadio Music Awards’ trophy for Country Artist of the Year.
Janson’s “Buy Me A Boat” earned the singer-songwriter Country Song of the Year.
Brad Paisley made an appearance on electric guitar, backing up Demi Lovato‘s performance of “Stone Cold.” He also presented an award to Taylor Swift, who earned five trophies, including Best Tour, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (1989), Most “Meme-able” Moment (for her “Blank Space” video), and Most Thumbed Up.
Chris Janson, winner of Country Song of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, posed for photos backstage at the ACM Party For a Cause Festival with TK Kimbrell (TKO Management), Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Kelly Janson, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), and Storme Warren.
Demi Lovato and Brad Paisley at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photo: iheart.com/ Andrew Swartz for iHeartRadio
Bobby Bones and Amy at iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photo: iheart.com/Getty Images
Meghan Trainor on the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photo: iheart.com/Getty Images
In Photos: Warner Music Nashville ACM Awards After Party
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner Music Nashville artists and execs celebrated after the ACM Awards on Sunday night in Las Vegas. The show included performances by Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson and Cole Swindell.
Pictured: John Esposito and Peter Strickland pose with WMN artists High Valley, Michael Ray and Jana Kramer.
Pictured: Dan + Shay at WMN’s post-ACM Awards dinner with Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN).
Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell, Brett Eldredge, Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN), Blake Shelton, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Chris Janson
Pictured (L-R): Rac Clark (RAC Clark, Executive Producer ACM Awards), Brett Eldredge, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Jack Sussman (EVP Specials, Music & Live Events, CBS Entertainment)
In Photos: Big Machine Label Group ACM Awards After Party
/by Jessica NicholsonGuests attend the celebration of The 51st Annual ACM Awards with Big Machine Label Group at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rick Diamond/ACM2016/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group)
Big Machine Label Group had big reasons to celebrate in Las Vegas on Sunday night after the ACM Awards. BMLG artist Thomas Rhett earned his first ACM Award for Single Record of the Year for “Die a Happy Man,” while Florida Georgia Line took home their third consecutive ACM Vocal Duo of the Year. Earlier in the week, the duo was also honored by the RIAA with a Diamond Award for “Cruise.” It is the only country single to be certified 10x platinum.
Other BMLG appearances included Tim McGraw‘s performance of “Humble and Kind,” backed by a diverse group of singers from around the world. Cassadee Pope made her debut appearance on the ACM Awards, performing “Think of You” with Chris Young. Additionally, Martina McBride and Maddie & Tae served as presenters.
Pictured (L-R): CMT SVP Music Strategy Leslie Fram, Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins and The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston
Pictured (L-R): BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, The Valory Music Co.’s SVP Promotion George Briner, Florida George Line’s Tyler Hubbard, BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Republic Nashville VP Promotion Matthew Hargis, and Thomas Rhett.
Pictured (L-R): BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure and Dann Huff (co-producers of Rhett’s “Die a Happpy Man”) and The Valory Music Co.’s SVP Promotion George Briner
In Photos: Sony Music Nashville ACM After Party
/by Craig_ShelburneSony Music Nashville executives and artists mingled at a private party at MGM Lofts after the ACM Awards in Las Vegas on Sun., April 1. Miranda Lambert helped the label group bring home trophies following her seventh consecutive win in the Female Vocalist of the Year category, as well as an award for Vocal Event (“Smokin’ and Drinkin’” with Little Big Town). Sony Music Nashville artists Cam, Lambert, Old Dominion (an early winner for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year), Carrie Underwood and Chris Young performed on the show, while presenters included Garth Brooks, Jake Owen and Chase Rice.
Pictured (L-R): Columbia Nashville’s Chase Rice; Jim Catino, VP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; RCA Nashville’s Jake Owen; and Sony Music Nashville’s EVP/COO Ken Robold, EVP, Promotion and Artist Development Steve Hodges and Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman. Photo: Meishach Moore
Pictured (L-R): Arista Nashville/RCA Records’ Cam and RCA Nashville’s Kane Brown. Photo: Meishach Moore
Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Taylor Lindsey, Sr. Director, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Brad Tursi , Old Dominion; (Back Row, L-R) Will Hitchcock, Morris Higham Management; Ken Robold, EVP/COO, Sony Music Nashville; Whit Sellers, Trevor Rosen, and Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Geoff Sprung, Old Dominion. Photo: Meishach Moore
Pictured (L-R): RCA Nashville’s Miranda Lambert, Columbia Nashville’s Maren Morris.
NMPA Honors Top Songwriters And Publishers With G&P Program
/by Jessica NicholsonThe National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) honored the top 221 songwriters and 290 certifications for this winter’s most popular tunes, as part of its G&P Program, which identifies and honors songwriters of RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum singles.
Country songwriter Rodney Clawson was among those songwriters picking up the most honors, with four G&P certifications, for “Burnin’ It Down” (Jason Aldean), “Sippin’ On Fire” (Florida Georgia Line), “Southern Girl” (Tim McGraw), and “Where I Come From” (Montgomery Gentry).
Other songwriters honored include Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Ed Sheeran, Peter Svensson, and Nadir Khavat.
“The songs we know by heart aren’t always written by the artists we see. They are the work of brilliant writers who pen the notes and lyrics we love,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program celebrates these talented songwriters and reminds us that great music is a team effort.”
The top publishers honored were:
Sony/ATV Music Publishing, with 86 certifications (29 Gold/21 Platinum/36-Multi-Platinum)
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), with 49 certifications (15 Gold/15 Platinum/19 Multi-Platinum)
Warner/Chappell Music, with 46 certifications (13 Gold/12 Platinum/21 Multi-Platinum)
Kobalt Music, with 31 certifications (12 Gold/9 Platinum/10 Multi-Platinum)
BMG, with 23 certifications (15 Gold/ 5 Platinum/3 Multi-Platinum)
Round Hill Music: 10
SONGS Music Publishing: 10
Pulse Music Publishing: 5
Reservoir Media Management: 5
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.: 5
Imagem: 4
Bluewater Music: 4
Spirit Music Group: 3
The Administration MP: 2
Disney Music Publishing: 1
Clearbox Rights: 1
Ole: 1
Peer Music: 1
Big Deal Music: 1
Black River Entertainment: 1