Country Music Hall of Fame member Sonny James, one of the genre’s most prolific hit makers, has passed away at age 86.
Known as “The Southern Gentleman,” James died on Feb. 22, according to his website. In 1967, James became the first host of the CMA Awards. He was the first Nashville country star to get a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
During his long career, he placed more than 70 titles on the country hit parade and scored 43 Top 10 hits. Between 1967 and 1972, he had 16 consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard country chart.
In 1956-57, his singles “Young Love” and “First Date, First Kiss, First Love” became pop-crossover, teen-music successes. More than a dozen of his other country singles also placed on the pop charts.
He was born James Hugh Loden on May 1, 1929. The family’s hometown was Hackelburg, Alabama, which is where he began his career. He began playing guitar, mandolin and fiddle before he reached his teens and was soon touring with his parents and sister as The Loden Family. By the 1940s, the Lodens were regulars on WNOX in Knoxville.
Sonny James served in the National Guard during the Korean War. While overseas, he began writing songs for the first time. Following his discharge, he travelled to Nashville. Chet Atkins, who’d known him in Knoxville, admired his flat-top guitar skills and became his mentor. Atkins introduced him to Capitol Records executive Ken Nelson, who offered Sonny James a recording contract.
James first hit the Top 10 with 1953’s “That’s Me Without You.” Four more singles hit the charts in 1954-56. Then came “Young Love.” In 1956, it became a No. 1 smash on both the country and pop charts and sold a million. For the next few years, James toured as a teen idol.
During the 1950s, he was also a regular on TV’s The Ozark Jubilee. He got his star in Hollywood in 1961. The following year, he was invited to join the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
His permanent return to the country hit parade began with 1963’s “The Minute You’re Gone.” An even bigger country hit came the following year, “You’re the Only World I Know.”
He was featured in a number of pioneering country feature films of the 1960s. These included Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar (1965), Nashville Rebel (1966), Las Vegas Hillbillys (1966) and Hillbillys in a Haunted House (1967).
In 1967, he and Bobbie Gentry were chosen to co-host the first CMA Awards show. The show began its long run as a network television staple the following year.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sonny James specialized in country versions of such pop hits as “Take Good Care of Her,” “I’ll Never Find Another You,” “A World of Our Own,” “Born to Be With You,” “Only the Lonely,” “Running Bear,” “Since I Met You Baby,” “It’s Just a Matter of TIme,” “My Love,” “Endlessly” and “Only Love Can Break a Heart.”
Sonny James played guitar on all of his recording sessions and his live shows always showcased his acoustic-guitar prowess. His soft-spoken humility and courtly manners brought him the nickname “The Southern Gentleman.”
In 1971, a cassette of his music accompanied the Apollo 14 space mission. He was rewarded with an American flag that had been taken to the moon.
In the 1970s, James branched out into song publishing and record production. He produced the first three albums by Marie Osmond. The first one included her breakthrough country hit, 1973’s “Paper Roses.”
In his own recording career, he signed with Columbia Records and immediately scored a No. 1 hit with 1972’s “When the Snow Is on the Roses.” Another notable big song for James during this era was 1974’s “Is It Wrong (For Loving You).”
In 1977, he traveled to the Tennessee State Penitentiary to record In Prison, In Person. A country band of inmates accompanied him on this landmark album.
Sonny James retired from live performing in 1983. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
He is survived by his wife Doris. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Industry Ink: CMA Awards, Music Biz, T.J. Martell Foundation, Johnstone Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonCMA Highlights 50 Years Of Memorable CMA Awards Moments
The series is titled “CMA Awards 50/50,” and debuts today (Feb. 23) on the CMA’s social platform. The episodes will be released weekly until later this summer, when CMA will release two each week leading up to the broadcast of the 50th Annual CMA Awards in November.
“We have such a rich history and legacy,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The anniversary of our Awards is the perfect opportunity to share that content with our fans as we gear up for Country Music’s Biggest Night in November.”
The series’ videos highlight an array of performances, collaborations, fashion from the past five decades, memorable host moments, and more.
The “CMA Awards 50/50” series is produced by Wilder Media.
“These are the moments from the Awards over the past five decades that resonate with our artists and fans,” Trahern said. “The CMA Awards reflect a moment in history and popular culture. Many of the artists we talked to for the series watched the show growing up. And now, going back and reflecting on some of those acceptance speeches and performances, evokes some great memories.”
Watch the first installment below.
T.J. Martell Foundation To Be Honored By Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present its Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award to the T.J. Martell Foundation in recognition of its four decades of peerless charitable and philanthropic contributions to leukemia, cancer, and AIDS research, among many other accomplishments.
The award presentation will take place during the Music Biz 2016 Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 18, at the Renaissance Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville. It will be accepted by T.J. Martell Foundation CEO Laura Heatherly and feature a video message from Founder and Chairman Tony Martell.
“The T.J. Martell Foundation has been a guiding light in the music industry for more than 40 years, providing a strong and highly successful model for other music-based charitable efforts to follow,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “From major industry events such as the annual Honors Gala to local fundraising efforts throughout the U.S., the T.J. Martell Foundation has generated more than $270 million in donations toward leukemia, cancer, and AIDS research. Their efforts embody the charitable spirit of our award namesake Harry Chapin, and we are pleased to honor them with this award.”
Shenandoah Signs With Johnstone Entertainment
Shenandoah
Grammy Award-winning group Shenandoah has signed with Johnstone Entertainment for management. The band will be represented by Cole Johnstone.
“The confidence that you place in a person should be based on the true understanding you have of their integrity, wisdom and vision,” says Shenandoah original lead singer Marty Raybon. “We feel we made the right decision with Cole Johnstone as our manager as we set our sights on the future.”
Reach Johnstone at cole@johnstoneent.com.
BMI Announces Showcases At SXSW
/by Troy_StephensonTuesday, March 15, BMI’s SXSW festivities begin with the Howdy Texas party, held at Stubb’s BBQ. The party features performances by the Peterson Brothers and Dale Watson.
The BMI and SAG-AFTRA present Iggy Pop at ACL Live at the Moody Theatre show will take place Wednesday, March 16. Iggy Pop has recently collaborated with Queen of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme and this show will be one of the first times the pair showcases their collaboration live.
Thursday, March 17, from 12 to 6 p.m., Lamberts Downtown Barbeque will host a Day Party featuring electro-pop artist Mobley, dance band CAPYAC, dream pop group Twin Limb, Ohio-based rock and rollers Welshley Arms, alternative duo Armstrong Leigh, surf psych/Thai funk band Khraungbin and progressive indie performers Young Tongue.
The indie rock showcase, also Thursday, March 17, at Trinity Hall, will feature six acts in the alternative rock world: Electo-pop group Secret Weapons, Cleveland, rock and roll group Welshly Arms, indie hip-hop duo The Blancos, Chicago crooner Janelle Kroll, pop singer Fletcher and LA-based rockers Weathers. Past Indie rock showcase performers include breakout pop star Halsey and bluesy rockers All Them Witches. Prior to the showcase, BMI will host a happy hour, with music by Khruangbin.
Friday, March 18, the Acoustic Brunch, presented in partnership with SunTrust Bank, will highlight singer-songwriter Hailey Knox, synth-rocker Tor Miller, soulful pop singer Shawn Hook, L.A.-based pop-rockers Transviolet, Michigan’s alt-folk group The Accidentals, indie-soul performer JMR and country garage-rocker Aubrie Sellers.
BMI presents Acoustic Latin Sounds at Departure Lounge will take place Friday evening highlighting top songwriters in Latin genres such as reggaeton, traditional Mexican, pop and more. Alternative Mexican singer/songwriter/producer Mitre, reggaeton/hip-hop performer Joyce Santana, singer/songwriter Vanessa Zamora and alternative pop stars Pedrina y Rio will perform from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. The showcase was one of BMI’s biggest hits last year, featuring Raquel Sofia, Anna Sophia and more.
With more than 25 performers, the BMI events at South by Southwest will highlight the best of the up-and-coming songwriters, along with a few seasoned veterans, in genres including Latin, indie, rock and pop. Complete schedules will soon be available on bmi.com.
ACM Announces Nominees For Industry Awards, Studio Recording Awards
/by Craig_ShelburneAlthough these trophies will not be presented during the ACM Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, the Industry Award and Studio Recording Award honorees will be formally recognized at the 10th Annual ACM Honors event at the Ryman Auditorium this fall.
INDUSTRY AWARD NOMINEES:
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
• Boondocks – Springfield, Illinois
• Bub City – Chicago, Illinois
• The Bluestone – Columbus, Ohio
• The Pageant – St. Louis, Missouri
• 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis, Indiana
CASINO OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
• Beau Rivage Resort & Casino – Biloxi, Mississippi
• Inn of The Mountain Gods –Mescalero, New Mexico
• Riverwind Casino – Norman, Oklahoma
• Turning Stone Showroom – Verona, New York
• Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, Connecticut
CASINO OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
• Casino Rama – Rama, Ontario, Canada
• Choctaw Casino Event Center – Durant, Oklahoma
• Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, Connecticut
• The Colosseum at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada
• The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
VENUE OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
• Georgia Theatre – Athens, Georgia
• House of Blues – Anaheim, California
• House of Blues – Boston, Massachusetts
• Terminal 5 – New York, New York
• The Rave/Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
VENUE OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
• Ascend Amphitheatre – Nashville, Tennessee
• Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook – Gilford, New Hampshire
• Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Huntington Center – Toledo, Ohio
• Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie – Grand Prairie, Texas
VENUE OF THE YEAR – LARGE CAPACITY
• Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
• Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion – Bangor, Maine
• Gorge Amphitheatre – Quincy, Washington
• Klipsch Music Center – Noblesville, Indiana
• Xfinity Center – Mansfield, Massachusetts
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
• Boots and Hearts Music Festival – Toronto, Canada
• Faster Horses – Brooklyn, Michigan
• Stagecoach – Indio, California
• Watershed – Quincy, Washington
• Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, Illinois
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
• Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
• Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
• Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
• John Valentino – AEG Live
• Stacey Vee – Goldenvoice
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
• Brent Fedrizzi –AEG Live
• Darin Lashinsky – National Shows 2
• Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
• Jason Wright – Live Nation
• Michael Yerke – House of Blues
STUDIO RECORDING AWARD NOMINEES:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Mark Hill
• Tully Kennedy
• Tony Lucido
• Michael Rhodes
• Jimmie Lee Sloas
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
• Chad Cromwell
• Fred Eltringham
• Shannon Forrest
• Chris McHugh
• Nir Zidkyahu
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• JT Corenflos
• Kenny Greenberg
• Jerry McPherson
• Danny Rader
• Derek Wells
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Jim ‘Moose’ Brown
• Charlie Judge
• Gordon Mote
• Steve Nathan
• Matt Rollings
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Dan Dugmore
• Glen Duncan
• Larry Franklin
• Aubrey Haney
• Danny Rader
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Steve Fishell
• Paul Franklin
• Steve Hinson
• Mike Johnson
• Russ Pahl
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
• Derek Bason
• Steve Marcantonio
• Justin Niebank
• Vance Powell
• Reid Shippen
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
• Nathan Chapman
• Dave Cobb
• Ross Copperman
• Dann Huff
• Michael Knox
Chris Young and Cassadee Pope Provide In-flight Entertainment on Southwest
/by Sherod RobertsonRCA Records’ Chris Young along with duet partner, Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope, give surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.
RCA Records’ Chris Young along with duet partner, Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope, took to the skies yesterday (Feb. 22) to give a surprise performance to a packed ‘house’ on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One–a Boeing 737-700, emblazoned with an artist’s rendition of the Tennessee State Flag.
Celebrating being in the state of Tennessee for 30 years, Southwest hosted a reception before the flight where guests enjoyed an acoustic performance by Columbia Recording Artist Maren Morris. Guests were then led outside for an unveiling of the airline’s newest specialty aircraft with Republic Nashville’s A Thousand Horses performing in front of the airliner. Nashville mayor Megan Barry was also on hand for the celebration offering a proclamation from the city.
Republic Nashville’s Cassadee Pope and RCA Records’ Chris Young in front of Southwest Airlines’ Tennessee One.
Once in the air, Young entertained the Southwest employees, customers and community leaders in a surprise Live at 35® inflight performance by singing his latest No. 1 hit, “I’m Comin’ Over.” Pope, who is currently touring with Young, joined him for an acoustic version of their duet single, “Think Of You.”
During the flight, Young told MusicRow, “You are up 35,000 feet in the air and performing. Not a lot of people get to check that off a bucket list. It’s an experience unlike anything else.”
“I was so excited to be invited,” added Pope. “There’s always that joke when you carry your guitar on the plane about whether you’re going to play, and today– we finally did!”
The flight arrived in Memphis with a water arch salute and fanfare before heading back to Music City.
RCA Records’ Chris Young gives surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.
RCA Records’ Chris Young gives surprise Live at 35® inflight performance on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight of Tennessee One.
Carnival Music Adds Marla Cannon-Goodman To Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonMarla Cannon-Goodman
Carnival Music has signed Marla Cannon-Goodman to its roster of talented songwriters.
While still working as a nurse in the 1990s, she penned “The Fool,” which Lee Ann Womack recorded in 1997. The song topped the country charts, becoming the first No. 1 single for both writer and performer. Cannon-Goodman followed the hit with additional chart-toppers including “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” (Tracy Byrd), and “Cleaning This Gun” (Rodney Atkins), as well as songs that have been recorded by Eddy Arnold, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Billy Currington, Sammy Kershaw, Blake Shelton, George Strait, and more.
She recently penned several songs with newcomer Tucker Beathard, including his current single “Rock On,” while Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson recorded the Cannon-Goodman composition “Unfair Weather Friend” for their acclaimed Django and Jimmie duets album.
“‘The Fool’ was the first Marla song I heard,” Carnival Music’s Frank Liddell said. “It helped her launch her career, and it helped me land a wife. I went from the fool to the hero. I’ve admired Marla’s songwriting from across town for quite some time. It’s only natural that she’s now part of our family. She’s getting ready for a great run.”
“Signing a deal with Carnival has been a long time coming for me,” Cannon-Goodman said. “I love those guys. I’m looking forward to the ride.”
Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris Will Play SXSW Spotify House
/by Craig_ShelburneKacey Musgraves and new Sony Music Nashville signings LANco and Maren Morris will perform at the Spotify House at South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, on March 16.
Musgraves will perform on the main stage at 6:15 p.m. after a set by Nashville musician Rayland Baxter at 4:30 p.m. Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy will perform their first-ever set in English at 3 p.m., following early afternoon sets from Morris at 1:30 p.m. and LANco at noon.
Americana artist John Moreland will also take the side stage that day at 3:45 p.m., followed by Lucie Silvas at 5:30 p.m.
The Spotify House will be held from March 14-18, with performances across all five days. Other confirmed artists include CHVRCHES, Miguel, Vince Staples, The Kills, St. Lucia, and many others. RSVPs may be submitted at SpotifyHouse.com.
LifeNotes: “The Southern Gentleman” Sonny James Passes
/by Robert K OermannCountry Music Hall of Fame member Sonny James, one of the genre’s most prolific hit makers, has passed away at age 86.
Known as “The Southern Gentleman,” James died on Feb. 22, according to his website. In 1967, James became the first host of the CMA Awards. He was the first Nashville country star to get a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
During his long career, he placed more than 70 titles on the country hit parade and scored 43 Top 10 hits. Between 1967 and 1972, he had 16 consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard country chart.
In 1956-57, his singles “Young Love” and “First Date, First Kiss, First Love” became pop-crossover, teen-music successes. More than a dozen of his other country singles also placed on the pop charts.
He was born James Hugh Loden on May 1, 1929. The family’s hometown was Hackelburg, Alabama, which is where he began his career. He began playing guitar, mandolin and fiddle before he reached his teens and was soon touring with his parents and sister as The Loden Family. By the 1940s, the Lodens were regulars on WNOX in Knoxville.
Sonny James served in the National Guard during the Korean War. While overseas, he began writing songs for the first time. Following his discharge, he travelled to Nashville. Chet Atkins, who’d known him in Knoxville, admired his flat-top guitar skills and became his mentor. Atkins introduced him to Capitol Records executive Ken Nelson, who offered Sonny James a recording contract.
James first hit the Top 10 with 1953’s “That’s Me Without You.” Four more singles hit the charts in 1954-56. Then came “Young Love.” In 1956, it became a No. 1 smash on both the country and pop charts and sold a million. For the next few years, James toured as a teen idol.
During the 1950s, he was also a regular on TV’s The Ozark Jubilee. He got his star in Hollywood in 1961. The following year, he was invited to join the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
His permanent return to the country hit parade began with 1963’s “The Minute You’re Gone.” An even bigger country hit came the following year, “You’re the Only World I Know.”
He was featured in a number of pioneering country feature films of the 1960s. These included Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar (1965), Nashville Rebel (1966), Las Vegas Hillbillys (1966) and Hillbillys in a Haunted House (1967).
In 1967, he and Bobbie Gentry were chosen to co-host the first CMA Awards show. The show began its long run as a network television staple the following year.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sonny James specialized in country versions of such pop hits as “Take Good Care of Her,” “I’ll Never Find Another You,” “A World of Our Own,” “Born to Be With You,” “Only the Lonely,” “Running Bear,” “Since I Met You Baby,” “It’s Just a Matter of TIme,” “My Love,” “Endlessly” and “Only Love Can Break a Heart.”
Sonny James played guitar on all of his recording sessions and his live shows always showcased his acoustic-guitar prowess. His soft-spoken humility and courtly manners brought him the nickname “The Southern Gentleman.”
In 1971, a cassette of his music accompanied the Apollo 14 space mission. He was rewarded with an American flag that had been taken to the moon.
In the 1970s, James branched out into song publishing and record production. He produced the first three albums by Marie Osmond. The first one included her breakthrough country hit, 1973’s “Paper Roses.”
In his own recording career, he signed with Columbia Records and immediately scored a No. 1 hit with 1972’s “When the Snow Is on the Roses.” Another notable big song for James during this era was 1974’s “Is It Wrong (For Loving You).”
In 1977, he traveled to the Tennessee State Penitentiary to record In Prison, In Person. A country band of inmates accompanied him on this landmark album.
Sonny James retired from live performing in 1983. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
He is survived by his wife Doris. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Sam Hunt, Big Sean, Lzzy Hale Announce Grammy Amplifier Winners
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Hunt, Big Sean, and Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale teamed to announce the winners of Hyundai and The Recording Academy’s fourth annual Grammy Amplifier program.
Chosen from about 4,000 entrants, the winners are hard rockers American Bombshell, R&B artist Kirby Maurier and Blake Shelton team member on season two of The Voice, Adley Stump. Each win one of three prize packages: a studio recording session with a Recording Academy producer, a live performance showcase series opening for a noted artist; or the filming of a music video with a celebrated director.
Maurier’s first album Doing The Most was released in July of 2015 and was featured by iTunes and Apple Music during its first week of release. It was one of the highest selling indie R&B albums in the South Atlantic Region for 2015.
Five-member rock band American Bombshell recently released the video for “No Regrets,” and are working on a full-length album by the same title.
Stump auditioned for season 2 of The Voice on a dare and secured a spot on Blake Shelton’s team. Her latest two musical releases have been in the iTunes Top 40 Country Chart and she contributed to the book “How They Sell Music.” Stump is currently recording in FAME Studios in Nashville.
“It takes a whole lot of passion, commitment and conviction to put yourself out there, to enter a competition and to be judged,” said Hunt. “There is no formula for making it in this business, but American Bombshell, Kirby and Adley have been given a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow as musicians. There’s absolutely nothing that gives us more pleasure than to be a part of an initiative like the Grammy Amplifier program, that gives these aspiring talents opportunities that will help them to develop their crafts.”
“It’s a privilege to be a part of a program that at its core provides young artists the opportunity to develop their artistry and share their passion with others,” said Dean Evans, CMO Hyundai Motor America. “GRAMMY Amplifier is a platform of discovery and mentorship, powering the creative genius within new artists to help them feel inspired, activated and focused on making their musical dreams a reality.”
Industry Ink: CMHoF Highlights Eric Church Co-Writers, CSM Acquires JHE, Volvo Adds Spotify
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum Highlights Eric Church Exhibit With Songwriters Round
Pictured are (L-R): Jeff Hyde, Jeremy Spillman, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Luke Laird, and Casey Beathard. Photo: Abi Tapia, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum closed out the Eric Church: Inside the Outsider exhibit with a songwriter round featuring some of Church’s go-to songwriters Casey Beathard, Jeff Hyde, Luke Laird, and Jeremy Spillman. The event took place on Saturday (Feb. 20) in the museum’s Ford Theater.
CSM Sport and Entertainment Acquires JHE Production
CSM Sport and Entertainment has acquired JHE Production, a live event agency founded in 1987.
JHE is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Services include event coordination, operations, production and creative services. In September 2015, the company opened an office in Nashville to service its growing client roster in the musical entertainment and corporate production market.
Zak Brown, Group CEO of CSM, commented, “This acquisition complements and expands our existing capabilities in CSM, simultaneously opening up group-wide opportunities for our clients and prospects in the North American sport and entertainment marketplace. The trend of attending live events in sport and entertainment, being led by the under 35s, looks set to continue. This group wants stadiums not sofas as they trade possessions for live experiences they can create, share and own.”
JHE Production Group President and CEO Jay Howard said, “Sports and entertainment has been the field of play for JHE since we produced our first live program in 1988. Joining an elite organization like CSM is a tremendous opportunity for JHE and allows us to be on the leading edge of their growth in North America. Our entire team is ready for the opportunities that are undoubtedly ahead.”
Volvo Supports Spotify
Volvo integrates Spotify. Photo: Volvo Car Group
Volvo has announced it will globally integrate Spotify’s music-streaming app in its product, beginning this spring with the XC90, S90, and V90. The Spotify app will be available on the cars’ Sensus touchscreen interface, which will also allow customers to include handwritten characters to access music selections.
A premium Spotify subscription will be required.
The Spotify app is currently available to be used in Volvo’s cars via Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, but Volvo states the native application will provide a richer experience and search functionality that a phone-based application cannot deliver.
Nashville Visitors Spent $22.2 Million On New Year’s Eve
/by Craig_ShelburneNashville, courtesy Nashville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
New Year’s Eve in Nashville in 2015 set a record for direct visitor spending at $22.2 million, up 28 percent from the record set in 2014 at $17.3 million. The Jack Daniel’s Bash on Broadway: New Year’s Eve in Music City also set a record with 24,346 hotel rooms sold, the most ever on New Year’s Eve and a sell-out for the city.
The event was the largest production ever for New Year’s Eve in Nashville. It included two stages, seven bands, the Music Note Drop and the longest fireworks show. As previously announced, an estimated 150,000 attended the Bash on Broadway.
Some 60 percent of visitors surveyed on New Year’s Eve said they were drawn to Nashville by the New Year’s Eve celebration on Lower Broadway. The event generated $1.02 million in national advertising equivalency with 42.4 million national media impressions.
Kings Of Leon headlined the Bash and were joined by Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, The Whigs, Sugar & the Hi-Lows, Wild Cub and LANco.
“In seven short years, the Bash on Broadway has grown into a world-class event and the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in our time zone,” said Ken Levitan, Board Chair of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp and Co-President of Vector Management. “Record-breaking visitor spending, attendance and rooms sold underscore that this event is a major economic driver for the city during what is typically a slow time in the hospitality industry. We couldn’t do it without the support of Mayor Megan Barry and the help of Metro departments. In a way, the strong partnership with the City is as big a story as the success of the event itself.”