Johnny Cash Trust Names Lou Robin As Business Manager Emeritus
Johnny Cash
Veteran concert promoter and artist manager Lou Robin, who has worked with the Cash family for more than 45 years, has stepped into the role of Business Manager Emeritus for the Cash Trust, it was announced by Trustee for the John R. Cash Revocable Trust, Cathy Sullivan.
In the new role, Robin will continue to utilize his knowledge and experience to further the Cash legacy working on special projects. He will relinquish day-to-day management responsibilities to allow him to spend more time with his wife Karen, his children, and grandchildren.
“We are thrilled to recognize Lou for the incredible contributions he has made to the Cash and Carter families,” said Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without his constant and unwavering dedication. It is an honor to have his ongoing counsel to protect and promote the legacy of John and June.”
“Lou has helped bring my father and mother, John and June, to generations of fans,” said John Carter Cash. “We are lucky to have this expertise for future generations as well. It is a blessing to have Lou as a personal mentor and lifetime friend.”
In addition to producing 100 Cash concerts a year, Robin played a role in the licensing of Cash’s music, name and likeness, merchandising and a significant part in his recording career with Sony and American Recordings. Robin founded Artist Consultants Productions in 1957 and was responsible for promoting more than 5,000 concerts worldwide with major artists such as The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, The Tijuana Brass, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Robin began promoting concerts with Johnny Cash in 1969 and then became manager for both John and June from 1973 until their passing in 2003. From that time on, he continued to serve the Trust in the role of Manager of Business Affairs.
“I’m pleased to be able to use my knowledge to help continue the growth of this important American Icon’s image,” said Robin.
IBMA Adds Director, Communications and Professional Development
Shannon Turner
Shannon Turner joined the International Bluegrass Music Association as director, communications and professional development. Turner was previously an independent media/promotion executive and freelance writer.
Turner is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bluegrass.
Deluge Music, Gravity Gone Music Ink Co-Publishing Deal
Pictured, Back row (L-R): David Robkin, Managing Member, Deluge Music; Mark Friedman, President, Deluge Music. Pictured, Front row (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Gravity Gone Music; Oran Thornton,
Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music have signed a co-publishing agreement with songwriter/producer Oran Thornton.
Deluge Music was formed in 2015 by Mark Friedman, David Robkin, and Larry Mazer, and has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. Gravity Gone Music owner Stephanie Greene runs the Nashville office.
Marbaloo Launches Internship Program
Marbaloo has launched its first internship program, MarbaLearn. The program offers for-credit and paid internships for students, with opportunities available in the areas of research, marketing, project management, publicity, journalism, social media, e-commerce, fan communities, tour marketing, copywriting, content curation, content creation, graphic design, photography, and video editing.
The deadline for applying is Jan. 31. For more information, visit marbalearn.com.
Industry Ink: New West Records, JB Squared Enterprises, Pro Music Academy, APA
/by Jessica NicholsonNew West Records Appoints Tom Osborn to VP of Marketing Role
Tom Osborn
Tom Osborn has been appointed VP of Marketing for New West Records. Osborn joins New West from Kobalt Label Services where he oversaw their worldwide music marketing initiatives. He will be based at the label’s new headquarters in Nashville.
Osborn has worked with Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, Noel Gallagher, The Milk Carton Kids and more. His career includes stints at Warner Bros. Records, Capitol Records, Anti-/Epitaph and Vagrant Records. A graduate from the University of Southern California with a Masters of Fine Arts, he has also worked at Mammoth Records, ARTISTdirect and Atlas/Third Rail.
“With his exemplary reputation, attitude and knowledge, I have every confidence that Tom will make me seem like a genius for hiring him,” said president John Allen.
“I am elated to be joining New West, as I am truly a fan of not only their stellar roster, but the amazing staff as well,” said Osborn. “New West’s remarkable legacy is not just a reflection of their past but of their future and I only hope to build upon that. To be a safe haven where artists can focus on their craft is truly an exceptional opportunity in this climate and I look forward to developing that reputation.”
Jay Bradley Launches JB Squared Enterprises
Bradley’s previous stops include Bigger Picture Group, Universal Records South and Premiere Radio Networks.
He can be reached at jaybradley@yahoo.com or jb2ent.com.
Pro Music Academy Prepares Master Class
SESAC VP Tim Fink and hit songwriter Brian White will take part in the Pro Music Academy’s Music Business Master Class in Nashville on Saturday (Jan. 9) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Pricing is $99 for any one Master Class. All classes are available to all ages and all levels. For those outside of Nashville, Master Classes are available for viewing via Skype.
Pro Music Academy, LLC was founded by drummer and songwriter Chad Chapin. For more information or to register for a Master Class, call 615-200-0604 or visit promusicacademy.com.
APA Signs Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season of American Idol, has signed with APA, it was announced today by the agency’s Seth Rappaport. Hicks, who is currently in-studio finishing his latest album to be released this year, will be announcing upcoming tour dates soon.
In addition to headlining the Paris Casino in Las Vegas, as well as other Caesars Entertainment properties across the United States, Hicks has performed alongside an amazing variety of artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, and The Allman Brothers. He also performed on Broadway in 2008, and in the national tour of the famed musical Grease in 2009, playing the Teen Angel role originated by Alan Paul.
Charles Kelley’s Solo Album Set For Feb. 5
/by Craig_ShelburneCharles Kelley will release The Driver, his first-ever solo album, on Capitol Records Nashville on Feb. 5. A member of Lady Antebellum, Kelley received a Grammy nomination for the project’s title track in the category of Best Country Duo/Group Performance, an honor shared with collaborators Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay.
“At first, it was really weird to go in the booth and be like, ‘Where’s Hillary? Where’s Dave?’ But it was very exciting to be the leader in there and go, ‘This is it, I’m doing this,’” Kelley said. “It was the most fun I’ve had in the studio, because everything felt new again. It took me out of my comfort zone.”
Kelley recorded the project in producer Paul Worley’s studio. Guests include brother Josh Kelley on “Round in Circles,” Miranda Lambert on “I Wish You Were Here,” and Stevie Nicks on a cover of Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents.” With Nathan Chapman, Kelley also wrote “The Only One Who Gets Me” for and about his wife, Cassie.
“While so many of these songs are something I specifically can relate to, it really is all of our story,” added Kelley. “It is a pure musical left turn, to take myself out of my own head and bring in a fresh perspective when we go back in to make the next Lady Antebellum record.”
THE DRIVER TRACK LIST:
1. “Your Love” (written by Abe Stoklasa, Ashley Ray)
2. “The Driver feat. Dierks Bentley & Eric Paslay (Charles Kelley, Eric Paslay, Abe Stoklasa)
3. “Dancing Around It” (Charles Kelley, Abe Stoklasa, Daniel Tashian)
4. “Southern Accents feat. Stevie Nicks (Tom Petty)
5. “Lonely Girl” (Chris Stapleton, Jesse Frasure)
6. “The Only One Who Gets Me” (Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman)
7. “Round In Circles” (Charles Kelley, Josh Kelley)
8. “I Wish You Were Here” feat. Miranda Lambert (Jedd Hughes)
9. “Leaving Nashville” (Abe Stoklasa, Donovan Woods)
‘American Saturday Night: Live From The Grand Ole Opry’ Gets National Release Date
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Chris Hollo.
The Grand Ole Opry’s first feature-length concert movie, American Saturday Night: Live From The Grand Ole Opry, will expand to additional Carmike Cinemas and other North American theaters for a special engagement beginning Feb. 12 on more than 200 screens.
The film provides a virtual front row seat and VIP all-access pass to full live performances and backstage conversations with Opry members Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Darius Rucker as well as The Band Perry and Brett Eldredge.
Watch the trailer for the project below.
Artist Updates: Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Cam, Brandy Clark
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton Headed To Saturday Night Live
Chris Stapleton will kick off 2016 as the Jan. 16 musical guest on NBC’s Saturday Night Live with guest host Adam Driver.
Released by Mercury Records Nashville, Stapleton’s gold-certified Traveller is nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Stapleton also received nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance (for the album’s title track) at the Grammy Awards, which will be broadcast live on CBS from L.A.’s Staples Center on Monday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
Thomas Rhett Burns Up All-Genre BBC Radio 2 Chart
Thomas Rhett‘s “Crash and Burn” lights up the all-genre BBC Radio 2 chart with his first single released in the UK, earning a slot ahead of releases by Coldplay and One Direction.
“Crash and Burn” boasts nearly 10 million impacts across all UK stations to date, adding international acclaim to the single’s platinum-selling status already earned in the US.
“Crash and Burn” is featured on Rhett’s Valory Music Co. album Tangled Up.
Cam To Make Debut Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Arista Nashville/RCA Records singer/songwriter Cam hit No. 1 in December with her Platinum-certified country smash, “Burning House,” and the Best Country Solo Performance Grammy nominee will perform the song in her debut appearance on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, Jan. 11.
Featuring “Burning House,” the singer’s Untamed album released on Dec. 11.
Brandy Clark Introduces Artwork For New Single
Brandy Clark, known for songs including “Stripes” and co-writing songs including “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert) and “Better Dig Two” (The Band Perry), will release the single “Girl Next Door” on Jan. 22.
Clark recently shot an accompanying music video for “Girl Next Door.”
New Year, New Look! Weekly Chart Report (1/8/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Coming To Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville will soon be home to Dierks Bentley‘s latest Whiskey Row establishment, when the country bar opens in Music City in 2017. Whiskey Row will be located at 400 Broadway, on the northwest corner of 4th and Broadway, close to the Ryman Auditorium. The 14,500 square foot building is currently home to Tatyana’s Boutique.
The future home of Nashville’s Whiskey Row location was built in the late 1800s, and boasts a musical history as the longtime home Gruhn’s Guitars.
The Nashville location will mark the first Whiskey Row outside of Bentley’s home state of Arizona, following openings in Scottsdale and Tempe. The country bar will offer patrons menu items made from scratch in house, using responsibly sourced meats and locally farmed produce, along with more than 50 beers on tap and a unique selection of signature “cocktails on tap,” craft cocktails from the tap that are then customized with a mixer of guests’ choice. Whiskey Row Nashville will also have three different stages for live music.
“Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks are the stomping grounds of countless artists past to present chasing this crazy dream of playing music,” says Bentley. “It’s home of the bars where I cut my teeth night after night, usually running up a beer tab bigger than the tips I made covered. It’s pretty full-circle to think that we’re getting the chance to open one of my bars, backing right up to the Ryman Auditorium, where other artists will look back on as the place they got their start too.”
An investment partnership led by Michael Hayes and Brandon Kuvara of C. B. Ragland Company acquired the location at 400 Broadway from Brenda and Ruble Sanderson.
“This is the best corner in the lower Broadway Honky Tonk District,” said Hayes, President/COO of C. B. Ragland Company. “We plan a significant overhaul of the historic building to animate and activate the upper floors and rooftop with a new restaurant and music venue to compliment the entertainment district.”
“We are excited to announce that we have executed a lease with Management Company Riot Hospitality Group to open a Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row early 2017,” said C. B. Ragland Company managing broker Kuvara.
“We have loved being here the last three years,” said Tatyana’s President and founder Jan Glaser, “but have found with the significant growth in the tourist market, it has been difficult to serve our local customer base. We hope to find a new location soon and look forward to a strong future in Nashville.”
Nielsen Unveils 2015 Total Music Consumption Report
/by Eric T. ParkerAdele
In a nearly 30-page report, Nielsen has released its 2015 U.S. Music Report for the 12-month period ending Dec. 31.
The country genre held 8.5 percent of total consumption among other genres, with its largest consumption coming from physical albums (37 percent). Country ranked second for radio consumption, with 9.1 percent of U.S. radio listeners aged 18-34 tuned in during any 15-minute period during the day. Radio (AM/FM or Satellite) remained the No. 1 way respondents discovered new music.
On-demand streaming was up 93 percent, with 317 billion streams in 2015.
Adele’s 25 was the year’s biggest seller in a single year since 2004, collecting over 7.4 million units moved in a six-week period (8 million overall) to close the year. Her 2015 album was notably unavailable on streaming services, which was also the case for Taylor Swift, who came in overall at No. 2 with her 2014 release, 1989. Swift has moved over 7.5 million units of 1989 to date.
Meghan Trainor‘s Title came in overall at No. 7 with 1.7 million. Sam Hunt‘s Montevallo was No. 9 overall with approximately 1.4 million while Luke Bryan‘s Kill The Lights moved 851,000 in U.S. sales. Notably, after a CMA winning streak and performance with Justin Timberlake, sales of Chris Stapleton’s Traveller increased 6,000 percent, putting it then at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
Meanwhile, vinyl sales increased 30 percent, continuing 10 consecutive years of growth with nearly 12 million units sold in 2015. Adele and Swift led the vinyl race, with 116,000 and 74,000 units moved, respectively.
Although album sales experienced a decline in 2015 (-6 percent), the decline was about half that for 2014 (-11 percent ). Album sales plus track equivalent albums (10 tracks is equivalent to 1 album) and streaming equivalent albums (where 1,500 streams is equivalent to 1 album) increased more than 15 percent over 2014.
To download the full report, visit nielsen.com.
Sony Music Nashville Promotes Sarah Westbrook
/by Jessica NicholsonSarah Westbrook
Sony Music Nashville Senior Vice President, Marketing Paul Barnabee has announced the promotion of Sarah Westbrook to Vice President, Digital Strategy for Sony Music Nashville. Having served as Director, Marketing, since April 2013, Westbrook will continue to report to Barnabee in this newly created role.
Barnabee said, “Sarah’s exceptional performance over the past three years has consistently been grounded in a hands-on, vigorous, insightful, and in-depth understanding of the digital marketplace and how to effectively reach and engage music fans in a meaningful way. Her relationships with key digital partners, together with her experience and her vision for this role, make Sarah an extraordinary fit to lead digital initiatives across our entire Sony Music Nashville roster.”
Among her accomplishments as Director, Marketing, Westbrook contributed extensively to the label group’s digital direction. In addition, she spearheaded artist-specific milestones such as laying the groundwork with digital partners for breakout artist Cam and multiple noteworthy social media moments for Carrie Underwood.
On her new role, Westbrook said, “This exciting new position will allow me the opportunity to help progress our business in this rapidly-changing environment, and I’m very grateful. We have a lot of great artist stories to tell at Sony Nashville for 2016, and we’ll be focused on engaging country music fans with these stories by using the right resources and technology in the digital space.”
Westbrook joined Sony Music Nashville in 2013, after serving as Vice President of Marketing for SOUL by Ludacris, overseeing all marketing communications programs – including e-commerce, CRM strategy, digital advertising, PR, social media, and artist endorsements. Prior to that, she was a public relations consultant and Senior Manager, Global Corporate Communications for music instrument manufacturer Behringer/Music Group Services USA, responsible for directing all outward-facing marketing communication and web properties, including management of the customer web experience. Her background also includes marketing roles with The Stanton Group (Stanton DJ/KRK studio monitors) and Audiobahn, where her oversight included such areas as digital marketing strategy management, artist relations, and creative direction.
She can be reached at sarah.westbrook@sonymusic.com.
BMI Promotes Five, Adds to Writer-Publisher Relations Team
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (Top Row, L-R): Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts. (Bottom Row, L-R): David Preston, Penny Gattis, Josh Tomlinson.
Five members of BMI’s Writer-Publisher Relations team in Nashville have been promoted, with elevated responsibilities assigned to Bradley Collins, Leslie Roberts, David Preston, Penny Gattis and Erica Glidewell. Additionally, recent Belmont graduate Josh Tomlinson has been hired as Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations.
“We are so proud of the work we do in our music community across all genres of music,” said Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations. “Our team has never been stronger and we will start 2016 with renewed energy and a focus on the future.”
Collins, formerly a Senior Director, has been promoted to Executive Director, with responsibilities covering No. 1 parties, representing BMI on the ACM board of directors, oversight of nightly showcases and events, such as Buzz at the Basement, and oversight of publishing company rosters.
Roberts, formerly a Director, has also been promoted to Executive Director, with responsibilities covering Christian music and the BMI Christian awards, college programming such as Catalog Cast, oversight of record company rosters and representing BMI within the AIMP.
Preston has been promoted to Senior Director from Director, with duties including covering legacy writer relations and as an industry and civic representative.
Gattis, formerly an Associate Director, has been promoted to Director, and will continue to spearhead the Nashville film and TV activities, including BMI’s Sync THIS! Events in both Nashville and Los Angeles, and the annual Fontanel Writer’s Retreat. This year’s Fontanel retreat features both country and pop writers and will take place January 18-22.
Glidewell has been promoted to Director, Strategic Partnerships, Writer-Publisher Relations. Her new duties will have her responsible for accounting oversight of sponsorships, fulfillment of contracts with sponsors and event space management. Additionally, she will continue to serve in her role as the executive assistant to Jody Williams.
Additionally, Tomlinson has been hired as an Associate Director, Writer-Publisher Relations. A recent Belmont graduate, he brings a fresh perspective on Nashville’s expanding music scene to the team.
“I am happy to announce these well-deserved promotions,” Williams continues. “This team works hard for writers in every stage of their careers, from signing and showcasing up-and-coming talent, connecting artists to the broader music industry, celebrating their success at awards shows and number one parties, and being meaningful advisors throughout their careers. These promotions reflect the fantastic work of the Writer-Publisher team. And, we are very excited to welcome Josh Tomlinson to our group. Josh’s energy and industry knowledge will no doubt benefit the next generation of BMI hit-makers.”
Industry Ink: Johnny Cash Trust, IBMA, Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music, Marbaloo
/by Jessica NicholsonJohnny Cash Trust Names Lou Robin As Business Manager Emeritus
Johnny Cash
Veteran concert promoter and artist manager Lou Robin, who has worked with the Cash family for more than 45 years, has stepped into the role of Business Manager Emeritus for the Cash Trust, it was announced by Trustee for the John R. Cash Revocable Trust, Cathy Sullivan.
In the new role, Robin will continue to utilize his knowledge and experience to further the Cash legacy working on special projects. He will relinquish day-to-day management responsibilities to allow him to spend more time with his wife Karen, his children, and grandchildren.
“We are thrilled to recognize Lou for the incredible contributions he has made to the Cash and Carter families,” said Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without his constant and unwavering dedication. It is an honor to have his ongoing counsel to protect and promote the legacy of John and June.”
“Lou has helped bring my father and mother, John and June, to generations of fans,” said John Carter Cash. “We are lucky to have this expertise for future generations as well. It is a blessing to have Lou as a personal mentor and lifetime friend.”
In addition to producing 100 Cash concerts a year, Robin played a role in the licensing of Cash’s music, name and likeness, merchandising and a significant part in his recording career with Sony and American Recordings. Robin founded Artist Consultants Productions in 1957 and was responsible for promoting more than 5,000 concerts worldwide with major artists such as The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, The Tijuana Brass, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Robin began promoting concerts with Johnny Cash in 1969 and then became manager for both John and June from 1973 until their passing in 2003. From that time on, he continued to serve the Trust in the role of Manager of Business Affairs.
“I’m pleased to be able to use my knowledge to help continue the growth of this important American Icon’s image,” said Robin.
IBMA Adds Director, Communications and Professional Development
Shannon Turner
Shannon Turner joined the International Bluegrass Music Association as director, communications and professional development. Turner was previously an independent media/promotion executive and freelance writer.
Turner is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bluegrass.
Deluge Music, Gravity Gone Music Ink Co-Publishing Deal
Pictured, Back row (L-R): David Robkin, Managing Member, Deluge Music; Mark Friedman, President, Deluge Music. Pictured, Front row (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Gravity Gone Music; Oran Thornton,
Deluge Music and Gravity Gone Music have signed a co-publishing agreement with songwriter/producer Oran Thornton.
Deluge Music was formed in 2015 by Mark Friedman, David Robkin, and Larry Mazer, and has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. Gravity Gone Music owner Stephanie Greene runs the Nashville office.
Marbaloo Launches Internship Program
Marbaloo has launched its first internship program, MarbaLearn. The program offers for-credit and paid internships for students, with opportunities available in the areas of research, marketing, project management, publicity, journalism, social media, e-commerce, fan communities, tour marketing, copywriting, content curation, content creation, graphic design, photography, and video editing.
The deadline for applying is Jan. 31. For more information, visit marbalearn.com.