Chris Young Celebrates Chart-Topping Song During ‘Today Show’ Appearance
Chris Young celebrated his latest No. 1 single, “I’m Comin’ Over,” with a performance on NBC’s Today Show (Nov. 16). Today anchor Matt Lauer surprised Young with the news that “I’m Comin’ Over,” the title track from Young’s fifth studio album, has become his sixth single to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and the seventh No. 1 overall.
“I’m a numbers guy so it’s hard for anybody to get anything over on me when it comes to the charts…but I had no idea that I would find out from Matt Lauer just before I performed on the Today show,” declared Young. “Never have I been told that I have a No. 1 song quite like this, and then for it to happen in the same week that my brand new record released, it was absolutely amazing!”
During the on-air appearance, Young performed both “I’m Comin’ Over,” and an earlier hit, “Aw Naw.”
Chris Young with Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today. Photo: RCA Nashville
SSM Entertainment’s Kayla Adams Plays Special Performance For Pediatric Patient
KTHK, 105.5/105.9 The Hawk Idaho Falls, Idaho and SSM Entertainment Recording Artist Kayla Adams made a special delivery to The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to deliver doughnuts and play for 5-week-old Colsen and his parents.
The delivery was made as part of the weekly Random Act Of Donuts where The Hawk and The Idaho State Police deliver donuts to random businesses in East Idaho. Later that evening Kayla played a free show in The Hawks Nest Listener Lounge for listeners who brought donations for The Idaho Falls Food Bank.
Kayla Adams singing for 5 week old Coleen and his parents.
Crystal Gayle Gets Theater Named In Her Honor
The Wabash County Historical Museum in Wabash, Indiana, has named its theater the Crystal Gayle Theater to honor the country star’s career.
“It’s so humbling to return to Wabash and feel the love from the community. They always welcome me home with open arms. I’m so proud to be here and be part of this incredible museum,” Gayle said.
The youngest of eight children, including Loretta Lynn, Gayle was born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, Kentucky. As the coal mines closed, her family left the area to find work and moved to Wabash, Indiana. The updated exhibit features a replica of Gayle’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 1986 American Music Award for Favorite Female Country Vocalist, When I Dream gold album, tour gown and tour book, and her 2005 Indiana Living Legend Award, along with various pictures and memorabilia.
“Our community has a strong affection for Crystal Gayle and her connection to many local families and this will be a great event for them to reconnect with her and enjoy the museum,” said Mitch Figert, Executive Director.
Crystal Gayle
Museum photos: Jennifer Long-Dillon / Puckerbrush Design & Photography
Candidates for CRS New Faces Show Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonThirteen up-and-coming artists are on the ballot to select the CRS 2016 New Faces of Country Music Show lineup. Voting to determine the finalists opens tomorrow, Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. CT to all country radio station employees. Voting will remain open through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 at countryradioseminar.com. The five acts with the most votes will make up the lineup for the show.
This year’s candidates up for voting are:
A Thousand Horses (Republic Nashville)
Brothers Osborne (EMI Nashville)
Cam (Arista Nashville)
Canaan Smith (Mercury Nashville)
Chase Bryant (Red Bow Records)
Chris Janson (Warner Music Nashville)
Dan & Shay (Warner Music Nashville)
Granger Smith (Wheelhouse Records)
Kelsea Ballerini (Black River Entertainment)
LoCash (Reviver Records)
Michael Ray (Warner Music Nashville)
Old Dominion (RCA Nashville)
Raelynn (Valory Music Co.)
Any full-time employee of a commercial, 24-hour country-formatted radio station may vote for the 2016 New Faces of Country Music Show performers. Votes must be cast from voter’s station email in order to be verified and successfully cast.
The New Faces of Country Music Show will be held at the New Home of CRS 2016, the Omni Hotel Nashville. The show is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is one of the most anticipated events at Country Radio Seminar. Five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at Country radio during the qualification period are selected each year to perform at the showcase event.
Dinner tickets for the New Faces of Country Music Show are sold-out. All registrants without dinner/show tickets will have the ability to watch the show via video stream in various CRS viewing party locations at the Omni Hotel.
Qualification criteria for New Faces of Country Show include:
1. The qualification period is Nov. 1 – Oct. 31 during the year immediately preceding the New Faces of Country Music Show.
2. Candidates may not have appeared on a previous New Faces of Country Music Show. Solo performers that become a member of a group or duo, or a group or duo member that becomes a solo artist are considered eligible.
3. Candidates must have charted at least one Top 25 single on the the Mediabase Country Chart as published in Country Aircheck or at least one Top 25 single on the Billboard Country Chart during the qualification period.
4. Candidates may not have more than two albums on the Billboard Country Top 50 Country Album chart, nor more than two albums that peaked above No. 50 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart (or corresponding Nielsen Soundscan-based chart) by the end of the qualification period.
The $529 regular registration rate is now available at countryradioseminar.com.
Artist Updates: Chris Young, Kayla Adams, Crystal Gayle
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young Celebrates Chart-Topping Song During ‘Today Show’ Appearance
Chris Young celebrated his latest No. 1 single, “I’m Comin’ Over,” with a performance on NBC’s Today Show (Nov. 16). Today anchor Matt Lauer surprised Young with the news that “I’m Comin’ Over,” the title track from Young’s fifth studio album, has become his sixth single to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and the seventh No. 1 overall.
“I’m a numbers guy so it’s hard for anybody to get anything over on me when it comes to the charts…but I had no idea that I would find out from Matt Lauer just before I performed on the Today show,” declared Young. “Never have I been told that I have a No. 1 song quite like this, and then for it to happen in the same week that my brand new record released, it was absolutely amazing!”
During the on-air appearance, Young performed both “I’m Comin’ Over,” and an earlier hit, “Aw Naw.”
Chris Young with Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today. Photo: RCA Nashville
SSM Entertainment’s Kayla Adams Plays Special Performance For Pediatric Patient
KTHK, 105.5/105.9 The Hawk Idaho Falls, Idaho and SSM Entertainment Recording Artist Kayla Adams made a special delivery to The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to deliver doughnuts and play for 5-week-old Colsen and his parents.
The delivery was made as part of the weekly Random Act Of Donuts where The Hawk and The Idaho State Police deliver donuts to random businesses in East Idaho. Later that evening Kayla played a free show in The Hawks Nest Listener Lounge for listeners who brought donations for The Idaho Falls Food Bank.
Kayla Adams singing for 5 week old Coleen and his parents.
Crystal Gayle Gets Theater Named In Her Honor
The Wabash County Historical Museum in Wabash, Indiana, has named its theater the Crystal Gayle Theater to honor the country star’s career.
“It’s so humbling to return to Wabash and feel the love from the community. They always welcome me home with open arms. I’m so proud to be here and be part of this incredible museum,” Gayle said.
The youngest of eight children, including Loretta Lynn, Gayle was born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, Kentucky. As the coal mines closed, her family left the area to find work and moved to Wabash, Indiana. The updated exhibit features a replica of Gayle’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 1986 American Music Award for Favorite Female Country Vocalist, When I Dream gold album, tour gown and tour book, and her 2005 Indiana Living Legend Award, along with various pictures and memorabilia.
“Our community has a strong affection for Crystal Gayle and her connection to many local families and this will be a great event for them to reconnect with her and enjoy the museum,” said Mitch Figert, Executive Director.
Crystal Gayle
Museum photos: Jennifer Long-Dillon / Puckerbrush Design & Photography
Loretta Lynn To Be Honored By ‘Billboard’
/by Jessica NicholsonLegendary singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn is set to be honored with Billboard‘s inaugural Women in Music “Legend” award. The honor will be presented during Billboard’s 2015 Women in Music event on Dec. 11 in New York City.
The honor acknowledges and celebrates Lynn’s contributions to American music.
“From the moment she broke through more than five decades ago, Loretta Lynn has been an unstoppable musical force who writes and performs with a breathtaking fearlessness and honesty,” said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group, which consists of Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. “As a musical pioneer, author, and inspiration to everyone from Jack White to Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn has pushed every boundary in music and is the definition of a legend. We are honored to present this award to her.”
Lynn will release her first studio project in more than 10 years, Full Circle, on March 4, 2016. Lynn has garnered 29 Top 10 albums on the Top Country Albums chart (11 of them went to No. 1). In 2004, Lynn’s Jack White-produced Van Lear Rose reached No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. She has earned 16 No. 1 singles, including “She’s Got You,” “After the Fire Is Gone,” and her signature hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
During the 2015 Women in Music event, Lady Gaga will be honored with the Woman of the Year award. Also being honored are Kelsea Ballerini, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, Lana Del Ray, and Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard.
Penny Mitchell Joins Promotions Team for Stoney Creek Records
/by Craig_ShelburnePenny Mitchell
Penny Mitchell has been named Northeast Director of Regional Promotions for Stoney Creek Records, an imprint of BBR Music Group.
Mitchell will report directly to Chris Loss, VP of Promotion for Stoney Creek Records. The label’s roster includes Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell, and David Fanning.
Mitchell dropped out of nursing school to pursue a career in radio in 1982. The experienced radio veteran has worked all over Colorado including stops at KCCY FM/Pueblo, KEYQ FM/Vail, KSTR FM/Grand Junction, and KHOW FM/Denver.
In 1992, Mitchell joined Jones Radio Networks where she served as APD/MD of Mainstream Country, PD of Mainstream and PD of Hot Country in addition to being an on-air personality.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity to work with the best of the best. Benny Brown has put together the most amazing group of people and I am honored to join Jon Loba, Carson James, Chris Loss and the rest of the Stoney Creek Records family,” Mitchell said. “I am elated to begin this new phase of my career!”
“For over 30 years in Country Radio, Penny Mitchell has played an integral part in breaking and developing stars,” Loss said. “We’re thrilled that Penny will be continuing to do that with Stoney Creek Records and BBR Music Group!”
Mitchell’s new position is effective immediately. She can be reached at (720) 737-9329 or at penny@stoneycreekrecords.com.
Art Show To Feature Works By Roy W. Wunsch
/by Sherod RobertsonIndustry veteran Roy W. Wunsch paints at Studio Be. Photo: Clark Thomas
The “Color Me Happy” art show, featuring original paintings from industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch, is set for Sunday, December 6th, 5-8pm at Studio Be, located at 4908 B Charlotte Ave. in Nashville. This event is open to the public and valet parking will be provided.
The event is created and hosted by Cindy Wunsch Bowen, Roy’s daughter and a full-time artist. Her mission for the event is to give back to a meaningful organization, which is helping the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and their families. All proceeds go to Abe’s Garden, an Alzheimer’s and memory care center that offers residential and day care programs for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
MusicRow: How did the idea materialize for you to incorporate art into your relationship with Roy?
Cindy: Art is what I do and something my dad has always appreciated. It was my attempt to make a connection with him in this phase of life. After I worked with him for a few weeks and saw the spark in his eye, it was a no-brainer. I identified a space for him in my studio and we shook on it. We would be creative partners. He has more painting supplies on his desk than I do. It is an amazing and humbling experience to get to know a parent this way. When he knew he was going down this challenging path, he asked that we concentrate our efforts with him moving forward on works of service. He wanted us to use him in this way (whether he would be aware or not).
Artwork by industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch. Photo: Clark Thomas
MusicRow: What impact have you seen through this connection through art?
Cindy: Simply put, it is a healer in every way. It gives him something to be proud of. It gives him a sense of purpose. It gives him a language without words. I have witnessed him have unexplainable clarity while he is in the creative process. He has completed almost 75 paintings and they are extraordinary.
MusicRow: How did this lead to doing an art show?
Cindy: I decided in his desire to do “good works and acts of service,” that we should honor that. Honor it in a way that celebrates his courage and his kindness as he walks down this road. He knows and understands that this is happening and he has worked with lots of focus and enthusiasm to do art “for the show.” I do my best to reinforce him and tell him this is his second career and he chose it and we are in business together.
Perhaps my dad’s story will shed light on and provide insight to other families struggling with Alzheimer’s and other memory challenges.
Artwork by industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch. Photo: Clark Thomas
Artwork by industry veteran Roy W. Wunsch. Photo: Clark Thomas
Industry Ink: MV2 Entertainment, CMA, Music Biz, SOLID, ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Fanning Joins MV2 Entertainment
Stoney Creek Records artist David Fanning has been added to MV2 Entertainment’s stable of songwriters. He joins a roster that includes Jay Allen, Robert Arthur, Terry McBride, and Mark and Cherie Oakley.
“I’m so excited to be a part of the MV2 family,” said Fanning. “It is such a creative environment where the sky is the limit. This is going to be a fun ride!!” Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager shared, “I am so proud to have David as part of the MV2 team. David is such a diverse artist, writer and producer and I’m thrilled to have him on board.”
Pictured (L-R): Chris Alderman, Rough Hollow Management; Clay Myers, Creative Director, MV2;
David Fanning; Kendra Poling, Office Manager, MV2; Tony Harrell, General Manager, MV2.
Photo: MV2 Entertainment
CMA To Sponsor Music Biz 2016 Awards Breakfast
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced that the Country Music Association (CMA) will sponsor the Music Biz 2016 Awards Breakfast on May 17, 2016, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. CMA will use the opportunity to highlight “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” which will take place in November 2016. The CMA Awards got its start in October 1967 as an non-televised event hosted by Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry. The ceremony was broadcast on television for the first time the following year, making it the longest-running annual music awards program on network TV. A video and live performance are expected to be part of the Breakfast.
“Music Biz and CMA have been great partners for more than 40 years, collaborating closely on the CMA Awards merchandising campaigns, programming for our annual Music Biz convention, and the Give the Gift of Music campaign,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “We are thrilled to have them as a prominent sponsor in 2016 and are honored that they chose to kick off their 50th Anniversary celebration of ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ with us.”
SOLID To Host Awards Show Panel
SOLID will host an “After Workshop” panel of industry executives to discuss the elements of awards show logistics on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at ONE Cannery Row. The event will begin at 6 p.m. The panelists will include ACM CEO Bob Romeo, The Recording Academy South Regional Director of Membership and Industry Relations Susan Stewart, and Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly, with more speakers to be announced soon. Sweet Talk Publicity Owner/President Jensen Sussman will moderate.
The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, email cassandra.lavoro@sonyatv.com.
ASCAP To Highlight Songwriters With “We Create Music” Show
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton Remains Atop Overall Album Chart
/by Craig_ShelburneStill riding the wave of winning three CMA Awards earlier this month, Chris Stapleton remains No. 1 on the overall album sales chart with Traveller. He moved a combined 123.5K units (97K album only) to retain his position for the second week. Just behind him on the overall chart is Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood, with a combined 65K units (58K album only).
Tim McGraw’s Damn Country Music enters the overall chart at No. 5 with a combined 43K units. He lands at No. 3 on the country chart with 39K albums sold. Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller is No. 9 on the overall chart with a combined 33K units, as well as No. 4 on the country chart with 27K albums sold.
After grabbing a No. 1 hit with “Break Up With Him,” Old Dominion enters the country album chart at No. 5 with Meat and Candy (20.5 K). In addition, Josh Abbott Band’s Front Row Seat debuts at No. 9 (13K).
Stapleton is also No. 1 on the country digital single chart with “Tennessee Whiskey,” ringing in 118K singles this week. Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” lands at No. 2 (58K), followed by Sam Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (No. 3, 35K), Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (No. 4, 33K), and Luke Bryan’s “Strip It Down (No. 5, 30K).
Cam’s “Burning House” holds steady at No. 6 (29K), while Joey + Rory’s poignant “When I’m Gone” rises to No. 7 (27K), in response to singer Joey Lee Feek’s terminal illness. Stapleton’s “Traveller” (26K), Underwood’s “Smoke Break” (23K) and Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood” (22.5 K) complete the Top 10.
Info according to Nielsen Soundscan
The Dixie Chicks World Tour Coming To Nashville in 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Dixie Chicks will return to Nashville for a headlining show at the Bridgestone Arena as part of their upcoming 54-concert DCX MMXVI World Tour in 2016. The tour will hit Nashville on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning Nov. 17 for tour club and VIP packages. Public on sale starts Nov. 21.
The most recent album from Dixie Chicks members Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire came in 2006 with Taking The Long Way, which earned a Grammy for Album of the Year. The single, “Not Ready To Make Nice,” earned both Song and Record of the Year honors.
Sisters Robison and Maguire formed the duo Court Yard Hounds, releasing projects in 2010 and 2013. Maines launched a solo album in 2013.
The trio’s return to touring will launch April 16 in Belgium. Beginning in June, the tour will come stateside, launching the U.S. leg in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June. 1.
Other U.S. cities on the tour include Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Tampa, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., Minneapolis and more.
For tickets, visit www.dcxtourclub.com
Country Thunder Wisconsin Adds Three Headliners
/by Craig_ShelburneFlorida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen and Chris Young have been confirmed as headliners at Country Thunder Wisconsin, which will take place July 21-24 in Twin Lakes, Wis.
Chris Young. Photo: David McClister
Young will perform on Thurs., July 21, following sets by Dallas Smith, Chase Bryant and Ryan Hurd. Florida Georgia Line will headline Fri., July 22, capping a day that also features Parmalee, The Cadillac Three and The Bellamy Brothers.
Jake Owen.
Owen will appear on Sat., July 23, along with Chris Janson, Joe Diffie, and Tucker Beathard. As previously announced, Eric Church will be the festival’s final performer on Sun., July 24. Thomas Rhett, A Thousand Horses and Terri Clark will round out the Sunday lineup.
Country Thunder Wisconsin won the 2015 ACM Award for Festival of the Year.
Lee Brice Will Play All 50 States in 2015
/by Craig_ShelburneLee Brice is expected to be the only country artist to perform in all 50 states in 2015.
Brice will hit the milestone on Sunday (Nov. 15) with a concert at Brewhouse Music & Grill in Rome, Ga. The concert sold out minutes after it was announced.
The goal was set a few months ago when one of Brice’s bandmates pointed out how close they were to performing in all 50 states. Brice immediately called his management team and booking agent to line up shows in the remaining states.
“I’m so excited about this. As soon as I realized how close we were, I just had to make it happen,” he said.