Pictured (L-R): Nashville Mayor Megan Barry; Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Board Vice Chairman; Darius Rucker; Greg Burns, Nashville Public Education Foundation Board member; Anna Shepherd, MNPS Board Vice Chair; Chris Henson, MNPS Interim Director of Schools; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; John Esposito, CMA Board President and Warner Music Nashville CEO and President; John Huie, CMA Board member and Agent at CAA. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
The CMA Foundation has continued its steadfast dedication to keeping music in public schools, with a recent $1 million grant to aid teachers in Nashville’s music classrooms.
The grant will go toward several initiatives, including providing instruments and music education for more than 85,000 students in Davidson County. It will also support Music Teachers at the Core, which will recognize up to 50 exceptional Metro Nashville Public School teachers with a $2,000 cash award. Additionally, the grant will support side-by-side coaching and expanded professional development opportunities to strengthen music education teachers in Davidson County.
Darius Rucker was on hand alongside Nashville Mayor Megan Barry to announce the donation. Also in attendance were students from Nashville School of the Arts, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, and the W.O. Smith Music School.
“Having access to an instrument in an environment that encourages creative expression is such a powerful thing,” said Rucker. “A defining moment in my life was when my mother gave me my first guitar – I can honestly say it completely changed my life. In that moment, a newfound passion and creativity were born where skills like writing and poetry took on a new role. So, to know that we, as artists with CMA, are helping kids get the option for that kind of discovery is really incredible.”
Darius Rucker announces a $1 million grant to Metro Nashville Public Schools on behalf of the CMA Foundation at the National League of Cities annual conference Friday in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
“When this program began, it was important to fund the purchase of instruments, which hadn’t been purchased in decades,” said Joe Galante, Vice Chairman of the CMA Foundation and a member of the CMA Board of Directors. “Now that we have instruments in every Metro school, the CMA Foundation has expanded its support to include teacher education, which is critical in developing and maintaining strong, sustainable music programs.”
“I am grateful for the CMA Foundation’s deep commitment to our city,” Barry said. “It is a shining example of what is possible through strong public–private partnerships, and it is showing the country the value and importance of music education. Nashville is proud to be Music City, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong investment from the music industry.”
Funds for the 2015 grant were raised through the CMA Music Festival. For 2016, the CMA Foundation has earmarked $2.6 million to in- and after-school music education programs across the country, bringing the foundation’s total contributions, including the Metro grants, to $13.6 million. CMA and the CMA Foundation have invested $10 million in 10 years in a public–private partnership to strengthen and improve music education in Nashville schools.
Songwriter Even Stevens To Release Autobiography
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriter Even Stevens, writer behind hits such as Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” and “Drivin’ My Life Away,” has penned an autobiography detailing his life as a songwriter.
In Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town (Heritage Builders Publishing), Stevens chronicles his ups and downs in the Nashville music industry. Thirteen of Stevens’ songs have earned BMI Millionaire status, representing more than 143 years of consecutive radio airplay.
Stevens’ songs have been recorded by: Joe Cocker, Tim McGraw, Eddie Rabbitt, Martina McBride, George Jones, Julio Iglesias, Kenny Chesney, Conway Twitty, Elvis Costello, J.D. Souther, Sammie Smith, B.J. Thomas, Brenda Lee, Engelbert Humperdinck, Blake Shelton, Marilyn McCoo, Tom Jones, Shel Silverstein, Mac Davis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Steel Pulse, Micky Gilley, Lacy J. Dalton, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins, Glen Campbell, Alabama, Kim Carnes, Paul Davis, Kenny Rogers, Dr. Hook, The London Symphony and even The Chipmunks.
Stevens now lives in Carthage, Ind.
Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town will release in November 2015.
CMA Songwriters Series Spotlights ‘Nashville’
/by Jessica NicholsonThe men of ABC’s Nashville were on hand recently to take part in the CMA Songwriters Series, held at Nashville’s CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The in-the-round performance featured Chris Carmack (Will Lexington), Will Chase (Luke Wheeler), Charles Esten (Deacon Clayborne), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), and Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), performing alongside “Nashville” guest star Mark Collie (Frankie), musician Colin Linden, and Nashville songwriters Trent Dabbs, Chris Gelbuda, Travis Meadows, and Jonathan Singleton.
Pictured (L-R): Sam Palladio, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, CMA Board member Milly Olykan, Will Chase, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA
Pictured (L-R): Will Chase, Charles Esten, Colin Linden, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA
Magic Mustang Music Publishing Adds ASCAP Songwriter
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (front row L-R): Colton McGee, BBR Music Group; Lydia Schultz, Magic Mustang; Keithan Melton, Magic Mustang; Juli Newton-Griffith, Magic Mustang; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy; Robert Filhart, ASCAP. (Bottom row L-R): Taylor Davis; Benny Brown, BBR Music Group President/CEO. Photo: BBR Music Group
Magic Mustang Music has signed ASCAP songwriter Taylor Davis to its publishing roster.
A native of Menomonee Falls, Wis., Davis has been in Nashville for the past few years honing his songwriting craft.
“The moment I heard his music, I knew I wanted to sign Taylor,” says VP Publishing for Magic Mustang Music, Juli Newton-Griffith. “His vocal and unique songwriting instantly stood out to me.”
“I’m very blessed and excited to join Magic Mustang Music and to be part of the BBR Music Group family,” says Davis. “Songwriting is my passion, and I can’t wait to get to work!”
Founded by President/CEO Benny Brown in 1997, the BBR Music Group has grown from a fledgling independent label into one of the largest independent country label groups in the United States whose umbrella now includes publishing company Magic Mustang Music and management company BBR Management in addition to four label imprints: Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, RED BOW Records, Wheelhouse Records.
Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, The Recording Academy, Skyville Live
/by Jessica NicholsonSony Music Nashville’s Vessio Exits
Jennifer Vessio
Director of Media Jennifer Vessio departed Sony Music Nashville’s publicity department last Friday (Nov. 6) after three years at the company, MusicRow has confirmed. Vessio oversaw publicity efforts across the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville rosters.
Prior to her time at Sony, she worked at NBCUniversal’s worldwide headquarters in New York in corporate communications, television/entertainment and digital publicity.
She is looking for her next opportunity and can be reached at Jennifer.g.vessio@gmail.com
The Recording Academy Teams With Finn Partners
“As an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of music creators, The Recording Academy works to ensure that policymakers understand how their decisions in D.C., impact the lives of music makers across the country,” said Neda Azarfar, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Recording Academy. “This partnership comes at a crucial time for the music industry as we address key issues resulting from the fast pace at which both the creation and distribution of music are evolving. By tapping into Finn Partners’ expertise in grassroots activism, we further our commitment to our members — enabling all creators to become more effective as music advocates.”
Finn Partners helped The Recording Academy grow its annual Grammys In My District Day, which activated nearly 1650 music creators to have face-to-face conversations with congressmen regarding creators’ rights, copyright review, and the impact of current regulations on the music community.
Skyville Live Launches New Season With Little Big Town
The event will stream on SkyvilleLive.com at 7 p.m. CT.
“We’re about ready to light the fuse on this rocket,” says Wally Wilson, Creator and Executive Producer for Skyville Live. “We have an incredible season of shows planned. The first one out of the box celebrates the legacy of Gregg Allman, who will be joined on stage by one of the hottest groups in country music, Little Big Town, with the amazing Taj Mahal, and a band of the greatest musicians in the world.”
Skyville Live debuted in January, with performances from Gladys Knight, Martina McBride, and Estelle. In April, the show featured an evening of collaborations from Kris Kristofferson, Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell, and Brandy Clark.
Blake Shelton Will Host 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards on Nickelodeon
/by Craig_ShelburneBlake Shelton, host of Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. Photo: James White/Nickelodeon. © 2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Showing the slimy side of television, Blake Shelton will host Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. The ceremony will air live on March 12.
The awards are presented to kids’ favorite celebrities from film, music, and television. The show will be seen around the globe on Nickelodeon channels in more than 180 countries and territories.
“I’ve been on countless stages throughout my life, but none have promised the madness, excitement and endless slime as Nick’s Kids’ Choice Awards, which is undoubtedly the ultimate party for kids,” said Shelton. “There is only one team here, and it’s Team Kids’ Choice so bring it on Nickelodeon!”
Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz are executive producers.
Big Deal Music and BMG Extend Publishing Agreement
/by Eric T. ParkerUnder the agreement, BMG will continue to provide global administration and pro-active exploitation services for the Big Deal catalog in Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France, Benelux, Spain and Italy. The deal allows two companies to continue jointly signing talent. Previous signings have included songwriters John Ryan and Brett Beavers.
“We look forward to continuing our very successful and fulfilling relationship with BMG,” remarked Big Deal’s Kenny MacPherson. “It’s been a great partnership so far, and we look forward to many more successes to come.”
Laurent Hubert, President of Creative & Marketing at BMG, added, “BMG has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Kenny and the all-star team at Big Deal for the last few years. With our unique status as a new model music company with integrated platforms throughout the world, we have provided the roster with expanded opportunities. Of course, extending the relationship was a natural next step and we are on track for more accomplishments in the near future.”
Founded in September 2012, Big Deal Music has expanded to have offices in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville.
Chris Young Announces 2016 ‘I’m Comin’ Over’ Headlining Dates
/by Troy_StephensonChris Young has announced extended dates for his headlining I’m Comin’ Over tour, presented by AEG Live. The singer-songwriter has invited Cassadee Pope to join as special guest to open the 13 shows. Pope is also featured on Young’s new album as a duet partner on the song, “Think Of You.”
“We’re kicking off the new year really big, and I’m excited to have Cassadee Pope join me starting in January,” said Young. “When I heard her sing live I knew she would be the perfect person to sing on ‘Think Of You’ and I was hoping too that we could hit the road together at some point once the new record releases.”
The new album, I’m Comin’ Over, will be available on Nov. 13, the same day tickets go on sale for the tour.
Concert tickets can be purchased starting at 10 a.m. local time at aeglive.com and ChrisYoungCountry.com. A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will also be available for sale.
2016 I’m Comin’ Over Tour*
Jan. 21-Lowell, MA-Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Jan. 22-Philadelphia, PA-Electric Factory
Jan. 23-Pittsburgh, PA-Stage AE
Jan. 28-Cleveland, OH-Connor Place
Jan. 29-Cincinnati, OH-Aronoff Center for the Arts
Feb. 3-Minneapolis, MN-Northrop
Feb. 4-Rosemont, IL-Rosemont Theatre
Feb. 5-Royal Oak, MI-Royal Oak Music Theatre
Feb. 14-Estero, FL-Germain Arena
Feb. 18-Kansas City, MO-Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
Feb. 19-Tulsa, OK-Brady Theater
Feb. 25-New York, NY-PlayStation Theater
Feb. 26-Baltimore,MD-The Lyric
*Dates subject to change, please check chrisyoungcountry.com for the latest information
Weekly Register: Country Claims Top 3 Spots on Overall Albums Chart
/by Craig_ShelburneSix months after its release, Chris Stapleton’s Traveller rockets to No. 1 on the country album chart – and the overall album chart. Thanks to a boost from the CMA Awards, country artists hold the first three positions on this week’s overall album chart.
Following three victories at the CMA Awards last week and an incredible performance with Justin Timberlake during the show, Stapleton sold 153K albums – way, way up from 2.3K last week. With a combined total of 177K units, he also leads the overall chart, which accounts for single sales and streaming.
Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller drops one spot on the country album chart, landing at No. 2 with 73K sold. Eric Church’s unexpected Mr. Misunderstood makes a bow at No. 3 with 71K. They land in the same positions on the overall chart.
Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood album.
Chris Janson’s Buy Me a Boat sails into the No. 4 slot on the country album chart in its first week with 18.5K sold.
Other debuts include LoCash’s I Love This Life (No. 38), Now Country Christmas (No. 59), Josh Ward’s Holding Me Together (No. 60), and Rhonda Vincent’s Christmas Time (No. 64).
On the overall digital singles chart, Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” (which he performed on the CMA Awards) arrives at No. 2 with 131K sold. Meanwhile, Adele’s “Hello” is still crushing the competition with 635K singles sold.
Thomas Rhett maintains the No. 2 spot on the country digital single sales chart with “Die a Happy Man” (62K). Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” races to No. 3 with a 604 percent increase in sales and 48K singles sold. “Girl Crush” won CMA Awards for Single and Song of the Year, while Little Big Town picked up the Vocal Group award.
Other new faces in the Top 10 singles tally are Cole Swindell’s “Should’ve Ran After You” (No. 7, 30K), Kane Brown’s “Last Minute Late Night” (No. 9, 26K) and Stapleton’s “Traveller” (No. 10, 25K). Six other Stapleton songs land among the top 100 digital country singles chart.
Also new to the chart are Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need a Drink” (No. 14, 20K), Eric Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood” (No. 16, 18K), and CMA vocal duo winners Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession” (No. 31, 11K).
Information provided by Neilsen Soundscan.
CMA Foundation Grants $1 Million To Metro Nashville Public Schools
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Nashville Mayor Megan Barry; Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Board Vice Chairman; Darius Rucker; Greg Burns, Nashville Public Education Foundation Board member; Anna Shepherd, MNPS Board Vice Chair; Chris Henson, MNPS Interim Director of Schools; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; John Esposito, CMA Board President and Warner Music Nashville CEO and President; John Huie, CMA Board member and Agent at CAA. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
The CMA Foundation has continued its steadfast dedication to keeping music in public schools, with a recent $1 million grant to aid teachers in Nashville’s music classrooms.
The grant will go toward several initiatives, including providing instruments and music education for more than 85,000 students in Davidson County. It will also support Music Teachers at the Core, which will recognize up to 50 exceptional Metro Nashville Public School teachers with a $2,000 cash award. Additionally, the grant will support side-by-side coaching and expanded professional development opportunities to strengthen music education teachers in Davidson County.
Darius Rucker was on hand alongside Nashville Mayor Megan Barry to announce the donation. Also in attendance were students from Nashville School of the Arts, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, and the W.O. Smith Music School.
“Having access to an instrument in an environment that encourages creative expression is such a powerful thing,” said Rucker. “A defining moment in my life was when my mother gave me my first guitar – I can honestly say it completely changed my life. In that moment, a newfound passion and creativity were born where skills like writing and poetry took on a new role. So, to know that we, as artists with CMA, are helping kids get the option for that kind of discovery is really incredible.”
Darius Rucker announces a $1 million grant to Metro Nashville Public Schools on behalf of the CMA Foundation at the National League of Cities annual conference Friday in Nashville. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
“When this program began, it was important to fund the purchase of instruments, which hadn’t been purchased in decades,” said Joe Galante, Vice Chairman of the CMA Foundation and a member of the CMA Board of Directors. “Now that we have instruments in every Metro school, the CMA Foundation has expanded its support to include teacher education, which is critical in developing and maintaining strong, sustainable music programs.”
“I am grateful for the CMA Foundation’s deep commitment to our city,” Barry said. “It is a shining example of what is possible through strong public–private partnerships, and it is showing the country the value and importance of music education. Nashville is proud to be Music City, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong investment from the music industry.”
Funds for the 2015 grant were raised through the CMA Music Festival. For 2016, the CMA Foundation has earmarked $2.6 million to in- and after-school music education programs across the country, bringing the foundation’s total contributions, including the Metro grants, to $13.6 million. CMA and the CMA Foundation have invested $10 million in 10 years in a public–private partnership to strengthen and improve music education in Nashville schools.
CMA International Reception Honors Jeff Walker
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Milly Olykan; Sarah Trahern; Christy Walker Watkins, Walker’s daughter and Vice President of Publicity at AristoMedia Group; Walker’s widow Terri; Walker’s father, Bill; Walker’s stepmother, Jeanine; and Walker’s son-in-law Matt Watkins, Vice President of Marketing and Operations at AristoMedia Group.
Photo Credit: John Russell / CMA
The Country Music Association hosted more than 90 international media and music executives at the CMA International Reception in Nashville Wednesday ahead of “The 49th Annual CMA Awards.”
The Awards ceremony was simultaneously broadcast around the globe on CMC Australia and City TV in Canada. BBC Radio 2 will broadcast a live two-hour program hosted by Bob Harris on Saturday, Nov. 7 in the U.K. with Awards highlights.
Notable reception attendees included Laura Allen, Head of Artist & Media Relations at Universal Music Ireland; Aidan Butler, Senior Music Producer at RTE Radio; Sandy Harsch, Presenter of RTE Radio’s “Country Time”; CMA Board member Milly Olykan, Festival and Events Director at The O2; and Iain Snodgrass, Vice President of International Marketing at Universal Music Group International.
It was also announced at the reception that the CMA Global Artist Award will now be named the Jeff Walker Global Artist Award to honor late CMA Board member Jeff Walker, who passed away in August.
Walker was passionate about the international scope of Country Music. During his 21-year tenure on the CMA Board he was instrumental in distribution of CMA’s international honors and the creation of the CMA World GlobaLive! international artist showcase that takes place each year during CMA Music Festival. Walker’s family were in attendance.