Trisha Yearwood and Sister Sign Book Copies in Georgia
Trisha Yearwood and her sister Beth Bernard made two “hometown” appearances in Atlanta and Monticello, Ga., recently to sign copies of Trisha’s Table: My Feel-Good Favorites for a Balanced Life. Yearwood and her sister visited Atlanta’s Williams-Sonoma in Ponce City Market where the signing lasted for four hours without a break.
In Monticello, they signed nearly 1,500 books for eight hours straight for fans from far and wide, including one woman who traveled more than 700 miles from Delaware.
Photo: AP/Jon Barash
Martina McBride Meets With Bob Seger, Don Henley
Martina McBride found herself framed by rock royalty this week. After taping an upcoming edition of Austin City Limits showcasing music from Don Henley’s forthcoming album, Cass County, McBride took part in a SiriusXM event with Henley, moderated by Bob Seger. McBride is Henley’s featured duet partner on “That Old Flame,” the first single from the Cass County project. She performed the song with him at both the Austin City Limits and SiriusXM tapings.
McBride’s friendship with Seger dates back to 1998, when they teamed up for “Chances Are,” a duet from the soundtrack of the Sandra Bullock movie, Hope Floats. McBride is signed to Nash Icon Records and is in the early stages of working on new music. Henley’s Cass County will be released on Sept. 25.
Pictured (L-R): Don Henley, Martina McBride, and Bob Seger.
Ty Herndon Signs On As Co-Chair of Nashville CARES
Ty Herndon
Ty Herndon will be the honorary co-chair for the Nashville CARES 24th annual Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run. Nashville CARES has set a goal of raising $240,000 to help end the HIV/AIDS in Middle Tennessee.
“I’ve worked on and off with CARES for a long time,” Herndon said, “and we all know they are the top of the line at what they do, so it’s such an honor to work with them. And after coming out in November, a lot of different opportunities came my way to work with different organizations and getting the call to do this special day was very cool for me and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
The event takes place on Saturday, October 3 at Public Square Park. Registration starts at 10:00 am and the walk starts at 11:00 am. According to the event’s website, CARES expects over 1,600 people to attend.
Beau Davidson Teams With The Tokens
Nashville singer/actor/producer Beau Davidson will head to Starstruck Studios next week with producer/keyboardist Jimmy Nichols and the group The Tokens to record a new version of their 1961 hit, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Beau Davidson
Doug McCormick Releases ‘Sweet Dixie Memory’ EP
Doug McCormick has released a new EP, Sweet Dixie Memory. The six-song album is produced by Marshall Altman. The project marks McCormick’s first release in four years. The South Carolina native moved to Nashville and landed a songwriting deal with BMG/Chrysalis in 2013.
“I’m thrilled to be releasing the soundtrack of my life. This project captures everything I am as an artist, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!” says McCormick.
Kirstie Lovelady To Release ‘Weed(s)’ EP
Nashville native and Belmont University graduate Kirstie Lovelady‘s latest EP, Weed(s), releases Sept. 4.
[Update]: Garth Brooks’ ‘Friends in Low Places’ Remake, Album Reissue Halted
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks
[Update]:
One day after the news broke that Garth Brooks has recorded a remake of his 1990 classic “Friends In Low Places,” plans for the song’s release hit a snag.
According to Billboard, plans were in place for an unnamed, non-traditional retailer to purchase a minimum of 1 million units of a 25th anniversary edition of Brooks’ No Fences, anchored by the “Friends in Low Places” remake, which includes George Strait, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Keith Urban. However, the release with the third-party retailer depended on publishers agreeing to a discounted royalty rate in exchange for a guaranteed 1 million units purchased.
Some publishers did not agree to the requested discount price. Because of favored nation clauses, this would force the deal to go through with all publishers receiving the higher royalty rate, which Brooks said placed the price above the retailer’s budget. Brooks told Billboard that publishers did not agree to the discount in order to protect their writers.
“They said to protect the songwriters,” he told the magazine. “I respect that. That’s been my whole thing since day one; you have to protect the songwriters.”
With negotiations halted, Brooks stated that he accepts the blame for assuming all publishers would accept the deal. “This is 100% my fault. I’ve done this deal for 20 years,” he said. “I know how this deal works. What caught me off guard—I just never guessed—is that the rate would go up.”
[Original post, Sept. 3, 2015, 10:22 a.m.]
Garth Brooks has recorded a remake of his 1990 classic, “Friends in Low Places,” with an all-star lineup, MusicRow confirms. George Strait, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line all took part in the recording process.
“Everyone was truly kind and great to work with – a real joy,” says Brooks’ representative.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of “Friends in Low Places,” the first single from Brooks’ sophomore Capitol Nashville project, No Fences. After spending multiple weeks atop the country charts, the song took home Single of the Year honors from both the Academy of Country Music (1990) and the Country Music Association (1991). “Friends,” written by DeWayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee, became Brooks’ signature tune, and a mainstay in his concerts.
TV Shows From Dailey & Vincent, Music City Roots; Plus New Music From MCR’s Jim Lauderdale
/by Sarah SkatesThe third televised season of Music City Roots premieres Oct. 23 on its flagship station Nashville Public Television and around the country on American Public Television, where it is expected to reach at least 85 stations nationwide.
The 14-week series includes sets by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, recorded on the first night of the show’s new home at The Factory at Franklin, Tenn. There are also sets by Billy Joe Shaver, Balsam Range, Sam Bush, Mary Gauthier and others, as well as performances at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, Americana Music Association conference and the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.
The show is co-hosted by Jim Lauderdale, Keith Bilbrey and Craig Havighurst, who is also supervising producer.
Dailey & Vincent Debut TV Show
Dailey & Vincent with Vince Gill
Season one of The Dailey & Vincent Show will premiere Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8:30 PM CST and continue weekly on RFD-TV for a 26-episode run through the end of August 2016.
Tune in to the first episode as Vince Gill joins the duo for a unique performance and exclusive interview.
The weekly 30-minute music, entertainment, and lifestyle show will include live performances and interview segments by guest stars such as Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers, Dan Tyminski, The Oak Ridge Boys and Emily West.
Jim Lauderdale Searches Soul
Jim Lauderdale explores the traditional sounds of Memphis and Nashville on a new project set for release Sept. 25.
Soul Searching: Vol. 1 Memphis/Vol. 2. Nashville (Sky Crunch Records) is a 26-song release available as a double album, and also as individual albums.
Vol. 1 Memphis was tracked at the legendary Royal Studios. Vol. 2 Nashville was tracked at the historic Nashville Victor Studio A. Both albums feature Luther and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars.
Jeffrey Steele Opens Space In Online Songwriting Bootcamp
/by Eric T. ParkerJeffrey Steele’s Songwriting Bootcamp 2.0.
Nashville Songwriting Hall of Famer Jeffrey Steele has opened registration for his online Songwriting Bootcamp 2.0 course that is slated to begin this fall.
The brand new curriculum incorporates three decades of industry experience in an eight-week intensive online course for songwriters and artists at all levels.
There are a limited number of spots available. Visit JeffreySteeleBootcamp.com for more information.
With over 60 million airplays of his songs, Steele is a two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, three-time NSAI songwriter of the year, and has been nominated for four Grammys. Steele boasts over 500 cuts in an eight-year period. His hits include “My Wish,” “What Hurts The Most,” “My Town,” “She’d Give Anything,” “The Cowboy In Me,” “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” and “Raise Em’ Up.” In addition to his songwriting and artistry, Steele is a multi-platinum producer of artists like Montgomery Gentry, Keith Anderson and John Waite. He founded his songwriting bootcamp in 2006 after speaking at various workshops across the country.
Artist Updates: Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Ty Herndon
/by Jessica NicholsonTrisha Yearwood and Sister Sign Book Copies in Georgia
Trisha Yearwood and her sister Beth Bernard made two “hometown” appearances in Atlanta and Monticello, Ga., recently to sign copies of Trisha’s Table: My Feel-Good Favorites for a Balanced Life. Yearwood and her sister visited Atlanta’s Williams-Sonoma in Ponce City Market where the signing lasted for four hours without a break.
In Monticello, they signed nearly 1,500 books for eight hours straight for fans from far and wide, including one woman who traveled more than 700 miles from Delaware.
Photo: AP/Jon Barash
Martina McBride Meets With Bob Seger, Don Henley
Martina McBride found herself framed by rock royalty this week. After taping an upcoming edition of Austin City Limits showcasing music from Don Henley’s forthcoming album, Cass County, McBride took part in a SiriusXM event with Henley, moderated by Bob Seger. McBride is Henley’s featured duet partner on “That Old Flame,” the first single from the Cass County project. She performed the song with him at both the Austin City Limits and SiriusXM tapings.
McBride’s friendship with Seger dates back to 1998, when they teamed up for “Chances Are,” a duet from the soundtrack of the Sandra Bullock movie, Hope Floats. McBride is signed to Nash Icon Records and is in the early stages of working on new music. Henley’s Cass County will be released on Sept. 25.
Pictured (L-R): Don Henley, Martina McBride, and Bob Seger.
Ty Herndon Signs On As Co-Chair of Nashville CARES
Ty Herndon
Ty Herndon will be the honorary co-chair for the Nashville CARES 24th annual Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run. Nashville CARES has set a goal of raising $240,000 to help end the HIV/AIDS in Middle Tennessee.
“I’ve worked on and off with CARES for a long time,” Herndon said, “and we all know they are the top of the line at what they do, so it’s such an honor to work with them. And after coming out in November, a lot of different opportunities came my way to work with different organizations and getting the call to do this special day was very cool for me and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
The event takes place on Saturday, October 3 at Public Square Park. Registration starts at 10:00 am and the walk starts at 11:00 am. According to the event’s website, CARES expects over 1,600 people to attend.
Beau Davidson Teams With The Tokens
Nashville singer/actor/producer Beau Davidson will head to Starstruck Studios next week with producer/keyboardist Jimmy Nichols and the group The Tokens to record a new version of their 1961 hit, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Beau Davidson
Doug McCormick Releases ‘Sweet Dixie Memory’ EP
Doug McCormick has released a new EP, Sweet Dixie Memory. The six-song album is produced by Marshall Altman. The project marks McCormick’s first release in four years. The South Carolina native moved to Nashville and landed a songwriting deal with BMG/Chrysalis in 2013.
“I’m thrilled to be releasing the soundtrack of my life. This project captures everything I am as an artist, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!” says McCormick.
Kirstie Lovelady To Release ‘Weed(s)’ EP
Nashville native and Belmont University graduate Kirstie Lovelady‘s latest EP, Weed(s), releases Sept. 4.
Tom Baldrica Joins Midwest Communications
/by Jessica NicholsonTom Baldrica
Radio promotion veteran Tom Baldrica has joined Midwest Communications in the newly created role of Corporate Country Brand Strategist. He will work closely with the Midwest Communications contemporary country stations, their growing stable of DUKE-FM stations, and on-air talent for KTCO/Duluth, Minn., as well as WUSZ/Hibbing, Minn.
Midwest Communications VP, Programming Jeff McCarthy says, “When someone with the talent and experience of Tom Baldrica is available you seize the opportunity. We’re excited to tap into Tom’s knowledge of the music industry to create advantages and ideas for our multiple Country brands. ”
Baldrica adds, “I’m am so excited to be joining Jeff and his talented team of Market Managers and Brand Managers to increase their country footprint—both locally and nationally. Midwest is a dynamic and growing company with a real commitment to country radio and country music, and I can’t wait to get started. We are going to have a lot of fun! This is the perfect next step in my country music career.”
Baldrica was most recently VP, Radio Promotion & Marketing for Show Dog-Universal Records, working with Toby Keith, Josh Thompson and Joel Crouse. Previous career stops include Average Joes Entertainment (President), Sony Music Nashville (VP, Marketing), and BNA Records (VP, National Promotion).
Baldrica can be reached at 615-715-6378 or at tom.baldrica@mwcradio.com
Music City Food + Wine Festival Draws Near
/by Sarah SkatesThe event is produced by Kings of Leon, world-renowned chef Jonathan Waxman, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn, and Austin-based C3 Presents.
The festival grounds at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will feature live cooking demonstrations, book signings, samples, wines, cocktails, and giveaways.
Saturday’s Harvest Night offers plenty of celebrity chefs and music performances at Walk of Fame Park, though the musical line-up has not been announced.
New Uber users can apply the promo code “FOODWINE” to receive a free ride up to $20.
Music City Food + Wine Festival ticket options include a Saturday Day Pass ($150), Sunday Day Pass ($150), Harvest Night Pass ($225) or All-In Pass ($500).
Details at www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com.
In more foodie news, Waxman is launching Chef’s Night Out, a dinner series at his restaurant Adele’s. The first event will feature award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern on Thurs., Sept. 17. Cost is $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Following on Oct. 6 is guest chef Marcus Samuelsson. Call 615-988-9700 for reservations.
StubHub Ditches ‘All-In’ Ticket Pricing
/by Jessica NicholsonAfter less than two years of “all-in” pricing, ticket resale company StubHub is reverting to its previous system of adding 15 percent to 17 percent to ticket prices at checkout, according to the Wall Street Journal.
However, StubHub President Scott Cutler says the shift away from all-in pricing isn’t a retreat.
“I view it as a continuous evolution,” says Cutler, adding that the price-display change is one of several changes in the works, including better event recommendations and a further expansion into international markets. The all-in ticket pricing display will still be an option on StubHub, though not the default setting.
“The hope was that the industry would follow and that would yield greater transparency,” Cutler says. However, few competitors joined in with all-in pricing display, making them look like a better deal than StubHub in preliminary ticket price search results.
Regardless of display options, StubHub remains one of the biggest players in the $6 billion live event ticket reselling market.
Industry Ink: BLA, Catch This Music, Matt Rizor Fundraiser
/by Jessica NicholsonBuddy Lee Attractions (BLA) has added Andy Griggs and Mark Wills to the booking agency’s roster of notable country music entertainers, which includes Darryl Worley, Daryle Singletary, Halfway to Hazard, Radio Romance and more.
“The Country music sector has long provided a venue for a wide variety of musical styles,” said Donna Lee, Owner and CEO, Buddy Lee Attractions. “Griggs and Wills have made it evident, with their consistent demand, that their style of music can put bodies in seats at any venue. Promoters recognize their ‘test of time’ entertainment value.”
Catch This Music Adds Executive Assistant
Kathryn Graham
Catch This Music has added Kathryn Graham in an executive assistant role. A graduate of Full Sail University, she worked for five years at Bluewater Music. Her career path has also included stops at Lyric Financial and ClearBox Rights.
“I’ve always felt the artists/writers were missing a trusted source where administrative and creative thinkers come together to form a family circled around the growth of their music. CTM is this place,” says Graham.
“I’m so excited to have Kathryn join our CTM family,” says CTM President/CEO Eddie Robba. “Kathryn brings great value and excitement to our team.”
Fundraiser For Industry Member Matt Rizor
Matt Rizor
Just over one year ago, booking agent Matt Rizor was left in a coma after being hit by a car in Nashville. Today, after months of therapy, Rizor is walking, running, and talking, though still on the road to a full recovery.
He has had therapy at Stallworth Center in Nashville, the Shepard Center in Atlanta, and at NeuroRestorative in Michigan. Friends and family hope to raise $15,000 to cover therapy and travel expenses for continued therapy for Rizor, as Medicaid will not cover therapy at NeuroRestorative.
To donate, visit youcaring.com.
Weekly Chart Report (9/4/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Steven Tyler To Join CMA Songwriters ‘Front and Center’ Filming
/by Eric T. ParkerSteven Tyler. Photo: Zack Whitford.
Legendary Aerosmith member and budding country music artist Steven Tyler will give a live performance on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Melrose Ballroom in Long Island City, New York for an exclusive Front and Center public television episode.
Set to air in early 2016, the acoustic event is part of the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Songwriters Series additionally featuring hit songwriters Rebecca Lynn Howard, Eric Paslay, Lindsey Lee, Nuno Bettencourt, and Marti Frederiksen.
Tyler and his guests will perform stripped down versions of songs from his forthcoming Dot Records country album, including lead single “Love Is Your Name,” along with his mega-hits from Aerosmith.
Together, Tyler and Aerosmith have nine No. 1 hits including “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” in addition to co-written titles “Jaded,” “Cryin’,” and “Livin’ On the Edge.” They have sold more than 150 million records worldwide that have included 18 platinum and 12 multi-platinum album certifications. He has won four Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2013, Tyler was awarded with the Founder’s Award at the ASCAP Pop Awards and was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Tyler and Aerosmith recently finished their North America Blue Army tour.
Tickets for the Front and Center taping are available from $95-$150.
In advance of his taping, Tyler will be a part of a CMA’s reveal of final nominees for its annual awards. He will also perform at the Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tenn. on Sunday, Sept. 27.