CMA Films With CMT Canada
For the first time, CMA partnered with CMT Canada to film a special CMA Songwriters Series presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Artists and songwriters Kristian Bush, Deric Ruttan, Ron Sexsmith, and Josh Turner performed during the celebration of songs and scribes, which was filmed in front of an exclusive invite-only audience of industry movers and Country Music super fans. The one-hour broadcast will air this fall.
Pictured (L-R): Ron Sexsmith, Kristian Bush, Josh Turner, and Deric Ruttan at the CMA Songwriters Series Wednesday night at The Great Hall in Toronto. Photo: Brian B. Bettcourt/CMA
ASCAP and Students Prep Release
ASCAP released the first music video “The World’s On Fire,” from their upcoming ASCAP Songwriter Residency: Volume 7 compilation, compiled of seven tracks free to stream and download Friday, Sept. 25. The song was co-written and performed by Felix McTeigue (“Anything Goes,” FGL) with songwriters Ellie Buckland, Isa Burke and 30 America SCORES students of Boston Teachers Union School. The after-school program is an annual mentorship program that enables songwriters to engage and inspire elementary and middle school students in under-resourced neighborhoods around the country. Click here to watch the video.
SESAC, ole Celebrate John Paul White-Produced Album
Lindi Ortega, SESAC, ole and Last Gang Records gathered Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Nashville-headquarted PRO to celebrate the release of Faded Gloryville. Ortega’s 10-track album was produced by Dave Cobb, Colin Linden, Ben Tanner and John Paul White. Lindi will play Nashville’s Ink N Iron festival on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Pictured (L-R): ole General Manager John Ozier, ole Vice President Gilles Godard, Lindi Ortega, Last Gang Management Partner Chris Taylor and SESAC Vice President Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Corey Smith Visits CMT
Sugar Hill Records artist Corey Smith stopped by CMT on Thursday (August 6) to play a few songs from his new release, While The Gettin’ Is Good, including his new single “Feet Wet.” CMT is currently playing the video for the single on CMT Pure.
Pictured (L-R): Cass Scripps – APA Booking, Brinson Strickland – The Collective, Stacey Cato (Manager, Music Strategy) – CMT, Corey Smith, Leslie Fram (SVP, Music Strategy) – CMT, Cliff O’Sullivan – Rounder Label Group, David Newmark – Rounder Label Group. Front Row (L-R) – Donna Duncan (Manager, Talent Relations) – CMT, Rachel Cunningham – The Collective, Jordan Stephens (Coordinator, Music Strategy) – CMT, Jen Morrison (Sr. Manager, Social Media) – CMT, Claire Heinichen (Coordinator, Social Media) – CMT, Katie Roth (Social Media) – CMT, Jennifer Dichiara (Consumer Marketing) – CMT
Connie Smith Celebrates Golden Anniversary With Opry Family
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher, Connie Smith, and Marty Stuart
Connie Smith celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member Saturday night (Aug. 8) in a big way, surrounded by plenty of friends and Opry family. Jeannie Seely, The Whites, Alison Krauss, Del McCoury, and Mel Tillis were all on hand to help her mark the momentous occasion, and husband Marty Stuart hosted a special hour-long segment of tribute performances during which he joined Smith on a duet of “Til I Found You.” She also performed favorites “You’ve Got Me (Right Where You Want Me)” and “Satisfied” during the special evening as well.
Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher presented Smith with an inscribed gold bangle to commemorate the evening, proclaiming Smith “the very essence of the Opry.”
“I am so proud to be here tonight. It’s hard to believe that I actually get a chance to be here at all. Much less to have been here 50 years,” said Smith. “I got to be here in the era of Roy Acuff, Ms. Kitty Wells, Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, Marty Robbins, Dottie West and so many wonderful folks. The Opry is one of the great loves of my life and has been since I was five years old. I said ‘someday I’m going to sing on the Grand Ole Opry.’ Dreams do come true. I have presented all five of my children and all eight of my grandchildren on this stage or on the Ryman stage. It’s such a big part of my heart.”
For more on the Grand Ole Opry and its evolving history, pick up a copy of the latest issue of MusicRow, featuring an exclusive interview with Pete Fisher.
Connie Smith and Marty Stuart
Weekly Register: Country Vs. Compton Race to the Top
/by Sarah SkatesMeanwhile, Dre’s Straight Outta Compton soundtrack is predicted to sell about 290-305K, but that number could rise due to the film’s release this week.
On this week’s chart, Bryan has the top country track debut with “Huntin,’ Fishin,’ and Lovin’ Every Day” selling 10K to reel in the No. 27 country spot.
Top 5 Country Albums this week
Sam Hunt 13K
Alan Jackson 12K
Zac Brown Band Greatest Hits 9.8K
Zac Brown Band Jekyll + Hyde 9.7K
Jason Isbell 8.7K
Top 5 Country Tracks this week
Sam Hunt “House Party” 48K
Little Big Town “Girl Crush” 44K
Thomas Rhett “Crash and Burn” 41K
Keith Urban “John Cougar…” 40K
Luke Bryan “Kick The Dust Up” 39K
YTD Albums
Overall -3.5%
Country -5%
YTD Tracks
Overall -9.4%
Country -15%
Chris Young Reveals Tour Details, Cover Art
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Paslay and Clare Dunn will open for Young.
Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday (Aug. 14) and can be purchased at aeglive.com and ChrisYoungCountry.com. A limited number of VIP packages, including premium seats, a preshow acoustic event, limited edition merch and more will also be available for sale.
I’m Comin’ Over Tour Dates
Oct 22 – Savannah Civic Center, Savannah, GA
Oct. 23 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, Alpharetta, GA
Oct. 24 – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN
Oct. 29 – Santander Arena, Reading, PA**
Oct. 30 – Erie Insurance Arena, Erie, PA
Oct. 31 – Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington, WV
Nov. 13 – Emens Auditorium, Muncie, IN
Nov. 14 – Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI
Nov. 19 – 1STBANK Center, Broomfield, CO***
Nov. 20 – Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark, Billings, MT**
Nov. 21 – Bismark Event Center Arena, Bismarck, ND
Dec. 3 – AMSOIL Arena, Duluth, MN
Dec. 4 – Mayo Civic Center Arena, Rochester, MN
Dec. 5 – Resch Center Theatre, Green Bay, WI
Industry Pics: CMA, ASCAP, Lindi Ortega, CMT
/by Kelsey_GradyCMA Films With CMT Canada
For the first time, CMA partnered with CMT Canada to film a special CMA Songwriters Series presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Artists and songwriters Kristian Bush, Deric Ruttan, Ron Sexsmith, and Josh Turner performed during the celebration of songs and scribes, which was filmed in front of an exclusive invite-only audience of industry movers and Country Music super fans. The one-hour broadcast will air this fall.
Pictured (L-R): Ron Sexsmith, Kristian Bush, Josh Turner, and Deric Ruttan at the CMA Songwriters Series Wednesday night at The Great Hall in Toronto. Photo: Brian B. Bettcourt/CMA
ASCAP and Students Prep Release
ASCAP released the first music video “The World’s On Fire,” from their upcoming ASCAP Songwriter Residency: Volume 7 compilation, compiled of seven tracks free to stream and download Friday, Sept. 25. The song was co-written and performed by Felix McTeigue (“Anything Goes,” FGL) with songwriters Ellie Buckland, Isa Burke and 30 America SCORES students of Boston Teachers Union School. The after-school program is an annual mentorship program that enables songwriters to engage and inspire elementary and middle school students in under-resourced neighborhoods around the country. Click here to watch the video.
SESAC, ole Celebrate John Paul White-Produced Album
Lindi Ortega, SESAC, ole and Last Gang Records gathered Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Nashville-headquarted PRO to celebrate the release of Faded Gloryville. Ortega’s 10-track album was produced by Dave Cobb, Colin Linden, Ben Tanner and John Paul White. Lindi will play Nashville’s Ink N Iron festival on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Pictured (L-R): ole General Manager John Ozier, ole Vice President Gilles Godard, Lindi Ortega, Last Gang Management Partner Chris Taylor and SESAC Vice President Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Corey Smith Visits CMT
Sugar Hill Records artist Corey Smith stopped by CMT on Thursday (August 6) to play a few songs from his new release, While The Gettin’ Is Good, including his new single “Feet Wet.” CMT is currently playing the video for the single on CMT Pure.
Pictured (L-R): Cass Scripps – APA Booking, Brinson Strickland – The Collective, Stacey Cato (Manager, Music Strategy) – CMT, Corey Smith, Leslie Fram (SVP, Music Strategy) – CMT, Cliff O’Sullivan – Rounder Label Group, David Newmark – Rounder Label Group. Front Row (L-R) – Donna Duncan (Manager, Talent Relations) – CMT, Rachel Cunningham – The Collective, Jordan Stephens (Coordinator, Music Strategy) – CMT, Jen Morrison (Sr. Manager, Social Media) – CMT, Claire Heinichen (Coordinator, Social Media) – CMT, Katie Roth (Social Media) – CMT, Jennifer Dichiara (Consumer Marketing) – CMT
Henley Releases Dolly Duet, Concert Tickets Available
/by Eric T. ParkerDon Henley‘s duet with Dolly Parton, a Louvin Brothers cover titled “When I Stop Dreaming,” is available with a preorder on iTunes ahead of Henley’s Cass County Capitol Records release on Sept. 25. A stream of the song is available with USA Today. “That Old Flame,” a duet featuring Martina McBride and additional track, “Take A Picture of This,” are also available.
The 12-track standard project contains additional guests Merle Haggard, Mick Jagger, Miranda Lambert, Trisha Yearwood and Lee Ann Womack.
Tickets were available today, Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m. for most of Henley’s Cass County Tour 2015, including an October 18 stop at the Ryman Auditorium. There are still single seats available for the Nashville date with singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin. Tomorrow (August 8), tickets will be available for shows in Detroit, Mich.; Grand Prairie, Texas; and Santa Barbara, Calif. Tickets for the Los Angeles concert at the Forum go on sale Saturday, August 14 at 10 a.m.
Each concert ticket ordered online from the primary ticket outlet for the tour will receive the deluxe CD via mail.
A super deluxe version of the album will also be available in Henley’s official online store, including a 50 -page booklet with exclusive photos, collector postcards, deluxe CD album, and as a deluxe Vinyl. A limited number of bundles will also be offered, including a T-shirt and 12X12 lithograph.
Jake Owen To Divorce
/by Eric T. ParkerLacey Buchanan (L) with Jake Owen (R) the night of their engagement, April 7, 2012. Photo: J. Patrick Rice for JPR
Jake Owen released a statement via Twitter today announcing he and his wife Lacey Buchanan have decided to divorce after 3-years of marriage.
Together they have one child, Olive Pearl Owen.
The two were married on May 7, 2012 in his hometown of Vero Beach, FL after a one month engagement and a year of dating. The couple met on the set for Owen’s music video “8-Second Ride” and the bride also starred in his “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” video.
The statement, released August 7, reads:
Hunter Hayes to Launch ’21 Tour’ in the Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughHunter Hayes has announced he will launch a 21 Tour, playing 21 special shows this fall across the U.S. including college campuses. Tour dates and ticket information are forthcoming.
“We’ve had such a great time touring this summer, and I can’t wait to get back out there this fall and see our fans in a close-up setting,” said Hayes. “We’re going to make it all about the music, with every night holding something unique only to that show.”
Hayes’ single “21” is already closing in on 21 million streams globally in less than nine weeks since its release, and is the third most-played country track on Spotify. Today (August 7) he is the featured artist on Spotify’s The Drop, where six of his songs and videos, including two brand new releases, “Saint Or A Sinner” and “Trouble With Love” are highlighted.
He is also featured on Country Now in an exclusive ‘Live From Blackbird’ performance, filmed earlier this month at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios.
Sevier Report: Dolly’s Coaster To Break Records, August Songwriters Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughDollywood To Add World’s Fastest, Launching Wooden Coaster
Lightning Rod rendering
Dollywood today (August 7) announced the addition of Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest and first launching wood coaster. Set to open in March 2016, the $22 million element is the single largest attraction investment in The Dollywood Company’s history. Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod starts at 20 stories before a twin summit, 165-foot drop. Its track is 3,800-ft. long and runs at a top speed of 73 mph, the fastest speed for a wood coaster in the world.
In March 2012, Dollywood opened the $20 million Wild Eagle ride.
Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival
The event also offers aspiring writers the chance to participate in co-writing events, songwriting workshops and critiquing sessions with hall of fame songwriters. More information here.
Capitol Records Hosts Third Congress Meeting in California
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): CEO of Universal Music Group Lucian Grainge, Don Henley. Photo: Eric Charbonneau – AP/Invision
Capitol Music Group hosted the company’s 3rd Annual Capitol Congress on August 5 at the ArcLight Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. Nashville speaker/presenters included UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan, UMG Senior Vice President of Global Streaming Jay Frank, and I.R.S. President John Grady.
During the event, artists presented their forthcoming projects to company and entertainment industry reps from around the world, as well as consumer and trade media. Artists participating included Katy Perry, Don Henley and Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys, on what would have been the 51st birthday of Adam Yauch, who died in 2012.
During the annual meeting execs shared that CMG was responsible for launching three of the top ten breakout artists in the U.S. of the past three years: Sam Smith, 5 Seconds Of Summer and Bastille.
Vegas News: SiriusXM To Broadcast First Festival, Dierks’ Vegas Eatery
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Route 91 Harvest Festival will join forces with SiriusXM this year to broadcast live performances from this year’s event October 2-4 in Las Vegas. Route 91 will be the first country festival to be broadcast live on the satellite radio network, and will broadcast select performances by artists on the lineup which includes Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, and more. Over 20,000 fans attended the festival’s inaugural year.
“I’m thrilled that SiriusXM will be joining us at Route 91 Harvest,” said Brian O’ Connell, Live Nation President of Country Touring. “To have them onsite with us will add to what is already gearing up to be a special festival with a monster lineup and a lot more to be revealed in the coming months leading up to October.”
Dierks Takes Whiskey Row To Vegas
Whiskey Row Las Vegas Rendering.
Dierks Bentley has unveiled plans to open the fourth location of his Whiskey Row chain in Las Vegas in July 2016 at the Monte Carlo’s new eight-acre retail and dining district.
Plans call for a slot in the southern exterior of the MGM Resorts-owned location, housing a new $100 million theater and concert hall. The Vegas location will reportedly serve a “gastropub” menu of dishes like the Whiskey Burger with honey roasted jalapeños, bacon and melted cheddar, Dierk’s Fried Chicken served with bacon smashed potatoes, and desserts such as banana bread pudding topped with vanilla bourbon ice cream. There will also be a specialty menu of Boilermakers and DJs and live music at the Vegas spot.
Bentley already has three Whiskey Row locations, two in his home state of Arizona: Tempe and Scottsdale, and another in Chicago.