Women Rock For The Cure Sets Date For 2015 Young Survivors Retreat
Women Rock For The Cure has set the date for its 2015 annual Young Survivors Retreat, aimed at helping connect young women who are fighting breast cancer. The four-day event will be held Sept. 24-27 at Deer Run Retreat Center, located at 3845 Perkins Road in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. The all-expenses paid event is open to approximately 20 women, who have been diagnosed between the ages of 18-40 years, and are either undergoing treatment or are survivors of breast cancer.
Activities during the event include sessions on art, relaxation, nutrition, fertility, relationships, and beauty tips.
The non-profit organization is helmed by Sweet Talk Publicity founder Jensen Sussman, who shares her own personal experience with the retreat: “Having to face breast cancer as a young woman is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. For WRFTC to bring together these women from all across the country who share in the same struggles and see how their connection forms a sisterhood of hope is inspiring.”
WRFTC raises funds for the Young Survivors Retreat throughout the year, and covers all travel expenses to and from Nashville for the retreat’s attendees. Applications will be accepted beginning May 1 at 9 a.m. CT through May 4 at 5 p.m. CT, at womenrockforthecure.org. To donate to Women Rock For The Cure, click here.
George Uribe Named Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner
George Uribe
George Uribe, president and CEO of guestbooker.com has been named an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner, presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). Uribe will join an esteemed class of professionals honored with this distinction, including Rudolph Giuliani, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, John Glenn, Quincy Jones, John McCain and Rosa Parks. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service.
Uribe, a veteran television producer, leads a team of television producers and bookers specializing in strategic placement of guests on local, national and international television and radio programs. He served as a non-commissioned officer for the US Army Reserve, and has received numerous awards for media coverage by his peers including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences New York Chapter. He is the co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer, Music City Media Mixer and New York Newsmakers. Uribe was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as the “Most Admired CEO” in his city and also serves on the Board of Rocketown, a regional outreach center for more than 800 teens across from Middle Tennessee.
Winter Jam 2015 Tour Breaks Attendance Records
Skillet’s John Cooper (L) and Jeremy Camp share the stage at Winter Jam. Photo: Adam Mowery
NewSong’s Winter Jam 2015 Tour Spectacular wrapped its biggest tour to date with more than 600,000 people attending 47 shows across the country. The tour launched its 20th anniversary tour Jan. 2. Since then, the tour has notched 38 sellout shows and played to capacity audiences at St. Louis’ 19,000-seat Scottrade Center; Tampa, Fla.’s 17,000-plus seat Amalie Arena; and Detroit’s nearly 17,000-seat The Palace of Auburn Hills, among other venues. The tour concluded March 29.
Winter Jam 2015 was headlined by Skillet, along with Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, for KING & COUNTRY, Family Force 5 and evangelist Tony Nolan, while the Pre-Jam Party included Blanca, About A Mile and VERIDIA.
Radio Personality Bobby Bones To Release Memoir
/by Jessica NicholsonBobby Bones
Radio personality Bobby Bones has secured a deal to release his memoir, as announced by publisher Lynn Grady and Bones’ editor Carrie Thornton at Dey Street Books/HarperCollins.
Bones’ radio show The Bobby Bones Show can be heard each morning on iHeartMedia country radio stations, and through iHeartRadio’s digital service. In 2014, The Bobby Bones Show won its first Academy of Country Music Award.
The book addresses Bobby Bone’s (real name Bobby Estell) childhood, growing up as the son of a single, addicted mother and an absent father. He grew up in Mountain Pine, Ark., a lumber mill town with a population of under 800. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, and earned his first job in radio at age 17.
After taking the on-air name “Bobby Bones,” he built a career in radio, working in several cities including Little Rock, Ark., and Austin, Texas, before joining with iHeartMedia.
“I’m not a traditional country music guy,” says Bones, “but the music reflects where and how I grew up, and yes, you could say my life has been like a country song, full of highs and lows and some crazy stuff along the way. I aim to tell it from the front seat of this roller coaster ride.”
No release date or title for the memoir have been announced at this time.
Bonnaroo To Be Streamed Live By Red Bull
/by Eric T. ParkerBonnaroo has partnered with Red Bull Media House to livestream its June 11-14 festival exclusively with Red Bull TV. Three channels will offer exclusives, live chat functions and select on-demand performances for 60 days.
Specifically, one channel will be hosted by Sal Masekela & Ted Stryker featuring exclusive artist interviews, behind-the-scenes access, POV angles and festival highlights. Two additional channels will capture different live performances from the main festival stages.
Although the official livestream lineup will be announced at a later date, this year’s festival will include more than 100 artists from the likes of Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Alabama Shakes and D’Angelo.
“We’re excited to partner with Red Bull to create a rich digital destination that extends the Bonnaroo experience beyond the festival grounds,” said Jonathan Mayers, co-creator of Bonnaroo. “Through the Red Bull TV livestream, we’re able to connect with our global community of fans across more platforms than ever to ensure that they’re a part of the festival experience from anywhere in the world.”
Catch the broadcast at Bonnaroo’s website and Red Bull’s website, the Red Bull TV app, Android, iOS and Windows phones, Apple TV, and Samsung TV’s Red Bull channels, and as a free downloadable app on Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire, Nexus Player, Roku Players, Roku TV models, and Xbox 360.
Chelsea Bain Joins WME Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Greg Oswald, WME; Chelsea Bain; Keith Miller, WME.
Singer-songwriter Chelsea Bain has inked a deal with booking agency WME. Keith Miller will be her responsible agent.
“The first time I saw Chelsea perform, I was blown away with how she commands a stage,” said Miller. “We are excited to have her in the WME family and build on the impressive fan base she has created.”
Chelsea recently signed to Dreamcatcher Management, with career direction by Jim Mazza and Peter Keiser.
After recent performances at various NASCAR and NFL events, Bain is in the studio writing and recording for her debut album, which is slated for release later this year.
Singer-Songwriter Haley Georgia Inks Deal with EMI Records Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonFront Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville artist Haley Georgia, UMG Nashville A&R Vice President Autumn House-Tallant. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, WME’s Kevin Neal, UMG Nashville VP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora, UMG Nashville Sr. VP & COO Tom Becci. Photo: Alan Poizner
EMI Records Nashville has added Little Louder Music songwriter Haley Georgia to its artist roster. The 20-year old Texas native’s debut single “Ridiculous” currently playing on SiriusXM. The tongue-in-cheek tune is also available on streaming services and is expected to hit non-satellite radio this summer.
Haley has multiple performances lined up for Nashville’s CMA Music Fest this June – her first as an artist. CMA Music Fest performance details will be announced soon.
Watch the lyric video for Georgia’s single “Ridiculous” below.
Industry Ink: Women Rock For The Cure, George Uribe, Winter Jam 2015 Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonWomen Rock For The Cure Sets Date For 2015 Young Survivors Retreat
Activities during the event include sessions on art, relaxation, nutrition, fertility, relationships, and beauty tips.
The non-profit organization is helmed by Sweet Talk Publicity founder Jensen Sussman, who shares her own personal experience with the retreat: “Having to face breast cancer as a young woman is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. For WRFTC to bring together these women from all across the country who share in the same struggles and see how their connection forms a sisterhood of hope is inspiring.”
WRFTC raises funds for the Young Survivors Retreat throughout the year, and covers all travel expenses to and from Nashville for the retreat’s attendees. Applications will be accepted beginning May 1 at 9 a.m. CT through May 4 at 5 p.m. CT, at womenrockforthecure.org. To donate to Women Rock For The Cure, click here.
George Uribe Named Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner
George Uribe
George Uribe, president and CEO of guestbooker.com has been named an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Winner, presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO). Uribe will join an esteemed class of professionals honored with this distinction, including Rudolph Giuliani, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, John Glenn, Quincy Jones, John McCain and Rosa Parks. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify a life dedicated to community service.
Uribe, a veteran television producer, leads a team of television producers and bookers specializing in strategic placement of guests on local, national and international television and radio programs. He served as a non-commissioned officer for the US Army Reserve, and has received numerous awards for media coverage by his peers including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences New York Chapter. He is the co-founder of the Miami Media Mixer, Music City Media Mixer and New York Newsmakers. Uribe was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as the “Most Admired CEO” in his city and also serves on the Board of Rocketown, a regional outreach center for more than 800 teens across from Middle Tennessee.
Winter Jam 2015 Tour Breaks Attendance Records
Skillet’s John Cooper (L) and Jeremy Camp share the stage at Winter Jam. Photo: Adam Mowery
NewSong’s Winter Jam 2015 Tour Spectacular wrapped its biggest tour to date with more than 600,000 people attending 47 shows across the country. The tour launched its 20th anniversary tour Jan. 2. Since then, the tour has notched 38 sellout shows and played to capacity audiences at St. Louis’ 19,000-seat Scottrade Center; Tampa, Fla.’s 17,000-plus seat Amalie Arena; and Detroit’s nearly 17,000-seat The Palace of Auburn Hills, among other venues. The tour concluded March 29.
Winter Jam 2015 was headlined by Skillet, along with Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, for KING & COUNTRY, Family Force 5 and evangelist Tony Nolan, while the Pre-Jam Party included Blanca, About A Mile and VERIDIA.
Momentum Label Group Teams With Alexander Music Marketing & Management
/by Troy_StephensonJohn Alexander
Momentum Label Group has teamed with John Alexander of Alexander Music Marketing & Management, to oversee marketing, branding and strategic initiatives for the label’s flagship artist, Rachele Lynae.
“I’m thrilled to have John become part of our team,” says Momentum Label Group’s Managing Partner, Jimmy Murphy. “I’ve long been impressed by his creativity in marketing and branding. His passion and energy for recognizing and developing unique artists is a great fit for MLG.”
Alexander worked with Patty Loveless in the ’80s and more recently with artists including Sarah Darling.
Alexander has also held executive positions at Jones Media Networks, Great American Country, and Scripps Networks, where he was responsible for advertising, artist/brand integration, sponsorship sales, and developing cross-platform campaigns.
Cam Debuts Lyric Video Amid High-Profile Performances
/by Sarah SkatesAt the 50th ACM Awards, Cam walks the red carpet wearing Milly by Michelle Smith. Photo: Randi Radcliff
Rising Arista Nashville singer/songwriter Cam recently debuted the lyric video for her debut single, “My Mistake.” The track, from her Welcome to Cam Country—EP, is gaining traction and praise at country radio.
Picked by Spotify as the Country Spotlight artist to watch in 2015, the songs on the EP have collectively amassed 7 million streams in less than three months, with more than 2.3 million for “My Mistake” alone.
Cam’s EP and upcoming full-length album are produced by Grammy-winner Jeff Bhasker (Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, FUN., The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift) and Tyler Johnson (Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Mikky Ekko).
The sunny California native performed at the sold-out Stagecoach Music Festival in her home state over the weekend on the “Mane Stage.” She played SXSW last month, and also at the recent ACM Party for a Cause Festival.
Cam performs at the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival. Photo: Neil Cooper/Getty Images
Industry Pics: Bowling and Bus Trips For ole, Michael Ray Makes Opry Debut
/by Jessica Nicholsonole at Nashville Film Festival
Music publisher ole recently invited several music supervisors to an ole-sponsored happy hour/bowling event at Nashville’s Pinewood Social, as part of the Nashville Film Festival.
Pictured (L-R): Joel Timen (Word Entertainment), Jeff Gordon (Carlin), Julie Moe (ole), Anastasia Brown (Format Entertainment), Steven Gaydos (Nashville Film Festival Board Member, Variety), Liz Rogers (Anacrusis Songs), Jennifer Smuckler (Lionsgate), Robert Jordan (Fox Sports), Randall Foster (ole), Patrick Buchanan (Ignition Creative), Jessica Dierauer (Able Baker), Jim Scherer (Whizbang Inc.), John Ozier (ole), and Andrew Petroff (ole Songwriter).
ole Writer Takes To The Road
ole also recently completed its first ole Bus tour of the year. Songwriter Bart Butler, artist Jon Pardi, and ole songwriter Jesse Rice took the bus to Pardi’s concerts at Berglund Center Coliseum in Roanoke, Va., on April 23 and at St. Augustine Amphitheatre in Florida on April 24.
Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Bart Butler, artist Jon Pardi, and ole songwriter Jesse Rice.
Warner Bros. Recording Artist Michael Ray Makes His Opry Debut
Warner Bros. Records recording artist Michael Ray celebrated a special occasion last Friday (April 24), making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage performing his hit single “Kiss You In The Morning.” Ray also honored his grandfather, who helped him get his start in country music through their family band, with a rendition of Porter Wagoner’s “Green, Green Grass of Home.”
Pictured (L-R): Opry member Ricky Skaggs, Michael Ray and Pete Fisher, VP and GM, Grand Ole Opry.
Lee Ann Womack, Hunter Hayes Among Latest Grammy Block Party Performers
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Grammy Block Party will be held at Nashville’s Cumberland Park, located at 592 S. First Street, on Tuesday, May 12. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. Free parking will be available in LP Field’s Lot R.
The private event is open only to Recording Academy members and their guests.
On The Cover – Blake Shelton (April/May 2015)
/by contributorBut the one overriding facet of who Blake Shelton is led him down a path that made all these other designations possible. Blake Shelton is a Country. Music. Singer.
Shelton is in a league of his own among contemporary country artists as a top-shelf interpreter of true country music songs. Shelton’s 11th studio album, Bringing Back The Sunshine, marks a return to showcasing that talent with an album that sonically represents the best contemporary country has to offer, yet feels like the classic cuts served up by the heroes that inspired Shelton as young boy in Ada, Okla. some 30 years ago. It’s a journey that includes a CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy, three RIAA certified Platinum albums, five RIAA certified Gold albums, 19 total No. 1 country singles, and a five-year run as reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.
On Bringing Back The Sunshine, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart, longtime producer and collaborator Scott Hendricks created an album that highlights what is arguably the most powerful vocals Blake Shelton has ever recorded. “If there’s one thing that is important to me, no matter what, it’s singing,” says Shelton. “I’m a fan of a lot of artists, but I always gravitate to the singers, and that’s why I always looked up to Earl Thomas Conley, Travis Tritt, Ronnie Milsap, Conway Twitty. These guys never went through the motions when it came to laying down a vocal.
“That’s my job, to be the best singer I can be when I get in the studio. I don’t ever want someone to hear me on the radio and say ‘yeah, he’s singing okay, but where’s the heart?’ I want it all to be in there.”
Thirteen years since his first single “Austin” hit the top of the country radio charts, Shelton now holds 19 No. 1 singles to his credit, recently breaking his own record for most consecutive No. 1s at country radio. With 14 consecutive No. 1 singles, including five from his last album alone, Shelton has the most No. 1s in a row on the country radio charts by any artist.
So if the more seasoned and savvy TV era Blake could tell the driven 17-year-old Blake that headed off to Nashville anything, “I’d tell him just to relax and stop worrying so much,” he says. “I knew the one thing that I wanted to do with my life was country music, it worried me to death. I was never one of those people who was like, ‘I’ll give it a shot for a while and then move on.’ It never was that for me, it was ‘How am I gonna get this done, how am I gonna get my foot in the door?’ It wasn’t until the last three or four years that I finally started taking a deep breath and going, ‘Man, I get to be a country singer, and it’s OK.’ I get to do it now. I don’t care at what level, as long as I get to be country singer, that’s all I ever wanted to do.”
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