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BMI Toasts "Come Back Song" Team

BMI toasted the team behind Darius Rucker’s latest chart-topper, “Come Back Song,” at an intimate dinner on Tuesday, January 11. Written by Casey Beathard, Chris Stapleton and Rucker, the song is the lead single from Rucker’s second country album Charleston, SC 1966.

ASCAP Presents BMG at the Bluebird

As part of its popular monthly songwriter showcase at the Bluebird Cafe, ASCAP Nashville presented BMG songwriters Brett James, Neil Thrasher, busbee and other guests at a sold-out show on January 11. James was ASCAP’s 2010 Country Songwriter of the Year (he also won this award in 2006, along with the Song of the Year […]

SESAC Promotes Shannan Hatch

SESAC has announced the promotion of Shannan Hatch to Sr. Dir., Writer/Publisher Relations. Formerly Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, Hatch is based in Nashville’s office and will continue her duty of recruiting and nurturing the careers of songwriters and publishers. “Shannan has proven herself to be a very gifted music executive with a keen eye for recognizing […]

Chesney Sets Dates; Flatts Hit Road

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Tim McGraw are among the stars hitting the road in 2011. Following last year’s touring slump, The New York Post reports that promoters are planning to lower ticket prices for this season. Chesney, whose tickets come with a traditionally low price point, probably would have weathered the downturn with […]

Photo Edits: Peach Pickers, Dirt Drifters and Christian Kane

The Peach Pickers Celebrate “All About Tonight” • The Dirt Drifters Begin Radio Tour • Christian Kane Performs At Inaugural Ball The Peach Pickers Celebrate “All About Tonight” During a party at ASCAP on January 7, Music Row songwriting trio The Peach Pickers (Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson) celebrated another No. 1 on […]

Tracks Push Country Album Sales Positive

This year is the first time we have a complete 12-month country digital track sales report from Nielsen SoundScan, and we are excited!
The 2010 Top 200 country tracks shows a total of 57.68 million purchased. For added track perspective, we divide the total Top 200 sales by 10 to get a metric called “track equivalent album” or TEA.

Performers Set For GMA Hall of Fame Inductions

Trace Adkins, Jeremy Camp and Larry Gatlin are among the performers slated for the Jan. 24 GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Joining the hall of fame will be Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key, Golden Gate Quartet, and Bill “Hoss” Allen. The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct the honorees at Trinity Music City […]

MySpace Cuts Staff By Half

MySpace laid off 500 employees yesterday, a total which accounts for almost half (47%) of its worldwide workforce. Executives maintain that the downsizing is a result of the social networking site’s relaunch as a music and entertainment destination. MySpace Chief Executive Mike Jones says that the lay-offs are not a reflection of the new product’s […]

Reba, Blake To Co-Host ACM Awards

Blake Shelton will join Reba as co-host of the ACM Awards on Sun., April 3. The superstar redhead has hosted the country awards show for over a decade. Producers and show organizers say they got the idea to add Shelton to the mix when the pair appeared together on the CBS Early show. “Last year […]

Benken Joins Quarterback Records

Quarterback Records has hired Tony Benken as Vice President, Promotion. Effective immediately, Benken will oversee label contact with medium and major market radio. “This is another strong step for the growth and capability of Quarterback,” says label co-principal John Ettinger. “Tony brings a terrific skill set in promotion, and carries a wonderful reputation.  He is […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/12/11)

I am loving this format today. I love its diversity. I love the quality of its song craftsmanship. I love its mix of youth and maturity. Country music rules. In celebration, I am crowning three Disc of the Day winners. The Group prize goes to Rascal Flatts for its chesty vow of steadfastness. The Male winner is Randy Montana, who has a sonic masterpiece to offer. The Female prize, and the surprise of the day, is Ashton Shepherd.

Around The Web: Bellamys Say Britney Singing Familiar Tune

Bellamys vs. Britney • Jewel baby news • Country Strong box office • Idol update • Cheri Oteri on dad Tom Oteri • Toby’s I Love This Bar & Grill • Road Hammers split • Shooter Jennings’ new deal >>The Bellamy Brothers say that Britney Spears’ new single “Hold It Against Me” seems a little […]

Who Wins the 2010 Current Country Album Sales Sweepstakes?

Swift or Lady A? Capitol Nashville or Big Machine?
There are so many ways to dissect the year’s sales events. But one important measurement of popularity is tied to current album sales.

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