Chris Young
recently made a return visit to the
Tonight Show with Jay Leno to perform his latest hit, “Aw Naw,” from his album
A.M. To check out his performance on the show, click
here.
• • •
Gregg Allman
A new biopic on the life of
Gregg Allman has cast
Tyson Ritter, lead singer of rock band
The All-American Rejects, as the young Gregg Allman, according to the
Hollywood Reporter.
Wyatt Russell will play
Duane Allman in the new movie, whose working title is
Midnight Rider.
The story, based on Allman’s memoir,
My Cross To Bear, will highlight Allman’s struggles through the death of his brother Duane, the suicides of two girlfriends, six marriages, (including one to
Cher,)
and years in and out of rehab.
• • •
Ralph Stanley Jr. and Sr. have recorded a new album together, Side By Side. Co-produced by the younger Stanley and John Rigsby, (a former member of the elder Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys band,) Side By Side contains 14 new and traditional songs.
Due out Feb. 18, the CD includes classics from the pens of A. P. Carter, Charlie Monroe, Albert Brumley and Ernest Tubb, as well as two Ralph Stanley originals.
• • •
Billy Dawson has co-penned a song inspired by Vince Lombardi‘s legacy, “Born To Lead.” The tune and accompanying video aired Dec. 11 during the Rotary Lombardi Award Ceremony live on CBS Sports Network. The song is available for download on iTunes.
The video was filmed at Nashville’s LP Field and features a performance by Dawson and profiles each of the Lombardi Award finalists, Anthony Barr (UCLA), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), CJ Mosley (Alabama) and Michael Sam (Missouri).
Artist Updates (12/16/13)
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young
Chris Young recently made a return visit to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to perform his latest hit, “Aw Naw,” from his album A.M. To check out his performance on the show, click here.
• • •
Gregg Allman
A new biopic on the life of Gregg Allman has cast Tyson Ritter, lead singer of rock band The All-American Rejects, as the young Gregg Allman, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Wyatt Russell will play Duane Allman in the new movie, whose working title is Midnight Rider.
The story, based on Allman’s memoir, My Cross To Bear, will highlight Allman’s struggles through the death of his brother Duane, the suicides of two girlfriends, six marriages, (including one to Cher,) and years in and out of rehab.
• • •
Due out Feb. 18, the CD includes classics from the pens of A. P. Carter, Charlie Monroe, Albert Brumley and Ernest Tubb, as well as two Ralph Stanley originals.
• • •
The video was filmed at Nashville’s LP Field and features a performance by Dawson and profiles each of the Lombardi Award finalists, Anthony Barr (UCLA), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), CJ Mosley (Alabama) and Michael Sam (Missouri).
Management Company Rough Hollow Entertainment Launches
/by Jessica Nicholson“Chris and Josh are two very creative individuals who bring an incredible skill set that encompasses all facets of artist management,” said Nichols. “Great times ahead!”
“I am so excited about joining with Doug and Josh to launch this new management endeavor in town to provide another option for the talented, creative people on Music Row,” said Alderman.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with Doug and Chris, two of the most genuine, kind-hearted guys in the business,” shared Pegram. “We are all equally passionate and look forward to serving this wonderful and creative artist community. This is going to be fun!”
From 2000-2011, Nichols, along with Trey Turner, managed the career of vocal group Rascal Flatts. Nichols served on the ACM Board of Directors from 2003-2011 and was named the Chairman of the ACM Television Committee from 2005-2008, in addition to being a member of the Executive Board. Nichols also co-produced the Rascal Flatts ABC television special in March 2011.
Alderman’s music industry career includes working with Jo Dee Messina, Rascal Flatts, Michelle Branch and Dierks Bentley as a production and tour manager. His management experience includes The Wreckers and, most recently, as day-to-day manager for Easton Corbin.
Pegrams’ management experience includes signing and launching the career of The Band Perry at Bob Doyle and Associates, where he worked for four years. He also executive-produced three Video On Demand channels for Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Soul Train alongside Time Warner and Xfinity.
Rough Hollow Entertainment is located at 1204 17th Ave. S., in Nashville. Nichols can be reached at doug@roughhollowentertainment.com and 615-394-3290. Alderman can be reached at chris@roughhollowentertainment.com and 615-476-2933. Pegram can be reached at josh@roughhollowentertainment.com and 615-293-4114.
CMHoF Salutes Buck Owens Autobiography
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Scott B. Bomar (music historian), Poe and Jay Orr (VP of museum programs)
As part of the Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit The Bakersfield Sound, the museum held a book discussion on Dec. 7 with author Randy Poe for the Nov. 19 release Buck ‘Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens. Compiled from nearly 100 hours of cassette recordings from Owens about his life, Poe put together a 334-page story in Buck’s own words. The hardcover is published by Backbeat Books.
The CMHoF’s full-day salute also included and stories from Owens’ band members, in addition to an evening CMA Theater concert that featured Owens’ hit titles, led by Owens’ son Buddy Alan Owens and a lineup that featured James Intveld, Jim Lauderdale, Angaleena Presley, stars from the Nashville TV show, and Sunny Sweeny.
2014 NAB Crystal Radio Awards To Accept Submissions in January
/by Jessica NicholsonEstablished in 1987, the Crystal Radio Awards bring national recognition to radio stations for their year-round commitment to serving their communities. To enter, a station must submit their online entry describing their community service efforts for the 2013 calendar year.
Fifty Crystal Radio Awards finalists and 10 winners are chosen by judges with broadcast and community service backgrounds. Entry information is available on www.nab.org/crystals or by contacting Melek Demir at 202-775-3511.
Entry submissions must be received by Jan. 31. The Crystal Radio Awards finalists will be revealed in late February. Winners will be announced, and the finalists will be honored at the NAB Radio Luncheon. The Luncheon, sponsored by ASCAP, will be held Tuesday, April 8 during the 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
Ashley Gorley Re-Ups with Combustion Music and Warner/Chappell
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R)-Front row: Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Combustion’s Chris Farren, Ashley Gorley, and Chris Van Belkom. Back row: Combustion’s Kenley Flynn, Warner Chappell’s Matt Michiels, Phil May, Alicia Pruitt, Blain Rhodes, Steve Markland and BJ Hill.
Chris Farren, Falcon and Kenley Flynn announced that Ashley Gorley has renewed an exclusive songwriting deal with Combustion Music and partner Warner/Chappell.
Gorley has been with Combustion since 2001, and has earned 13 chart-topping songs. Gorley currently has three singles on Country radio, with more slated for 2014. Gorley’s songs have been recorded by Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, Chris Young, Scotty McCreery, Jake Owen, Brett Eldredge, Billy Currington, and Thomas Rhett.
Carole King To Be Celebrated As MusiCares Person Of The Year
/by Lorie HollabaughThe gala will include a silent auction and cocktail party, dinner, live auction, and star-studded tribute concert. Past recipients of the MusiCares Person of the Year honors include Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Bruce Springsteen, and Barbra Streisand, among others.
Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute, now in its 24th year, provide essential support for MusiCares and ensure that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need. MusiCares offers programs and services to members of the music community including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses, educational workshops and programs, addiction support groups, and many other services for industry people in times of need.
NBC Winter Olympics Partners With Danielle Bradbery
/by Michael_SmithDanielle Bradbery
NBC has partnered with The Voice winner Danielle Bradbery in a promotional campaign for the network’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The campaign will air tonight, Dec. 16, at 9 p.m. ET The Voice, and feature Bradbery’s performance of “My Day,” alongside footage of Olympic athletes.
“We are delighted to partner with NBC Entertainment’s hit show ‘The Voice’ and last season’s winner, Danielle Bradbery,” said NBC Sports Group CMO John Miller. “The nature of Danielle’s song ‘My Day’ is uniquely suited to the ideals represented by the Olympics. We look forward to this unique collaboration being used often across the NBCU family of networks in the weeks leading up to the Games.”
Promotional spots of varying length will air across NBCUniversal programming in the weeks leading up to the games. “My Day” is featured on Bradbery’s self-titled debut album.
“When I first heard the song ‘My Day’ I knew I wanted to cut it immediately, because the day I won ‘The Voice’ was truly the most amazing day of my life. The song reminded me of all the excitement and honor I experienced on that magical evening,” said Bradbery. “I am honored to be able to share the song through this special campaign honoring our Olympic heroes, who I look forward to cheering on this winter on NBC.”
NBC will begin coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 6. For more information on the upcoming games, visit nbcolympics.com.
RFD-TV To Air 2-Hour Clay Walker Special
/by Eric T. ParkerClay Walker
Clay Walker will be featured for a two-hour RFD-TV concert special, airing Sunday, Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. ET. The footage was shot during two sold-out performances at The Venetian in Las Vegas on Dec. 6-7.
The special features Walker’s No. 1 hits including “What’s It To You,” “This Woman and This Man,” “If I Could Make A Living,” and “Rumor Has It,” along with “Fall” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long.” On behalf of Military Warriors Support Foundation, which Walker created with Lt. General (Ret.) Leroy Sisco, Walker also surprises US Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Todd Fahn, his fiancé and two year old son, with the keys to his mortgage free home in Henderson, Nev.
As a part of Rural Media Group, RFD-TV, is the first 24-hour television network providing multimedia content to the rural and western lifestyle.
While in Vegas, Walker also performed the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo on Dec. 6 and was in attendance at the American Country Awards on Dec. 10.
In addition to touring on behalf of his ninth studio album, She Won’t Be Lonely Long, Walker is out promoting his self-penned book, Jesus Was A Country Boy (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster). He will return as the host of Trophy Hunters TV on the Outdoor Channel for the 2014 season and will also featured in the 2014 family drama, Alone Yet Not Alone. For more information, visit claywalker.com.
Taylor Swift Donates $100,000 To Nashville Symphony
/by Sherod RobertsonTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift, who celebrates her 24th birthday today (Dec. 13), has made a $100,000 donation to the Nashville Symphony. The unexpected early Christmas gift surprised and delighted symphony representatives at a meeting facilitated by Dave Pomeroy, President of AFM Local 257, and attended by members of Swift’s organization.
“Taylor, who is a member of our local, is not only an amazing talent with fans all across the globe; she is also an incredibly generous artist who has never failed to demonstrate her devotion to not only her own band, but also to the greater Nashville community and our musicians. We applaud her fantastic contribution to Music City’s renowned orchestra. Thank you, Taylor, and ‘Happy Birthday’ too!” Pomeroy said.
The donation comes at the end of a difficult year for the NSO, which dealt with financial problems this past spring including a debt restructuring agreement, staff terminations, and a new musicians contract, which include a 15 percent pay cut.
“Now is the time for all the citizens of Nashville to step forward and support our world class orchestra in its time of need. Taylor Swift has set a great example and I hope that others will follow her lead and help ensure that the Nashville Symphony musicians’ salaries can be restored as soon as possible. This is an incredible start,” Pomeroy said.
Yearwood Cancels SeaWorld Concert
/by Michael_SmithYearwood’s fan Stephanie Wireman launched the petition, saying, “I love Trisha Yearwood even more knowing that she listens to fans and will not perform at SeaWorld, a place that is now synonymous with cruelty to orcas. Thanks to the thousands of people who signed my petition on Change.org.
The singer’s rep commented on the cancellation, saying, “In light of recent concerns, Trisha has decided to remove the Feb. 22 date from her upcoming tour plans.”
Willie Nelson has also cancelled his show at SeaWorld. Animal rights groups have organized campaigns on Change.org to ask that Justin Moore, Scotty McCreery, Martina McBride and other artists cancel their scheduled performances as well.