Weekly Chart Report (12/13/13)

Becca Walls (R) visited with Jon Pardi (L) at Nashville’s LP Field when he stopped by to donate toys for Toy Field. Pardi’s Capitol Nashville debut album, 'Write You A Song,' is planned for release January 14.

Becca Walls (R) visited with Jon Pardi (L) at Nashville’s LP Field when he stopped by to donate toys for Toy Field. Pardi’s Capitol Nashville debut album, ‘Write You A Song,’ is planned for release January 14.


SPIN ZONE
Cassadee Pope can dry her eyes now that “Wasting All These Tears” has hit No. 1 on MusicRow’s chart, with 3,138 spins this week. The Voice winner’s single recently earned an RIAA gold certification. Meanwhile, Zac Brown Band’s “Sweet Annie” jumps to No. 2, while David Nail’s “Whatever She’s Got” leaps to No. 3. Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” prepares to leave the chart, moving to No. 4. For the third consecutive week, Cole Swindell’s “Chillin’ It” remains at No. 5. Rounding out the Top 10 this week is Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On” at No. 6, Lady Antebellum’s “Compass” at No. 7, Scotty McCreery’s “See You Tonight” at No. 8, Luke Bryan’s “Drink A Beer” at No. 9 and Craig Morgan’s “Wake Up Lovin’ You” at No. 10.
Brad Paisley’s “The Mona Lisa” is the week’s greatest gainer, rising to No. 45 with another 391 spins. Earlier this week, the singer accepted the Video Visionary Award at the American Country Awards. Jason Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” moves to No. 17 with an added 213 spins, while Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some Of That” ascends to No. 49 with an extra 213 spins. Listeners are thirsty for Bryan’s “Drink A Beer,” which holds steady at No. 9 with 211 additional spins. Finally, Sara Evans’ “Slow Me Down” quickens its climb up the chart, reaching No. 15 with 193 more spins. Evans’ seventh studio album will be released in March of 2014.
MusicRow welcomes debuts from three Country artists this week, with Maggie Sajak’s “Wild Boy” debuting at No. 78, Jared Blake’s “Countryfied” at No. 79 and Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves’ “Folsom Prison Blues” at No. 80.
Sheila Kirsch. Photo: Radio of Las Cruces

Sheila Kirsch. Photo: Radio of Las Cruces


News: MusicRow reporting station KGRT-FM Las Cruces, NM has promoted Sheila Kirsch to Program Director. In addition to her new duties, Kirsch will continue to act as Music Director and on-air midday personality. Kirsch has spent 15 years at KGRT, handling the station’s music duties since 2003.
KGRT’s Market Manager Veronica Test commented on Sheila’s promotion, saying “Sheila is a great asset to our team, and we look forward to continued growth on our country station as we move forward at Adams Radio Group.”
Frozen Playlists: KFTX, KYEZ, KYYK, WBKR, WMEV, WKKX
Kelly Clarkson visited with Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood prior to filming her NBC Christmas special: Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale. Pictured (L-R): Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire. Photo: Justin Lubin/NBC

Kelly Clarkson visited with Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood prior to filming her NBC Christmas special: Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale. Pictured (L-R): Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Justin Lubin/NBC


Upcoming Singles
December 16
Lindsay Ell/Trippin’ On Us/Stoney Creek
January 6
Bernie Nelson/Scarecrow/If I Know Blue Records
January 13
Brantley Gilbert/Bottoms Up/Valory
February 3
Blair Mathews/It’s About Us/Stoneyhill Records
February 10
Adrianna Freeman/No More/AFM Entertainment
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Maggie Sajak/Wild Boy/Back East Records-GMV Nashville – 78
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records – 79
Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves/Folsom Prison Blues/Verado – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Brad Paisley/The Mona Lisa/Arista Nashville – 27
Thomas Rhett Get Me Some Of That Valory Music – 16
Tyler Farr/Whiskey In My Water /Columbia Nashville – 12
Garth Brooks feat. Trisha Yearwood/The Call/Pearl Records – 11
Charlie Worsham/Want Me To/Warner Bros. – 10
Leah Turner/Take The Keys/Columbia Nashville – 10
Sean Patrick McGraw/I’m That Guy/Little Engine Records – 8
Kip Moore/Young Love/MCA Nashville – 7
Dan+Shay/19 You+Me/Warner Bros. – 7
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Brad Paisley/The Mona Lisa/Arista Nashville – 391
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 213
Thomas Rhett/Get Me Some Of That/Valory Music – 213
Luke Bryan/Drink A Beer/Capitol Nashville – 211
Sara Evans/Slow Me Down/RCA – 193
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Ry Bradley/New Kind Of Lonely/Crimson Q Records – 212
Sheryl Crow/Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely/Warner Bros. – 203
Charlie Worsham/Want Me To/Warner Bros. – 197
Sean Patrick McGraw/I’m That Guy/Little Engine Records – 185
Robby Armstrong/Birthday Happy/Strong Arm Records – 184
RCA Nashville’s Sara Evans (L) stopped by the ACA red carpet this week promoting her No. 15 single this week “Slow Me Down.” Also on the carpet this week was Warner Nashville’s Sheryl Crow, whose “Callin' Me When I'm Lonely” lands on-deck this week at No. 82. Photos: Isaac Brekken.

RCA Nashville’s Sara Evans (L) stopped by the ACA red carpet this week promoting her No. 15 single this week “Slow Me Down.” Also on the carpet this week was Warner Nashville’s Sheryl Crow (R), whose “Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely” lands on-deck this week at No. 82. Photos: Isaac Brekken.

Charlie Cook On Air: Country Earns Grammy Love

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Charlie Cook


In the past, NARAS has not always represented the Country genre either on the show or in nominations and winners but as the format has become increasingly popular and acts like Taylor Swift have so successfully crossed over, the nominations closely resemble what we see from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music award shows.
This year the NARAS Country album nominations are very mainstream. In fact, three of the five NARAS nominations were CMA nominations last month. There is no arguing with the two exceptions. Jason Aldean’s Night Train is an incredible album as is Two Lanes of Freedom from Tim McGraw.
The politics of the CMA and NARAS are different enough to explain the trade outs. The Best Country Solo Performances also could have come right from the ACM or CMA shows.
The nomination specials that happen each December have also elevated the profile of the Nashville branch. Taylor has kept her connection to Nashville and Country music so she has been a great ambassador for the format. I also think people on the ground in Nashville have made a big difference. I am a big fan of Nancy Shapiro. We are only acquaintances but I have seen her as an advocate for the format right there in Nashville. She became involved with the Nashville chapter in the mid 80s.
In those days the Grammys went to big hits like The Judds’ “Grandpa” (1987 winner for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal) and Randy Travis’ “Always and Forever” (the 1988 Best Male Country Vocal Performance), but we also hit a stretch (2001) when the Best Male Performance was “O Death” by Ralph Stanley and the Best Country Song was “The Lucky One.” I like Alison Krauss but I just don’t remember that selection getting much exposure outside the nomination room at NARAS.
In 2003, the Best Country Male Vocal went to Johnny Cash and “Give My Love to Rose.” I will give you that 2003 was not a banner year for country music but the most recognizable name was often the one chosen by the NARAS voters.
Now names like Jason Aldean and Kacey Musgraves are recognized by more and more music fans and viola, more mainstream nominations. This is good for the format as these stars are getting the additional TV exposure helps spread the format even more.
To be fair this probably also affects some of the other “less than mainstream” formats. Like Rap. The really, really disrespectful Magna Carta led the way for Jay-Z to get nine nominations. The worst part of writing this note was I made myself listen to Magna Carta. Needless to add, I am not the album’s target but the fact that there is a target for the profane lyrics is scary enough. Jay-Z is the name everyone knows, so he must be the best.
Speaking of mainstream, the nominees for Song of the Year could not be more so. The five nominated songs were all huge radio hits. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis had an incredible year on the radio but “Same Love” was not their biggest song of 2013 but this is the one title that is going to get the most attention from the voters in LA and NY. These songs were so big nothing from the Country format was able to break into the category.
Still Kacey Musgraves is nominated as Best New Artist. Nothing I can dispute here as Kacey won the CMA award in the same category last month. I think Florida-Georgia Line had a pretty good year. I apologize if I missed a nomination, if they received one.
I know you might be saying it is good if NARAS steps out and exposes more music to the public. Not just the same old stuff. Well, frequency is really important when trying to brand Country as appealing to the fan base with the best music, not the most adventuresome.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)

Cumulus Media Completes Acquisition of WestwoodOne, Inc.

cumulus-logo-222featuredCumulus Media Inc. has completed the previously announced acquisition of WestwoodOne, Inc., formerly known as Dial Global, Inc., for $260 million in cash, consisting of approximately $45 million attributable to the equity of WWO and the retirement of $215 million of debt of WWO. Cumulus used cash on hand, including approximately $238 million in cash proceeds from the Company’s previously completed sale of 53 radio stations in 12 small and mid-sized markets in November 2013 to Townsquare Media, LLC.
The acquisition of WestwoodOne will add sports, news, talk, music and programming services content, allowing Cumulus to provide a wider variety of options to approximately 10,000 U.S. radio stations, other media platforms and international platforms. Newly acquired content includes NFL, NCAA, NASCAR, Olympics, AP Radio News, NBC News, the GRAMMY Awards and other programming.

Aristo Int'l Report: News From The U.K.

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View the report above.


The AristoMedia Group has released the December 2013 issue of its Aristo International Report. Highlights include:

  • The Country to Country Festival will be held at the 02 in London on March 15 and 16, 2014. The festival will feature Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and other performers.
  • Henry Smith took home Entertainer of the Year honors at the recent 2013 British Country Music Awards in London.
  • Country singer Gene Watson recently completed a whirlwind tour of the UK and Ireland.
  • The Tennessean Tourism Authority has named Irish living legend, Roly Daniels, as an Honorary Country Music Ambassador to Tennessee.
  • CMA Week was held in Nashville in November, and was well attended by executives from the UK.

AristoMedia has been issuing this quarterly review of global activities since 2008. Please click to view the newsletter online at aristomedia.com.

Martina McBride Launches Label, Will Release 'Everlasting' in March

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Martina McBride in the studio with producer Don Was.


Martina McBride is set to release her new album, Everlasting, out March 4, 2014, on her own label through Kobalt Label Services. MusicRow has confirmed that the singer is no longer a Republic Nashville artist; she joined Republic Nashville in 2010.
The project, produced by Don Was, finds the singer covering songs from an array of musical genres, and includes her renditions of the songs “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” (Aretha Franklin), “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes) and the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
The project was recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios. Everlasting also features a collaboration with Gavin DeGraw on “Bring It On Home To Me,” originally performed by Sam Cooke.  A full track listing for Everlasting will be released in the coming weeks.
McBride recently wrapped her Joy of Christmas Tour with a performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The singer will hit the road in 2014 to join reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year George Strait on his last tour.

Through The Lens (12/12/13)

2013-12-12 WCPM MusiCares Donation
Warner/Chappell Music donated funds to MusiCares on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at The Recording Academy and MusiCares office in Nashville. The company made the donation as part of its Holiday program, on behalf of its North American Client-Partners. The donation will support MusiCares range of services and programs to ensure that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical or personal crisis.

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(photo 1) Hope Town_12.11.13

Pictured are (L-R): Rodney Clawson, Ryan Tini, Blair Daly, Hope Town Harbor Lodge’s Allen Davis, Chris DeStefano, GAC’s Mary Carlisle Callahan, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Danielle Tredway, BMI’s Mary Loving, Kree Harrison, Jessica Farren, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Native Run’s Bryan Dawley, Warner Chapel’s Kate Craig, Jon Pardi, Native Run’s Rachel Beauregard, Dallas Davidson, Hope Town Harbor Lodge’s Steve Johnson, Combustion Music’s Kenley Flynn, Nicolle Galyon, and BMI’s Bradley Collins.

Combustion Music, BMI, and the Hope Town Harbour Lodge partnered last weekend for the inaugural Hope Town Music Festival in the Bahamas. In an effort to raise money for Every Child Counts and the Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, the festival featured performances by Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley, Kree Harrison, Native Run, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Pardi, Chris Farren, Blair Daly, Chris DeStefano, and Johnny and Joe.

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Pictured (L-R): Austin Webb with Charli McKenzie of Appleton, WI’s WNCY

Austin Webb sang the national anthem before the Green Bay Packers took on the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, Dec. 8, at Lambeau Field. The appearance was Webb’s first NFL national anthem performance.

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Pictured (L-R): Suzanne Alexander and Bill Anderson

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson visited with Suzanne Alexander during a segment of “The Great American Playlist,” which will air on Friday, Dec. 13 at Noon ET on GAC.  In addition, viewers will also be able to see the debut of Anderson’s new video “Old Army Hat” from his current Red River Entertainment/Sony Red CD LIFE.

Industry Ink (12/12/13)

cumulusrdioCumulus Media and Rdio have launched a promotional campaign, which includes spots on Cumulus radio stations, and product pages at Rdio featuring music played by Cumulus stations. Cumulus stations will air spots across 70 stations, including its 60 Country stations, and expand to all stations in 2014. Meanwhile, Rdio will provide programming featuring Cumulus radio personalities.

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gannett1Newspaper chain Gannett Company will expand advertising and circulation revenue by inserting parts of flagship newspaper, USA Today, into local newspapers, according to the New York Times.
Beginning in January, Gannett will add 12 to 14 pages of USA Today daily content to 35 newspapers in its largest markets, including The Journal News in White Plains, N.Y., The Tennessean in Nashville and The Cincinnati Enquirer. As a result, readers, along with their local news, will receive a broader mix of news from the USA Today content.

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Nashville111Gulch Crossing, a new eight-story class A office building to be built in the Gulch, has been issued a foundation permit, according to bizjournals.com. Located at 1033 Demonbreun St., the building will house 205,000-square-feet of office space and is expected to be ready in mid-2015. Gulch Crossing will include 3,000 square feet of retail space on Demonbreun Street, along with 16,000 square feet of retail space on 11th Ave. S. Tenants already announced for the building include The Bank of Nashville, real estate brokerage Cassidy Turley, and design firm Earl Swensson & Associates.

Ray Price Enters Hospice Care

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Ray Price


Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Price, 87, plans to return to his home in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, for home hospice care, after leaving East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas, according to KLTV.
Price has been battling pancreatic cancer since 2011; despite treatment, the cancer has spread to the singer’s liver, intestines and lungs. His wife of 45 years, Janie, says they have decided not to pursue further aggressive treatment.
“Ray is alert and aware of his surroundings and making decisions,” said Janie. “With God’s blessing he has not had extreme pain. But it’s with great sadness that I announce to you today that my beloved husband has entered the final stages of his cancer that he has battled for 25 months. Anyone who knows Ray is aware that he has strong convictions and great faith in God. It’s his decision to leave the hospital and return home to spend his final days on his beloved ranch surrounded by the comfort of his home, family and friends.”
Price offered a final message for his fans. “I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years and I hope I haven’t let them down. I am at peace. I love Jesus. I’m going to be just fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll see you again one day.”

'American Idol' Gears Up for 13th Season In January

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Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr.


American Idol addicts rejoice — your favorite singing competition returns for a 13th season Jan. 15, with Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez returning to their judges chairs. Joining them on this go-round of the long-running show is Harry Connick Jr., who first appeared last season as a mentor for runner-up Kree Harrison.
Producers mixed up the seats a bit after last season’s drama between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey in hopes of scoring some better ratings again. And according to eonline.com, Urban, Lopez and Connick Jr. are getting along swimmingly. “I really like them,” Connick said of Lopez and Urban. “We’ll finish shooting and we’ll go have lunch and we all sit at the same table, talking about Jen’s kids, my kids and Keith’s kids.”
The three are also reportedly contemplating doing a number or two together as well this season.”It’s kind of been hinted at,” Connick said. “I’m game for anything. I would totally dig it. You’re talking about three completely different singers. It would be great.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Y3oALZGOc&list=PL8x9Zx_hMDsZvIvKVcvyPDyPBz_Fqdg6u

Primetime 'Nashville': "Tomorrow Never Comes"

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Rayna Jaymes and Luke Wheeler. Photo: ABC


Season 2, Episode 10: “Tomorrow Never Comes”
The winter finale of Nashville left viewers with quite the cliffhanger. One character is killed off, but we don’t know exactly who dies.
In previews for Episode 11, we discover that Will Lexington, seemingly on top of the world, is actually filled with turmoil. In the preview for episode 11, we find Lexington stepping in front of an oncoming train. But Lexington is not the only possibility. During last night’s (Dec. 11) episode, Rayna Jaymes speaks with Teddy Conrad, while his new wife Peggy is nearby. As the surprisingly pleasant conversation ends and Teddy walks away, a stranger approaches and attempts a hit on Nashville’s Mayor Conrad. As Teddy attempts to wrestle the gun from him, the gun fires, hitting Peggy. The scene ends with Peggy lying, seemingly lifeless, on the ground. Previews of Season 2, Episode 11 seem to indicate that it is Peggy who is killed, but it is not certain.
Juliette Barnes is the face of Teddy Conrad’s new music festival, but the press is more concerned with allegations that she caused the breakup of Charles and Olivia Wentworth. During her headlining performance at the festival, someone holds up a large sign bearing the label “Homewrecker.” Humiliated, Juliette fumbles her performance, until guitarist Avery Barkley steps in to sing with her. He later meets to comfort and give his friend some advice on the situation. Juliette seems convinced that it is newcomer and opening act Layla who leaked the information to the the press, so she confronts the talent show winner. Layla has a catty way of denying that she leaked the information, which only further infuriates Juliette.
After Deacon finds out his name has been removed from the music festival’s list of performers, he teams with Gunnar Scott for their own performance. Gunnar gave his potential hit song to Edgehill Records for Will Lexington to record; in return, Edgehill’s CEO promised him a prime performance slot at the festival and the appearance of several music industry execs. That prime performance opportunity turns out to be a makeshift stage near the portable restrooms. Gunnar and Deacon decide they can do better and pull some strings to get their own performance off festival grounds.
Teddy attempts to shut down Deacon’s parking lot party, and is told there is nothing he can do, as the owner of the property gave Deacon permission. Parenting conflicts arise earlier in the episode, pre-hitman shooting, when Peggy refuses Maddie’s request to watch her father Deacon perform; the musically talented teen ignores Peggy and makes the same request of Rayna. The characters come together mid-episode at the parking lot performance to watch Deacon and Gunnar perform for a considerable crowd of admirers. After Deacon finally gets his moment in the spotlight as a solo act, another music industry exec later asks him about putting out a solo album.
Rayna’s not backing down on setting up her Highway 65 label. Edgehill’s CEO Jeff Fordham tries to persuade Rayna not to leave the label by presenting her with “research” that he has obtained. Rayna doesn’t believe his research and realizes that Jeff and Rayna’s semi-boyfriend Luke Wheeler seem very chummy. She discusses business options with sister Tandy, and later, Rayna mortgages her house and borrows funds from her sister to make the $20 million Edgehill requires to buy out her contract. Superstar Luke unsuccessfully tries to convince her not to break ties with Edgehill. As soon as he learns Rayna’s deal with Edgehill has cooled, he cools the superstar couple’s relationship. He says he’s sorry they won’t be promoting the new single together. It seems easygoing Luke was using Rayna for his own business means.
Scarlett O’Connor is still reeling from the news that Zoey and Gunnar are an item. Her disappointment doesn’t sit well with Avery, who thinks Scarlett still has feelings for Gunnar. “You are the only one who has ever been honest with me,” Scarlett tells Avery, explaining that she’s only disappointed that Zoey and Gunnar’s relationship began in secret.
Later in the episode, Juliette and Charles seemingly breakup for good. Charles says he hopes Juliette can find the person who makes her the best version of herself. After the conversation, Juliette thinks of friend Avery and decides to see if she can make the friendship blossom into something more. Unfortunately, her timing is off; she shows up at Avery’s door, only to see him with Scarlett.
In the promo for episode 11, Kelly Clarkson makes an appearance as herself, and we find out which character dies–Peggy or Will.
Watch the promo for Season 2, Episode 11. The episode airs Wednesday, Jan. 15.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN1ehK0AwPs