

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
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): 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 (R), whose “Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely” lands on-deck this week at No. 82. Photos: Isaac Brekken.
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.
Cates Signs with Disney Music Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Ken Bunt, President, DMG; Jess Cates, Songwriter; Mio Vukovic, SVP of A&R/Head of Creative, DMG; Emanuel “Eman” Kiriakou).
Jess Cates, a songwriter responsible for scores of contemporary hits, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Disney Music Publishing. Cates has worked with artists including Backstreet Boys, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Jonas Brothers and others. THe deal with DMP is in association with Emanuel “Eman” Kiriakou, which whom Cates has collaborated often.
Cates, a Nashville native, launched his career in the ’90s, writing songs for Rebecca St. James and Avalon. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he formed a long professional relationship with American Idol finalists and writing songs for Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Scotty McCreery (“Better Than That”) as well as runners-up David Archuletta (“Crush”), Clay Aiken, Elliot Yamin, Kimberley Locke and Bo Bice. Cates also wrote Martina McBride’s Grammy-nominated songs “I Just Call You Mine.”
Said Cates of his new association with DMG, “It’s been an honor to work with Eman over the years and now with Ken Bunt, Mio Vukovic, Barbara Vander Linde, Patrick Clifford and everyone at Disney, it really feels like a dream team for me. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
'MusicRow' No. 1 Song
/by Eric T. ParkerWritten by Rollie Gaalswyk and Caitlyn Smith, “Wasting All These Tears” preceded Pope’s full-length studio album Frame By Frame, and was among records achieving the RIAA’s recently announced gold status this week.
Pope, who will perform as a “new face” at this year’s CRS, received a boost from CMT, which not only debuted its first docu-series but also included her as part of the network’s Next Women of Country movement to showcase a new generation of female artists.
As for videos, the Brian Lazzaro-directed piece can be seen below. Congrats BMLG, and welcome back from the beach!
Industry Ink (12/13/13)
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood as Maria in The Sound of Music Live!
NBC has announced an encore airing of The Sound of Music Live!, starring Carrie Underwood, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8p.m. ET. Based on the original musical, the Dec. 5 live event delivered a primetime win for NBC, and brought in more than 18.5 million total viewers for the live broadcast. Including both the live and three-day time-shifted viewings, the production has attracted a total of 21.3 million views.
Also starring TV and theater star Stephen Moyer and Tony Award winners Audra McDonald, Christian Borle and Laura Benanti, The Sound of Music Live! will be released on DVD on Dec. 17.
• • •
Alan L. Mayor
Alan L. Mayor, well-known Nashvillian and esteemed photographer in the Country music industry is experiencing some health issues, and is currently recovering in a physical rehab facility outside of Nashville. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM’s John Marks, “Nashville” music producer Buddy Miller, actress Chaley Rose, actor Charles Esten, Executive Producers Callie Khouri and Steve Buchanan, actress Hayden Panettiere, actor Will Chase, actor Jonathan Jackson, actor Sam Palladio, Music Supervisor Frankie Pine, Big Machine’s John Zarling, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Cast members of ABC’s Nashville joined Big Machine Records for the taping of “SiriusXM The Highway presents: The Music of ‘Nashville’ Season 2, Vol. 1” at the SiriusXM Music City Theatre In Nashville, Tenn. at Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 11, 2013.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Herbert Graham (Graham Artist Management), Fred Stallcup, Brian Jones (WME), Danny Rivera, Thomas Hewlett, Craig Morris (Graham Artist Management).
Curb’s Sweetwater Rain has signed for exclusive booking representation with William Morris Endeavor in Nashville. Comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Danny Rivera, lead guitarist/vocalist Fred Stallcup, and bassist/vocalist Thomas Hewlett, the band recently wrapped their opening slot on the Rascal Flatts Live & Loud Tour and are currently traveling the country promoting their sophomore single “Pray For Me.”
They recently played at Clear Channel WDRM’s Listeners Lounge in Huntsville, Ala. along with a sold out show for CBS Radio’s WQYK, opening for Charlie Daniels at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Fla.
'Crazy Hearts Nashville' Set To Air Jan. 15
/by Lorie HollabaughFiery relationships and stiff competition cause rivalries both on and off stage as these regulars of the social scene intertwine their personal and professional lives, and end up in a few love triangles during their attempts to reach the top. The show features Lee Holyfield, Anthony Billups, Leroy Powell, Hannah Fairlight, April Nemeth, Amy Wilcox, Jimmy Stanley, and Heather Byrd.
Crazy Hearts: Nashville is produced by Executive producers Toby Barraud, Stefan Springman and Mala Chapple.
Weekly Chart Report (12/13/13)
/by Michael_SmithBecca 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
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): 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 (R), whose “Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely” lands on-deck this week at No. 82. Photos: Isaac Brekken.