Clay Walker
will host his fourth annual benefit concert for MS,
Chords Of Hope, on Oct. 30 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Presented by
98 WSIX and produced by Walker’s charity,
Band Against MS, the show will help raise money and awareness for MS research. Walker was diagnosed with the disease in 1996 and founded BAMS in 2003. To date the charity has raised over two million dollars for research and educational programs for those living with the disease.
Greg Bates is the first artist announced to join Walker on the Oct. 30 show. Tickets for the event are available through Ticketmaster and at the Wildhorse Saloon box office, and doors open at 6 p.m. For more information on the charity, go to
bandagainstms.org.
Steve and actor Richard Karn on stage during Saturday evening’s concert
•
Steve Azar held his
2nd Annual Delta Soul Celebrity Golf & Charity Event earlier this summer in Greenville, Miss. to help support his
St. Cecilia Foundation, a charity he founded to support art programs throughout the Delta region. Azar was joined at the three-day event by celebs like actors
Chris Rich,
Richard Karn, and
Grant Show, baseball’s
Reggie Smith, and Denver Broncos coach
John Fox.
The weekend’s Delta Soul concert included
Branford Marsalis,
Dan Tyminski, and
Mark Bryan and
Dean Felber from Hootie and The Blowfish, among others. Presented by the Skin Institute, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi and the Hartness Foundation, the event raised over $170,000 to support local arts in the region.
Martina McBride
•
Martina McBride’s devoted band of volunteers from around the country,
Team Martina, set their sights on raising $20,000 to help build a new playground in Atlanta, the
Chastain Play Conservancy Playground. In less than four weeks, the group raised $27,000 to help build the project for local kids.
Team Martina’s Sound Check for Kids partnered with Crowdrise.com, an online fundraising site, for the campaign, which culminated with a Sept. 28 performance at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre by Martina. The first 50 fans who raised a minimum of $200 were treated to an exclusive party at Martina’s sound check prior to the concert. Team Martina has raised more than $100,000 for various causes since 2011. The group recently raised over $40,000 for Nashville’s Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.
Berklee College of Music To Offer Degrees Online
/by Jessica NicholsonThe college’s online division, Berklee Online, will offer 120-credit bachelor of professional studies degrees in music business and music production. The music business degree offers courses on licensing, management, marketing, and touring, with a focus on mobile music, streaming, funding, and developing revenue sources. The music production degree provides a background in Berklee’s approach to music production, with courses on software programs, recording, engineering, mixing, and more. All courses are taught by Berklee faculty members or industry experts. New courses will also focus on composing and producing electronic music, direct-to-fan marketing, and music video editing.
Berklee Online begins accepting applications Oct. 7, 2013, and will issue early acceptance notices to students beginning Dec. 13, 2013. The inaugural class begins in the fall of 2014.
A $16,500 per year tuition will make the online degree 60 percent less expensive than the physical college. The online degree program will accept a maximum of 300 students to its inaugural class. Online degrees will be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
“Berklee has learned a lesson from our front row seat observing the music industry, namely, lead the change or be a victim of it. With an online degree, we can expand access to the powerful tools of contemporary music making to many more students. And coupled with MOOCs, which are free, and online education that is less expensive, we have created a multi-faceted global search for talent,” said Berklee President Roger Brown.
ASCAP Appoints Titta As Executive VP, Creative Services
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Titta
ASCAP Chief Executive Officer John LoFrumento has appointed John Titta to Executive VP, Creative Services, effective Wednesday (Oct. 2). Reporting directly to LoFrumento, Titta will be responsible for overseeing the membership staff in all musical genres and will also oversee the operations of the Los Angeles, New York and Nashville membership offices.
“John Titta is truly an outstanding music industry leader with a long list of diverse accomplishments and a wealth of experience running a creative operation,” says LoFrumento. “Throughout his career, he has been an advisor, partner, friend and advocate of songwriters, all which make him a perfect fit for ASCAP. His strong relationships with a variety of members of the music community, developed over years and coupled with a deep understanding of the professional needs of our members, will strengthen our already impressive membership team. Under John’s leadership, I’m confident that ASCAP members will continue to receive the very highest standard of service and support.”
Titta joins ASCAP after serving as CEO of MPCA Music Publishing, a company he founded in 2006. Titta spent the majority of his music career as a music publisher, but he started his life in music as a musician and music teacher.
Titta became VP, A&R of PolyGram Music Publishing in 1988, signing artists Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Pearl Jam, Brian McKnight, k.d. lang, Billy Ray Cyrus and songwriter Jimmy Webb. From 1993–2006, Titta served as Sr. VP/General Manager of Warner/Chappell Music in New York. As head of Warner/Chappell’s East Coast operations, he signed such acts as Trey Songz, Fat Joe, Missy Elliott, Kid Rock, Collective Soul, India.Arie, Gavin DeGraw, Cassandra Wilson, Dan Wilson (Adele, Dixie Chicks, Semisonic), Uncle Kracker, Shaggy, Duane Eddy, Bruce Hornsby and James Brown.
Titta also serves on the Board of Directors for The Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Grand Ole Opry's Pete Fisher To Receive Inspiration Award
/by Jessica NicholsonPete Fisher
The first annual Inspire Nashville celebration will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Benefiting Nashville-based non-profit Possibilities Inc., the Inspire Nashville event honors and celebrates the Nashville community and the individuals who advance the community through achievement and service.
Pete Fisher, GM and VP of the Grand Ole Opry, has been named as this year’s inaugural Inspiration Award recipient. The award goes to individuals whose commitment to bettering the community motivates others through high professional achievement and valiant personal service to others.
Big & Rich, Vince Gill and Wynonna will perform at this intimate “only-in-Nashville” gathering, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Chateau de Amore Alphin residence.
“Pete, to me, has one of the hardest jobs in the world. As General Manager of the Opry, to please the great veterans, the newcomers and everything in between is not easy. But, he does so with dignity and class every step of the way. Pete makes everyone at the Opry feel like they are the most important people there,” says Gill.
For more information and ticket purchasing, visit inspirenashville.net.
The Band Perry and Fall Out Boy Come To A Crossroads
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Band Perry and Fall Out Boy
The Band Perry is teaming up with rockers Fall Out Boy for a new CMT Crossroads episode, slated to air this November. The two will collaborate on a Nashville stage on Wednesday (Oct. 2) at Rocketown, swapping stories and trading lyrics. The long-running, hybrid performance program is known for pairing unlikely matches including Carrie Underwood with Steven Tyler, and Taylor Swift with Def Leppard.
The episode will feature the rockers performing hits like their recent smash “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” along with the Perrys, who will no doubt perform several of their own multi-platinum hits with some help from the punk rockers. Fall Out Boy is no stranger to Music City – they reunited this year after a three-year hiatus and stopped in Nashville earlier this Summer to play a show on their comeback tour at the Ryman. They recently announced they’ll release a surprise new punk album produced by Ryan Adams, Pax Am Days, Oct. 15.
The CMT Crossroads episode will debut Nov. 29 at 10 p.m. ET on CMT.
Paisley To Be Honored With Harmony Award
/by Jessica NicholsonBrad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea
Brad Paisley has been named as the recipient of the Nashville Symphony’s 2013 Harmony award. Paisley will be honored during the 29th annual Symphony Ball, which will take place Dec. 14 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Each December during the Symphony Ball fundraiser, the Nashville Symphony presents the Harmony Award to an individual who exemplifies the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s thriving musical community.
Previous recipients of the honor include Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Keith Urban.
“As one of country music’s biggest stars, Brad has made a huge impact by staying true to his artistic and personal vision,” says Alan Valentine, CEO and President of the Nashville Symphony, “We can’t think of anyone today more deserving of this award, which over the years has honored the many artists who’ve helped make Nashville the thriving creative capital that it is today. Without a doubt, Brad’s talents and contribution to the music of Nashville have been outstanding.”
Paisley will attend the Symphony Ball to accept the award and to perform a song with the orchestra.
Weekly Register: Alan Jackson Brings Bluegrass to Country
/by Michael_SmithThe top three albums overall this week make a motley crew, with Drake’s Nothing Was The Same at No. 1 (657k), Kings of Leon’s Mechanical Bull at No. 2 (109k) and Cher’s Closer To The Truth at No. 3 (62k). Compared to last year, overall album sales are down 6.1 percent, while country album sales are down 0.3 percent.
Country juggernaut Bryan holds the top Country track this week (No. 10 overall) with “That’s My Kind of Night,” selling another 84k units (795k RTD). The top Country debut this week is Cassadee Pope’s “Champagne,” selling 9k. Pope recently celebrated the upcoming release of her album Frame By Frame with industry members in Nashville.
The top overall track remains Lorde’s “Royals,” selling another 293k (1.8 million RTD). Overall track sales YTD are down 3.4 percent. Although Country tracks are up 4.4 percent YTD, they are in decline because last year saw a boost from Taylor Swift’s release of “Begin Again” and “Never Ever.”
Next week’s debuts include Tyler Farr’s Redneck Crazy, Randy Travis’ Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am and James King’s Three Chords and the Truth.
MusicRowPics: Branch & Dean
/by Jessica NicholsonBranch & Dean Artist Visit
Branch & Dean, a duo comprised of Steve Branch and Marlon Dean Scallan, recently stopped by the MusicRow offices to perform songs from their self-titled project. Both Branch and Scallan grew up in the north Florida area, and each supported the others’ solo musical careers before they later merged ambitions to form a duo.
The duo’s single, “The Dash,” has made a fine showing across MusicRow‘s reporting stations in the past several months, currently sitting at No. 15 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart. The song is a heartbreaking and frank tribute to Theron Branch (son of Steve Branch), who lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis in March of this year. Theron was 23.
“We are blessed that out of a tragedy, the silver lining is that you can reach people in such a meaningful way,” said Branch before the duo performed the ballad. “Before he passed, my son told me, ‘Nobody’s going to remember me.’ I told him, ‘People will remember you.’ That’s how I make it through this song every time I sing it. I can make it through it because of my son and because of how this song reaches people.”
The duo’s career hit another milestone when they signed with the Erv Woolsey company for management earlier this year. “Erv made the agreement on a handshake, and said, ‘This is how me and George did it,'” says Scallan. That puts the duo in good company alongside other artists that the Erv Woolsey company represents, including George Strait and Lee Ann Womack.
They also performed their signature tune, “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone,” featuring a bluegrass-inspired yodel from Branch, as well as “Glad She’s Not An Angel,” both from their self-titled album.
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2014 Country Radio Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonLarry Wilson
The CRS Board of Directors has announced the 2014 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees in both the Radio and On-Air categories. The radio inductees are Larry Wilson, Alpha and L&L Broadcasting, and Mike Brophey, WKLB in Boston, Mass. The inductees in the On-Air category are Paul Schadt, WKKT in Charlotte, N.C., and Jim Denny, WFMS in Indianappolis, Ind.
The class of 2014 will be officially inducted at a dinner ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Nashville Convention Center. The ceremony unofficially kicks off Country Radio Seminar week each year. CRS 2014 will be held February 19-21. The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the Country format.
Paul Schadt
“The recognition of these deserving and worthy Hall of Fame inductees represents four unique careers filled with accomplishments, contributions and excellence in advancing Country radio,” said CRS Hall of Fame Chairman RJ Curtis. “And each of our honorees for 2014 are still active and passionately involved with listeners, artists and the music that helps maintain Country radio’s dominance.”
Mike Brophey
Wilson is the founder of Citadel Communications. He eventually grew the company to include 205 stations in 42 states before selling it. He returned to radio in 2009, forming Alpha Broadcasting. In 2012, he founded L&L Broadcasting, a company that owns 30 stations across the U.S.
Brophey’s radio career began in 1973. In 1996 he started programming ‘KLB. The station recently achieved its first-ever #1 ranking in Boston, Mass. in August.
Jim Denny
Since 1981, Schadt has been on the air in Charlotte, N.C. He started out doing mornings at CBS Radio Country, WSOC. After 16 years there, Schadt switched to Clear Channel WKKT for wakeups. He is the longest consecutive on-air personality in Charlotte, N.C. radio history.
Denny has been with the WFMS morning show since 1990. During his time there, The WFMS morning show won CMA Personality of the Year in 2007 and 2009 and ACM Personality of the Year in 2006.
Industry Ink (10-2-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonBackstage at the Bridgestone Arena prior to a concert in Nashville on Sept. 28, UMG Nashville presented Lionel Richie with a plaque to commemorate his 2012 No. 1 and RIAA-certified Platinum album Tuskegee.
Pictured (L-R): Ellen Powers, Tom Becci, Katie Dean, Royce Risser, Mike Dungan (UMGN Chairman & CEO), Lionel Richie, Brian Wright, Damon Moberly and Tom Lord.
• • •
The 2nd annual A2IM Nashville Licensing Day featured the music executives behind the smash hit ABC series Nashville. Frankie Pine (Music Supervisor), Russell Ziecker (Lionsgate Music) and Allison Jones (Big Machine Records) participated in a panel discussion focusing on the synergy behind the hit show and the equally successful soundtrack album release.
Pictured (L-R): Randall Foster (Naxos, A2IM Nashville Chapter Chair), Allison Jones (Big Machine), Russell Ziecker (Lionsgate), Frankie Pine, & Rich Bengloff (A2IM).
• • •
On Friday, Oct. 18 beginning at 11 a.m., WMBA will host a pop-up consignment boutique at ASCAP. Items for sale include clothing of all sizes and styles for men, women and children, as well as accessories. All items are priced from $1-$20. The WMBA boutique is sponsored by ASCAP and Global Songwriter’s Connection and serves as the non-profit’s primary fundraiser to support membership programs.
On Oct. 24, the WMBA’s Howl-O-Scream costume party will take place, featuring a karaoke challenge to benefit Songs for Sound. Songs for Sound is a Nashville-based charity that helps deaf children receive cochlear implants. The event will be hosted in conjunction with SOLID at Dan McGuinness Pub on Demonbreun Street from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. For more information about upcoming events, visit wmbanashville.org.
Country Gives Back: Walker, McBride, and Azar
/by Lorie HollabaughClay Walker
• Clay Walker will host his fourth annual benefit concert for MS, Chords Of Hope, on Oct. 30 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Presented by 98 WSIX and produced by Walker’s charity, Band Against MS, the show will help raise money and awareness for MS research. Walker was diagnosed with the disease in 1996 and founded BAMS in 2003. To date the charity has raised over two million dollars for research and educational programs for those living with the disease.
Greg Bates is the first artist announced to join Walker on the Oct. 30 show. Tickets for the event are available through Ticketmaster and at the Wildhorse Saloon box office, and doors open at 6 p.m. For more information on the charity, go to bandagainstms.org.
Steve and actor Richard Karn on stage during Saturday evening’s concert
• Steve Azar held his 2nd Annual Delta Soul Celebrity Golf & Charity Event earlier this summer in Greenville, Miss. to help support his St. Cecilia Foundation, a charity he founded to support art programs throughout the Delta region. Azar was joined at the three-day event by celebs like actors Chris Rich, Richard Karn, and Grant Show, baseball’s Reggie Smith, and Denver Broncos coach John Fox.
The weekend’s Delta Soul concert included Branford Marsalis, Dan Tyminski, and Mark Bryan and Dean Felber from Hootie and The Blowfish, among others. Presented by the Skin Institute, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi and the Hartness Foundation, the event raised over $170,000 to support local arts in the region.
Martina McBride
• Martina McBride’s devoted band of volunteers from around the country, Team Martina, set their sights on raising $20,000 to help build a new playground in Atlanta, the Chastain Play Conservancy Playground. In less than four weeks, the group raised $27,000 to help build the project for local kids.
Team Martina’s Sound Check for Kids partnered with Crowdrise.com, an online fundraising site, for the campaign, which culminated with a Sept. 28 performance at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre by Martina. The first 50 fans who raised a minimum of $200 were treated to an exclusive party at Martina’s sound check prior to the concert. Team Martina has raised more than $100,000 for various causes since 2011. The group recently raised over $40,000 for Nashville’s Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.