BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 433
Pictured (L-R): David Spencer, Vice President of Convention Services and Special Events, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation; Joe and Linda Chambers, Founders of Musicians Hall of Fame And Museum; Nashville mayor Karl Dean; Deana Ivey, Chief Marketing Officer, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation; Butch Spyridon, President, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, and legendary guitarist/songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Steve Cropper. Photo: Royce DeGrie.
The new version of The Musicians Hall of Fame is so-o-o-o much better than the version that was nuked by the construction of the Music City Center. THIS version occupies the old exhibit hall on the lower level of Municipal Auditorium. THIS version has oodles of display and floor space. THIS version has more movies, more artifacts and more stories to tell. And THIS version is ever so much more beautiful.
All of this was revealed on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at the museum’s grand re-opening celebration. The new stuff includes a Fisk Jubilee Singers display, Country-star costumes, a survey of record formats through the years and several mini video monitors showing documentary footage.
Returning are such popular exhibits as the ones devoted to the Motown, Muscle Shoals, Stax, Music Row, Atlanta and L.A. recording centers. But the new space makes them all look brand new. I think if this place is marketed well, it could become a major, major tourist attraction. It’s that good.
Museum creator
Joe Chambers said that he plans to continually add more stuff. And there’s plenty of room for expansion, since the current configuration doesn’t even cover half of the lower level’s space.
One of the coolest things about the party was that there was a fabulous music personality every time you turned a corner. Look, there’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer
Duane Eddy, and over there is E Street Band bassist
Garry Tallent.
At one exhibit was
Bill Lloyd. At another,
Webb Wilder. Within our first half hour at the bash, we greeted
Brian Ahern, Hank DeVito, Ray Edenton & Polly Roper, Gordon Kennedy, Jim Horn, Corky & Kenny O’Dell, Chuck Mead & Brenda Calladay, Wood Newton, Chris Leuzinger and
Allen Reynolds.
Plus, there were many, many old pals in attendance:
Rose Drake, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Barbara Turner, Paula Szeigis (who is winning a SOURCE Award next month),
Dan Hill, Abby White, Woody Bomar, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell (who has created a Buddy Emmons tribute CD), legendary engineer
Ernie Winfrey, Gillie Crowder, Alan Mayor and
Renee White. Attendee
Ed Salamon said he’d enjoyed hosting the book party for folk/pop star and recent Nashville transplant
Melanie (remember “Brand New Key?”) the previous evening at Two Old Hippies.
Eric Parker, John Briggs, Doak Turner and
Judy Harris were working the room, too.
We snacked on barbecue sliders, cheese-breaded chicken tenders, stuffed mushroom caps, cucumber mousse on edible-cracker spoons, pita chips & quesadilla cheese and rich chocolate and/or strawberry truffles, among other goodies.
The party favors were postcards picturing the Auditorium at dusk with its new marquee. It reads, “Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at Historic Municipal Auditorium.” The cards, as well as the party’s black napkins, bore the motto, “Come See What You’ve Heard.”
• • •
George Strait performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center backed by a choir from Eakin Elementary School. Photo: Chris Hollo
As much fun as we were having, we had to depart for the evening’s second soiree. This was “A Special Evening Honoring George Strait” being staged at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (8/28).
Lon Helton presided. He began by telling us anew about King George’s unequaled tally of 60 No. 1 hits. “Thank you, George, for an incomparable legacy,” said Helton.
Then came a songwriters’ salute.
Jim Lauderdale sang “The King of Broken Hearts.”
Dean Dillon sang “Down and Out.”
Phil O’Donnell & Tim James sang “Give It All We’ve Got Tonight,” which became the 60
th of the 60 No. 1 hits. The next segment was about Strait’s accomplishments as a concert attraction. Show promoter
Louis Messina said, “No one, no one, is ever gonna break those records….Every night, I get chills watching him….George, you’re one of a kind.”
Video segments featured
Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Merle Haggard and other top stars lauding the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
Mike Dungan took the stage for the finale. He announced that Strait has
contracted with MCA to record five more albums. Then came the real finale,
George Strait performing with his ace
Ace in the Hole Band.
George Strait performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Photo: Chris Hollo
“This is like Old Home Week here tonight,” said Lauderdale. “George, you brought a lot of people together.”
No foolin.’ You couldn’t turn around without bumping into a fabulon.
Billy Burnette, Dickey Lee, Rory Bourke, Byron Hill, Dale Dodson, Keith Gattis, Buddy Cannon, Barry Coburn, Drew Alexander, Ben Vaughn, Liz Thiels, Steve Buchanan, Amy Smart, Suzanne Gordon, Charlie Monk, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, Dick Frank, Brandi Simms, Mark Wright, George Flanigen, Michael McCall, Michael Gray,
Cyndi Forman, Cindy Mabe, Carson Chamberlain, Katie Gillon, Dale Bobo, Bobby Young, Todd Cassetty, Donna Hughes, Leslie Roberts and
Tony Brown schmoozed mightily.
Our own
Sarah Skates was there, just three weeks after delivering her new baby boy, Charlie.
Kay West’s date was her son,
Harry West. He’s moving to L.A. to become a rock star with his bandmates in
Wild Cub. No, really. This band has a loud buzz going on in the social media. Check it out.
Media mavens recording the bash for posterity included
Deborah Evans Price, Brian Mansfield, Vernell Hackett, Tom Roland, Chuck Dauphin, Chuck Aly, Hunter Kelly, Peter Cooper and MR fearless leader
Sherod Robertson. At this gig, the wait staff brought the snacks to you on trays, la di da. Wait a minute – barbecue sliders, again? Believe it. Also ham & biscuits with chipotle sauce, prosciutto crostini with peach slices and more taste delights.
The party favors were silver-sleeved double-CD packages. One CD was of the superstar’s first album, 1981’s
Strait Country. The other was his current album,
Love Is Everything.
Pictured (L-R): Phil O’Donnell, Jim Lauderdale, Strait, Dean Dillon, Tim James, Tony Brown. Photo: Chris Hollo
Bobby Karl Works The Musician's Hall of Fame Re-Opening, George Strait Celebration
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 433
Pictured (L-R): David Spencer, Vice President of Convention Services and Special Events, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation; Joe and Linda Chambers, Founders of Musicians Hall of Fame And Museum; Nashville mayor Karl Dean; Deana Ivey, Chief Marketing Officer, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation; Butch Spyridon, President, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, and legendary guitarist/songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Steve Cropper. Photo: Royce DeGrie.
The new version of The Musicians Hall of Fame is so-o-o-o much better than the version that was nuked by the construction of the Music City Center. THIS version occupies the old exhibit hall on the lower level of Municipal Auditorium. THIS version has oodles of display and floor space. THIS version has more movies, more artifacts and more stories to tell. And THIS version is ever so much more beautiful.
All of this was revealed on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at the museum’s grand re-opening celebration. The new stuff includes a Fisk Jubilee Singers display, Country-star costumes, a survey of record formats through the years and several mini video monitors showing documentary footage.
Returning are such popular exhibits as the ones devoted to the Motown, Muscle Shoals, Stax, Music Row, Atlanta and L.A. recording centers. But the new space makes them all look brand new. I think if this place is marketed well, it could become a major, major tourist attraction. It’s that good.
Museum creator Joe Chambers said that he plans to continually add more stuff. And there’s plenty of room for expansion, since the current configuration doesn’t even cover half of the lower level’s space.
One of the coolest things about the party was that there was a fabulous music personality every time you turned a corner. Look, there’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Duane Eddy, and over there is E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent.
At one exhibit was Bill Lloyd. At another, Webb Wilder. Within our first half hour at the bash, we greeted Brian Ahern, Hank DeVito, Ray Edenton & Polly Roper, Gordon Kennedy, Jim Horn, Corky & Kenny O’Dell, Chuck Mead & Brenda Calladay, Wood Newton, Chris Leuzinger and Allen Reynolds.
Plus, there were many, many old pals in attendance: Rose Drake, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Barbara Turner, Paula Szeigis (who is winning a SOURCE Award next month), Dan Hill, Abby White, Woody Bomar, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell (who has created a Buddy Emmons tribute CD), legendary engineer Ernie Winfrey, Gillie Crowder, Alan Mayor and Renee White. Attendee Ed Salamon said he’d enjoyed hosting the book party for folk/pop star and recent Nashville transplant Melanie (remember “Brand New Key?”) the previous evening at Two Old Hippies. Eric Parker, John Briggs, Doak Turner and Judy Harris were working the room, too.
We snacked on barbecue sliders, cheese-breaded chicken tenders, stuffed mushroom caps, cucumber mousse on edible-cracker spoons, pita chips & quesadilla cheese and rich chocolate and/or strawberry truffles, among other goodies.
The party favors were postcards picturing the Auditorium at dusk with its new marquee. It reads, “Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at Historic Municipal Auditorium.” The cards, as well as the party’s black napkins, bore the motto, “Come See What You’ve Heard.”
• • •
George Strait performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center backed by a choir from Eakin Elementary School. Photo: Chris Hollo
As much fun as we were having, we had to depart for the evening’s second soiree. This was “A Special Evening Honoring George Strait” being staged at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (8/28). Lon Helton presided. He began by telling us anew about King George’s unequaled tally of 60 No. 1 hits. “Thank you, George, for an incomparable legacy,” said Helton.
Then came a songwriters’ salute. Jim Lauderdale sang “The King of Broken Hearts.” Dean Dillon sang “Down and Out.” Phil O’Donnell & Tim James sang “Give It All We’ve Got Tonight,” which became the 60th of the 60 No. 1 hits. The next segment was about Strait’s accomplishments as a concert attraction. Show promoter Louis Messina said, “No one, no one, is ever gonna break those records….Every night, I get chills watching him….George, you’re one of a kind.”
Video segments featured Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Merle Haggard and other top stars lauding the Country Music Hall of Fame member. Mike Dungan took the stage for the finale. He announced that Strait has contracted with MCA to record five more albums. Then came the real finale, George Strait performing with his ace Ace in the Hole Band.
George Strait performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Photo: Chris Hollo
“This is like Old Home Week here tonight,” said Lauderdale. “George, you brought a lot of people together.”
No foolin.’ You couldn’t turn around without bumping into a fabulon. Billy Burnette, Dickey Lee, Rory Bourke, Byron Hill, Dale Dodson, Keith Gattis, Buddy Cannon, Barry Coburn, Drew Alexander, Ben Vaughn, Liz Thiels, Steve Buchanan, Amy Smart, Suzanne Gordon, Charlie Monk, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, Dick Frank, Brandi Simms, Mark Wright, George Flanigen, Michael McCall, Michael Gray, Cyndi Forman, Cindy Mabe, Carson Chamberlain, Katie Gillon, Dale Bobo, Bobby Young, Todd Cassetty, Donna Hughes, Leslie Roberts and Tony Brown schmoozed mightily.
Our own Sarah Skates was there, just three weeks after delivering her new baby boy, Charlie. Kay West’s date was her son, Harry West. He’s moving to L.A. to become a rock star with his bandmates in Wild Cub. No, really. This band has a loud buzz going on in the social media. Check it out.
Media mavens recording the bash for posterity included Deborah Evans Price, Brian Mansfield, Vernell Hackett, Tom Roland, Chuck Dauphin, Chuck Aly, Hunter Kelly, Peter Cooper and MR fearless leader Sherod Robertson. At this gig, the wait staff brought the snacks to you on trays, la di da. Wait a minute – barbecue sliders, again? Believe it. Also ham & biscuits with chipotle sauce, prosciutto crostini with peach slices and more taste delights.
The party favors were silver-sleeved double-CD packages. One CD was of the superstar’s first album, 1981’s Strait Country. The other was his current album, Love Is Everything.
Pictured (L-R): Phil O’Donnell, Jim Lauderdale, Strait, Dean Dillon, Tim James, Tony Brown. Photo: Chris Hollo
Americana Music Festival Panels Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughOther highlighted panels during the week include:
Music Licensing In Today’s World –Moderator: James G. Zumwalt, Esq., Shackelford Zumwalt & Hayes with panelists Jeffrey Brabec, Esq., BMG Chrysalis; Author Todd Brabec, Esq.; Author Elizabeth Gregory, Esq., The Law Offices of Elizabeth V. Gregory, PLLC; Dennis Lord, SESAC; and Henry W. Root, Esq., Franklin & Sacharow, LLP will discuss the areas and entities requiring new licensing strategies, as well as negotiations and contracts reflecting the emergence of the online/digital world into the traditional world of music licensing.
The International Marketplace – Moderator: Rich Bengloff, American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), with panelists Lori Condon, Acony Records; Jim Selby, Naxos USA; Garry West, Compass Records; Robert Williams, 335 Records; and artist/producer Ed Petterson will take a hard look at the revenue in the international marketplace and how to grow your business outside of the U.S.
Finding the Right Balance – Moderator: Linda Bloss-Baum, Creative Strategies along with panelists Glenn Peoples, Billboard, artist/writer David Lowery, David Macias, Thirty Tigers, Colin Rushing, SoundExchange, and Bart Herbison, National Songwriters Association will address the question of what is fairly compensated and look at the interest from the web, terrestrial radio, label, songwriter and performer camps to put their cards on the table in search of common ground.
Fan Funding From the Inside Out – Moderator: Wayne Leeloy, Foundation Music Group, along with panelists Jack Conte, Patreon; Jay Coyle, Pledge Music; artist Will Kimbrough and act Over The Rhine’s Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist will address new opportunities through fan funding and crowd-sourcing. The panel will take a candid look at the platforms currently in the marketplace and hear some of the best and worst examples of fan-funded campaigns. Representatives from a few of the main platforms will share their best practices, and attendees will get a clear sense of when, why and how to launch their own.
New Orleans: The First Music City – Bob Santelli, The Grammy Museum’s CEO talks with Scott Billington, Rounder Records; Greg Lambousy, The Louisiana State Museum; Ben Sandmel, Journalist, Author, Folklorist, Drummer; and John Swenson, Journalist, Author about the many facets of New Orleans music and how those forms helped give shape and style to the American music tradition.
For additional panels and events during the Americana Music Festival & Conference, visit americanamusic.org.
George Strait Extends MCA Contract, Announced at Schermerhorn Event
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Mike Dungan (Chairman & CEO of UMG Nashville); Amy Smartt (CMA SVP of Finance and Admin and Secretary-Treasurer of the CMA Foundation); Louis Messina (President of the Messina Group); Strait; manager Erv Woolsey; Lon Heltony (Host of Country Countdown). Photo: Chris Hollo
In an exclusive event at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center yesterday evening (Aug. 28), it was announced that MCA recording artist George Strait would record five more albums for the label group.
Although the entertainer plans to retire from the road in 2014, the private gathering also touched on the Country singer’s recording success: 60 No. 1 singles throughout his 32-year career at the label home, which has garnered sales in excess of 68 million units. “I think I have been at MCA longer than most people in this room have…I still have a home,” remarked Strait after a presentation from UMG Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan. “George Strait simply defines Country music, yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” said Dungan.
For the party, guests were welcomed into the center’s lobby, which was decorated with road cases filled with Strait memorabilia including that from Pure Country, in addition to cowboy boots from his Country Music Hall of Fame induction.
After video presentations in the concert hall, the legend took the stage with his Ace in the Hole band to perform “Troubadour,” “Amarillo By Morning,” “The Chair,” and “I Believe” arranged by Tony Brown and performed by students from Nashville’s Eakin Elementary in recognition of the Newton Tragedy. The school is a beneficiary of the CMA’s Keep the Music Playing music education program.
Event attendees left with complementary copies of Strait’s first record, and his latest.
Announcements have not been made for the 2014 leg of Strait’s The Cowboy Rides Away farewell tour.
Industry Ink (8-29-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonWill Hamrick
HitShop Records has promoted Will Hamrick to Operations Manager. In his new position, Hamrick will manage the overall operations of the label, reporting to HitShop President, Skip Bishop.
Hamrick is a charter member of the Ramblin’ Music Group staff. Will has held key roles at the label including Artist Relations/Day To Day Management for artist Weston Burt and radio promotions stints as National Coordinator and Secondary Radio rep. In addition to his new role as Operations Manager for HitShop Records, Hamrick is involved in the roll-out of dynamic new talent, Natalie Stovall and The Drive. Hamrick can be reached at will@hitshoprecords.com and 615-854-9749.
• • •
Jay Wingate
SESAC has promoted Jay Wingate to Manager, Content Optimization. In his new position, Wingate will supervise content optimization processes and related staff, including the organization and preparation of standardized metadata and related content identifiers for the SESAC repertory.
Prior to his promotion, Wingate was International Royalty Administrator at SESAC.
• • •
Alan Jackson previewed songs from his upcoming premier bluegrass album, aptly titled The Bluegrass Album, for a packed house of industry members and fans. Held at Nashville’s Station Inn, the show was broadcast live on 650 WSM AM with Eddie Stubbs as an emcee, and featured players from Jackson’s album, which is set to release Sept. 24.
Pictured (L-R): Eddie Stubbs, Alan Jackson
Dierks Bentley To Kick Off CMA Awards Week With Music & Miles For Kids
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley has set Nov. 3 as the date for his 8th annual “Miles & Music For Kids” motorcycle ride and concert in Nashville. Jake Owen and Easton Corbin are the first special guests announced to join Bentley as he heads down the highway on his hog to raise funds for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The event will launch at Harley Davidson of Columbia with an hour-long ride that culminates downtown at Riverfront Park with a concert from Bentley and friends. Presale tickets will be available beginning Sept. 4 at dierks.com, and general public tickets will go on sale Sept. 6 through Ticketmaster. A combo ticket for the ride and show is available for $50, or individual concert tickets can be bought for $30.
“This is honestly the most fun day of my year, and it brings the whole community together for a great cause,” said Bentley. “We got rained out last year for the first time, so I want to make up for it in a big way. The lineup is going to be killer, and it’ll be a fun way to kick off a big week that celebrates country music with the CMA Awards just a few days later.”
Since 2006, Bentley has visited seven cities and raised over two million dollars for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals around the country.
MusicRowPics: Michaelis
/by Jessica NicholsonSibling trio Michaelis (their surname is also their band name)–comprised of sisters Meagan, Mallory and Madeline–visited MusicRow‘s offices on Friday (Aug. 23). The Sugar Land, Texas natives first learned to play instruments and sing from their grandfather; they’ve been performing together since Madeline (the youngest) was five years old. During their visit, the trio performed their debut single, “Shoot Straight,” penned by Michaelis, their producer Dave Brainard, and John Goodwin. The song’s memorable groove highlighted the sisters’ superbly blended harmonies.
The youthful trio followed “Shoot Straight” with “22 Red Flags,” inspired by a botched date. “It’s a cautionary tale,” said Meagan. They wrapped their three-song performance with “Leaver.”
Michaelis has been hard at work writing for their forthcoming album. “We probably have three albums’ worth of material,” said Meagan.
[slide]
CMA Adds Staffers, Promotes Two
/by Lorie HollabaughLindsey Jones
The CMA has announced some additions and promotions among its staff.
•Lindsey Jones has joined the company as receptionist. She comes to CMA from HK Management, where she worked as an executive assistant to management teams for Lenny Kravitz, Boz Skaggs, and more. She reports to Melissa Maynard, Operations Manager.
Natalie Wilson
•Natalie Wilson joins the staff as marketing research coordinator. Wilson previously worked for four years for Taylor Global, a public relations and marketing agency based in New York, as a Senior Consumer Insights Strategist for category leading brands including Diageo, P&G, Taco Bell and Nestlé. She reports to Karen Stump, Director of Market Research.
Lauren Klausing
•Lauren Klausing has been promoted to Strategic Partnerships Assistant. Klausing worked as a temporary assistant to Sheri Warnke, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, during her senior year at Belmont University.
Sarah McGrady
•Sarah McGrady has been upped to Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships. She joined CMA in 2009 as Senior Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships and was named Manager of Strategic Partnerships in 2011. McGrady reports to Tawni Fite, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships.
No. 1 Celebration: The Band Perry’s “DONE.”
/by Michael_SmithPictured (L-R): First Row: Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry, Jacob Bryant, John Davidson. Second Row: Jimmy Harnen (Republic Nashville President/BMLG EVP), Clay Bradley (BMI’s Assistant VP of Writer/Publisher Relations), Mike Doyle (VP Creative/GM -Major Bob Music), Dann Huff (Producer), Tim Fink (VP Writer/Publisher Relations/SESAC), and Jesse Frasure (Director of A&R -Major Bob Music). Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Monday evening (Aug. 26), hundreds of music industry representatives gathered at Nashville’s sleek venue The Bridge Building to celebrate the success of The Band Perry’s fourth No. 1 single “DONE.” Written by band members Neil and Reid Perry, along with singer-songwriters John Davidson and Jacob Bryant, “Done” soared to No. 1 on the MusicRow, Billboard and Mediabase charts.
BMI’s Clay Bradley welcomed the crowd and congratulated the four writers, saying, “Today is a special day of firsts as Neil, Reid, John and Jacob celebrate their first No. 1 song.” Bradley awarded the writers with commemorative cups, the first of many accolades they would receive that evening.
The song’s producer Dann Huff joined them onstage stage, saying, “I’m really one of the luckiest people I know at this point, it’s always a joy to get to work with people you respect.” Drawing laughter from the crowd, Huff imitated the now famous grunt uttered by lead singer Kimberly Perry, and said he knew the song was changing country music.
The writers received further congratulations from Country Radio Broadcasters’ Bill Mayne, Major Bob Music’s Mike Doyle and CMA’s Brandi Simms, who presented them with No. 1 medallions. Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen distributed more awards and listed several of the band’s achievements, including back to back No. 1 singles with “Better Dig Two” and “Done,” sales of two million albums and more than ten million tracks. He fittingly ended his speech with “Done and done!”
SESAC’s Tim Fink introduced up-and-coming writers Davidson and Bryant, for whom “Done” was their first No. 1. “These guys, John and Jacob, we’re so happy to have them…I have yet to meet someone [who has seen them] that hasn’t just gone ‘Damn!’ They’re amazing.” The four dapper writers, who met when John and Jacob opened for The Band Perry during their UK tour last year, offered thanks to their peers and the Nashville community. “Who would have thought six months ago when we met in Europe it would have led to today celebrating a No. 1,” said Reid.
Finally, Kimberly strutted on stage and joked, “I never miss an opportunity to speak,” before commending the writers and adding, “I don’t think any other genre celebrates music as much as country does.”
The Band Perry will launch their We Are Pioneers World Tour in November.
Industry Ink (8-28-13)
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen stopped by the CMA offices yesterday (Aug. 27) to thank the staff for their support and present them with a commemorative plaque for sales of over one million career albums. He recently celebrated his fourth No. 1 single, “Anywhere With You,” with a free Nashville concert for a crowd of 20,000.
Pictured (L-R):Jennifer Vessio, Sony Music Nashville Director, Media; Brandon Gill, Morris Artists Management Vice President; Brandi Simms, CMA Director of Membership and Balloting; Owen; Betsy Walker, CMA Manager of Membership and Balloting; Brenden Oliver, CMA Coordinator of Membership and Balloting; Jensen Arrowsmith, Sweet Talk Publicity owner and President. Photo Credit: Christian Bottorff / CMA
Jake Owen visits with the staff of the Country Music Association.
Owned by Martina and John McBride, Blackbird Studios’ Blackbird Academy was founded by John out of his love for the audio world to provide a post-secondary education environment. Blackbird Academy offers two programs, Studio Engineering and Live Sound Engineering.
Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Stays On Top
/by Sherod RobertsonThe top Country album debut this week comes from Average Joes with the LACS‘ Keep It Redneck sitting in the No. 3 spot on the Country chart, with 14k albums sold. Other noteworthy album debuts this week on the Country chart include Charlie Worsham, Rubberband, with 6k in sales this week at No. 12 and Tracy Lawrence, Headlights, Tailights and Radios at No. 26 with 3k units sold.
Bryan’s “That’s My Kind Of Night” sits in the top position of the Country tracks with 125k sold this week (290k RTD) and Florida Georgia Line‘s “Cruise” continues strong with 68k sold (5.7 million RTD) at No. 2. Debuting this week, Jennifer Nettles’ “That Girl” arrives at No. 23 with 19k units sold while Keith Urban‘s “Even The Stars Fall 4 U” debuts at No. 36 with 12k in sales.