SPIN ZONE
Jana Kramer recently visited WMIL in promotion of her No. 55 single, “I Hope It Rains.” Pictured (L-R): Tom Martens (W.A.R.), Jana Kramer and Kerry Wolfe (PD-WMIL).
’s “Goodbye Town” seizes this week’s No. 1 spot with 3,152 spins.
Kip Moore’s “Hey Pretty Girl” holds fast, maintaining the No. 2 spot for three weeks in a row.
Hunter Hayes’ “I Want Crazy” comes in at No. 3, with
Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy” at No. 4. Meanwhile,
Randy Houser’s “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” runs up the chart, landing at No. 5. Rounding out the Top 10 this week is
Florida Georgia Line’s “Round Here” at No. 6,
Justin Moore’s “Point At You” at No. 7,
Billy Currington’s “Hey Girl” at No. 8,
Little Big Town’s “Your Side Of The Bed” at No. 9 and
Kacey Musgraves’ “Blowin’ Smoke” at No. 10.
Florida Georgia Line’s “Round Here” is the week’s greatest gainer, climbing to No. 6 with an additional 474 spins.
Darius Rucker’s “Radio” makes a stellar leap, jumping from No. 88 to No. 49 with another 422 spins.
Tim McGraw’s “Southern Girl” moves up 10 spots, landing at No. 26 with an extra 394 spins. Fellow superstar
Taylor Swift climbs to No. 24 with an added 348 spins. Lastly, Currington’s “Hey Girl” breaks the Top 10, landing at No. 8 with another 318 spins.
MusicRow’s chart welcomes five fantastic debuts this week, with Rucker’s “Radio” debuting at No. 49,
Bush Hawg’s “Crushin’” at No. 72,
Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis’ “I Know What You Did Last Night” at No. 75,
Colt Ford feat. Jason Aldean’s “Drivin’ Around Song” at No. 76 and
LiveWire’s “Whiskey Sunday” at No. 78.
Frozen Playlists: KYTN, WUCZ, KIAI, KKAJ, WKWS, WTRS, WAAG, KCJC, KVOM
KZPK MD Brook Stephens met up with the boys of the Eli Young Band before they played their No. 33 single “Drunk Last Night” during the Minneapolis leg of the ‘No Shoes Nation Tour’ at Target Field. Pictured (L to R): EYB’s James Young, Mike Eli, Brook Stephens, EYB’s Jon Jones and Chris Thompson.
Hey Girl Hey/Rhymetown Ent.
Jay Jolley/God Save Us All From Religion/Double J Records
Jason Sturgeon/Angel Eyes/Toolpusher
Bush Hawg/Crushin’/RCA Nashville
Lisa Matassa/I Won’t Ask/CPR Music Group
Danielle Bradbery/The Heart Of Dixie/Big Machine
Blake Shelton/Mine Would Be You/Warner Bros./WMN
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol
Zane Williams/Overnight Success/Be Music & Entertainment
July 29
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records
Blue Sky Riders/Brave/3 Dream Records
The Henningsens/I Miss You/Arista Nashville
Coleman Brothers/Back On The Farm/Fishin Hole
Frankie Ballard/Helluva Life/Warner Bros.-W.A.R.
Ash Bowers/Shake It Off/New Revolution
Ronnie Dunn/Kiss You There/Little Will-E/HitShop
Colt Ford feat. Jason Aldean/Drivin’ Around Song/Average Joes
August 5
Austin Webb/Slip On By/Streamsound
August 6
Brett Eldredge/Bring You Back/Atlantic
August 12
Josh Thompson/Cold Beer With Your Name On It/Show Dog-Universal
Kristy Lee Cook feat. Randy Houser/Wherever Love Goes/Broken Bow Records
August 19
Due West/Slide On Over/Sovereign 3 Records
Jolie Holiday/Waffle House/Shamrock Records
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol – 49
Bush Hawg/Crushin’/RCA Nashville – 72
Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis/I Know What You Did Last Night/Red River – 75
Colt Ford feat. Jason Aldean/Drivin’ Around Song/Average Joe’s – 76
LiveWire/Whiskey Sunday – 78
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol – 29
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 20
George Strait/I Believe/MCA – 15
Kelly Clarkson/Tie It Up/RCA-Columbia Nashville – 12
Eli Young Band/Drunk Last Night/Republic – 12
Taylor Swift/Red/Big Machine – 11
Craig Morgan/Wake Up Lovin’ You/Black River – 11
Miranda Lambert/All Kinds Of Kinds/RCA – 9
Bush Hawg/Crushin’/RCA Nashville – 9
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Florida Georgia Line/Round Here/Republic Nashville – 474
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol – 422
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 394
Taylor Swift/Red/Big Machine – 348
Billy Currington/Hey Girl/Mercury Nashville – 318
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Danielle Bradbery/The Heart of Dixie/Big Machine – 178
Dylan Scott/Makin This Boy Go Crazy/Sidewalk Records – 175
Johnny Rivers/My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It – 140
George Ducas/Cowtown/Spin Doctors – 134
Vince Hatfield/World Goes Round/Blue Moon – 134
Before his second sold-out show at Fenway Park, Jason Aldean gave Country radio a peek at his view from the stage. In attendance were KSD, KTTS, KWNR, McVay Media, WCKT, WKLB, WNOE, WPOR, WQNU, WRNS, WRNX, WSOC, WTHD, WUSN.
Mother-daughter duo Belles And Whistles have been touring Country radio in promotion of “Boy Like You.” Pictured here with U.S. 51’s Rob Grayson.
[Updated] Luke Bryan Reveals 'Crash My Party' Track Listing
/by Jessica NicholsonHe has also released the track listing for the project. The Target Deluxe version offers four additional exclusive tracks, including “What Is It With You,” “Sunburnt Lips,” “Better Than My Heart” and “Your Mama Should’ve Named You Whiskey.” The project can be pre-ordered here.
1. That’s My Kind Of Night
2. Beer In The Headlights
3. Crash My Party
4. Roller Coaster
5. We Run This Town
6. Drink A Beer
7. I See You
8. Goodbye Girl
9. Play It Again
10. Blood Brothers
11. Out Like That
12. Shut It Down
13. Dirt Road Diary
14. What Is It With You (Target Exclusive)
15. Sunburnt Lips (Target Exclusive)
16. Better Than My Heart (Target Exclusive)
17. Your Mama Should’ve Named You Whiskey(Target Exclusive)
Crash My Party, named after the album’s lead single, is produced by Jeff Stevens.
“I decided Crash My Party was perfect for this album because like the song, the album goes beyond the literal meaning of the title,” says Bryan. “The song isn’t what you think it is, it is unexpected, and I think in the same way fans will definitely hear some surprises on my new album. It still reflects my sound but you will get to hear a little bit deeper, different side to me musically as well.”
Bryan was recently named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year and won Vocal Event of the Year for “Only Way I Know” with Eric Church and Jason Aldean. In 2012, Bryan took home 11 awards, including nine wins at the American Country Awards, as well as his first American Music Award (for Favorite Male Country Artist).
Charlie Cook On Air: Country Takes Boston
/by contributorJason Aldean comes to Boston’s Fenway Park
Something cool is happening in America when it comes to country music. They like it. They really like it. Garth Brooks appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine on March 2, 1992. The slug line read, “Led Zeppelin meets Roy Rogers…Country conquers Rock.”
That was validation that country music had arrived. You might remember this was a really big deal for the format. If New York accepts country music it is okay for the rest of to bask in its glow. Two things happened this year. First, country radio returned to New York and Forbes put another Country artist on its cover July 15th. And Toby Keith looks as much a businessman as a performer. Oh, and he is referred to as the 500 million dollar man.
Charlie Cook
Again, having the spotlight on the format out of New York is very important to the revenue side of the format. Anything good out of the Northeast is good for the format.
Last Friday and Saturday night, Jason Aldean rolled his Night Train Tour into Boston’s Fenway Park. Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett could have been elected to the city council in Boston come Sunday morning. They were well-loved for five hours on Saturday night. The electricity in the stadium Saturday (I went to the show Saturday but I’m sure Friday was just as exciting) night was like a lightning strike.
The show sold over 70,000 seats over the two shows filling the park with country music fans. In Boston. My cab driver didn’t even know there was a country music station in Boston, as he told me from the airport. To be fair, there are most likely not many country music signals in his home country, so he skipped 102.5 on his scan button.
The format has blown up this year in PPM markets. Every day we see country stations hitting record highs. We expect to see these numbers in Indianapolis, where WFMS and WLHK are No. 1 and No. 2. Indy has always been a really good country market. These two stations are in a real battle and that brings out the best in both stations.
But we don’t expect to see these kinds of numbers in Boston or Pittsburgh, for example. Kudos to Mike Brophey and Ginny Rogers at WKLB and Mark Anderson and Stoney Richards at WDSY, who have put up huge numbers.
The heat Aldean generated in Boston and Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift did in Pittsburgh has paid off. In the coming weeks we’re going to see if the excitement of these stadium and Pavilion shows in major markets will raise all boats in diary markets.
We know PPM and diary are very different animals. If PPM is a throughbred then diary is beat up donkey. Almost everything we see in diary markets can be questioned. Unless of course, my charges do well. Then you can take it to the bank. I understand Portland, Maine; Springfield and Wilmington, Del., all share in the excitement of a Fenway park show but it is not like the event is causing traffic jams in their cities.
I believe the format has the best music on the radio today. But the excitement of your team (an Aldean or Luke Bryan or Carrie Underwood) winning the super bowl is unequaled. (Not that I would know. I am a Lions fan.) Country radio programmers need to remember creating excitement about the music and the artists is what is going to make you a winner every day of the year. You have to do it between the great music otherwise you’re just Pandora.
I don’t want to leave DeeJay Silver off the kudos list. He had the crowd at Fenway at the top of their game. And when 35,000 concert goers sang along to “Sweet Caroline,” you had to get chill bumps.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
Artists Sign On For MusiCares Nashville Benefit
/by Jessica Nicholson“The Jaeckle Center is an ultra-modern equine facility and it’s the perfect setting for an old fashioned barn dance,” said Crowell. “Teresa Jaeckle and I stumbled upon the idea of hosting a dance to raise money for MusiCares®, an organization that provides assistance to musicians during troubled times. Vince Gill, Elizabeth Cook and I have tapped some of Nashville’s finest players to provide the music and we expect a few friends to drop in unannounced for an evening filled with mirth and merriment.”
VIP patrons will enjoy a reception, meet and greet, dinner, wine tasting, live auction and a star-studded celebrity lineup for the barn dance and concert that will benefit a worthwhile cause. Patrons are encouraged to wear their boots and bling to the event, and all are welcome to bring their own beverage to the event (coolers permitted). A VIP table of 8 is $1,500 (includes reception, dinner, wine tasting and preferred seating for barn dance and concert). General Admission tickets are $100 per ticket (includes dinner and general seating).
For information and tickets, visit JaeckleCentre.com/Barn-
Weekly Chart Report (7/19/13)
/by Michael_SmithSPIN ZONE
Jana Kramer recently visited WMIL in promotion of her No. 55 single, “I Hope It Rains.” Pictured (L-R): Tom Martens (W.A.R.), Jana Kramer and Kerry Wolfe (PD-WMIL).
Lady Antebellum’s “Goodbye Town” seizes this week’s No. 1 spot with 3,152 spins. Kip Moore’s “Hey Pretty Girl” holds fast, maintaining the No. 2 spot for three weeks in a row. Hunter Hayes’ “I Want Crazy” comes in at No. 3, with Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy” at No. 4. Meanwhile, Randy Houser’s “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” runs up the chart, landing at No. 5. Rounding out the Top 10 this week is Florida Georgia Line’s “Round Here” at No. 6, Justin Moore’s “Point At You” at No. 7, Billy Currington’s “Hey Girl” at No. 8, Little Big Town’s “Your Side Of The Bed” at No. 9 and Kacey Musgraves’ “Blowin’ Smoke” at No. 10.
Florida Georgia Line’s “Round Here” is the week’s greatest gainer, climbing to No. 6 with an additional 474 spins. Darius Rucker’s “Radio” makes a stellar leap, jumping from No. 88 to No. 49 with another 422 spins. Tim McGraw’s “Southern Girl” moves up 10 spots, landing at No. 26 with an extra 394 spins. Fellow superstar Taylor Swift climbs to No. 24 with an added 348 spins. Lastly, Currington’s “Hey Girl” breaks the Top 10, landing at No. 8 with another 318 spins.
MusicRow’s chart welcomes five fantastic debuts this week, with Rucker’s “Radio” debuting at No. 49, Bush Hawg’s “Crushin’” at No. 72, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis’ “I Know What You Did Last Night” at No. 75, Colt Ford feat. Jason Aldean’s “Drivin’ Around Song” at No. 76 and LiveWire’s “Whiskey Sunday” at No. 78.
Frozen Playlists: KYTN, WUCZ, KIAI, KKAJ, WKWS, WTRS, WAAG, KCJC, KVOM
KZPK MD Brook Stephens met up with the boys of the Eli Young Band before they played their No. 33 single “Drunk Last Night” during the Minneapolis leg of the ‘No Shoes Nation Tour’ at Target Field. Pictured (L to R): EYB’s James Young, Mike Eli, Brook Stephens, EYB’s Jon Jones and Chris Thompson.
Upcoming Singles
July 22
North 40/Hey Girl Hey/Rhymetown Ent.
Jay Jolley/God Save Us All From Religion/Double J Records
Jason Sturgeon/Angel Eyes/Toolpusher
Bush Hawg/Crushin’/RCA Nashville
Lisa Matassa/I Won’t Ask/CPR Music Group
Danielle Bradbery/The Heart Of Dixie/Big Machine
Blake Shelton/Mine Would Be You/Warner Bros./WMN
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol
Zane Williams/Overnight Success/Be Music & Entertainment
July 29
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records
Blue Sky Riders/Brave/3 Dream Records
The Henningsens/I Miss You/Arista Nashville
Coleman Brothers/Back On The Farm/Fishin Hole
Frankie Ballard/Helluva Life/Warner Bros.-W.A.R.
Ash Bowers/Shake It Off/New Revolution
Ronnie Dunn/Kiss You There/Little Will-E/HitShop
Colt Ford feat. Jason Aldean/Drivin’ Around Song/Average Joes
August 5
Austin Webb/Slip On By/Streamsound
August 6
Brett Eldredge/Bring You Back/Atlantic
August 12
Josh Thompson/Cold Beer With Your Name On It/Show Dog-Universal
Kristy Lee Cook feat. Randy Houser/Wherever Love Goes/Broken Bow Records
August 19
Due West/Slide On Over/Sovereign 3 Records
Jolie Holiday/Waffle House/Shamrock Records
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol – 49
Bush Hawg/Crushin’/RCA Nashville – 72
Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis/I Know What You Did Last Night/Red River – 75
Colt Ford feat. Jason Aldean/Drivin’ Around Song/Average Joe’s – 76
LiveWire/Whiskey Sunday – 78
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol – 29
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 20
George Strait/I Believe/MCA – 15
Kelly Clarkson/Tie It Up/RCA-Columbia Nashville – 12
Eli Young Band/Drunk Last Night/Republic – 12
Taylor Swift/Red/Big Machine – 11
Craig Morgan/Wake Up Lovin’ You/Black River – 11
Miranda Lambert/All Kinds Of Kinds/RCA – 9
Bush Hawg/Crushin’/RCA Nashville – 9
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Florida Georgia Line/Round Here/Republic Nashville – 474
Darius Rucker/Radio/Capitol – 422
Tim McGraw/Southern Girl/Big Machine – 394
Taylor Swift/Red/Big Machine – 348
Billy Currington/Hey Girl/Mercury Nashville – 318
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Danielle Bradbery/The Heart of Dixie/Big Machine – 178
Dylan Scott/Makin This Boy Go Crazy/Sidewalk Records – 175
Johnny Rivers/My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It – 140
George Ducas/Cowtown/Spin Doctors – 134
Vince Hatfield/World Goes Round/Blue Moon – 134
Before his second sold-out show at Fenway Park, Jason Aldean gave Country radio a peek at his view from the stage. In attendance were KSD, KTTS, KWNR, McVay Media, WCKT, WKLB, WNOE, WPOR, WQNU, WRNS, WRNX, WSOC, WTHD, WUSN.
Mother-daughter duo Belles And Whistles have been touring Country radio in promotion of “Boy Like You.” Pictured here with U.S. 51’s Rob Grayson.
Rachel Holder – "Lord Help Me"
/by ProgrammerPlaylistIn a town full of attractive Country stars, it takes a lot for a young female singer to stand out and catch the attention of Nashville’s music industry crowd.
“I’ve already learned that it takes more than a few good songs to make it in Nashville,” says Rachel Holder. “These days, I don’t think that there’s any one formula for success, necessarily, but I know you have to have faith in yourself, passion for the music and a serious will to succeed. And great songs!”
Produced by Wilbur Rimes and Chuck Howard, “Lord Help Me” is one of those songs that makes you love country music. And just as it would’ve been perfect for Carrie Underwood–who co-wrote the song with Ashley Monroe and Katrina Elam–it’s perfect for Curb Records Rachel Holder!
More at www.rachelholder.com.
Lynne Connolly
PCL Music Promotions
lynne@pclmusic.com
Regina Raleigh
Promotions by Regina
reginagr1@comast.net
John Rich Inks Deal For New TV Series
/by Jessica NicholsonThe TV Guide Network is set to air The Untitled John Rich Project, which will be shot at Rich’s Nashville home, feature live performances, celebrity interviews and surprise guests. The series is produced by 25/7 Productions with David Broome (The Biggest Loser), Yong Yam and Marc Oswald as executive producers.
Leadership Music Summit Adds Keynote Speaker
/by Jessica NicholsonAdditional panel topics for the event include:
“Bringing Content to Fruition”
Panelists: Dez Dickerson (The Pavilion Group), Jay Hake (Streamweaver), Brody Harper (Skorinc), Nick Holland (Populr.me), Lance Kelly (Fanfare), Stokes Nielsen (YouTube/Country Now). Moderator: David Ross (Hit Shop Records)
“How To Make Marketing Engaging”
Panelists: Jenn Downs (Mailchimp), Jay Frank (DigSin), Andre Gaccetta (G7 Marketing), PJ Loughran (The Distillery/Superfly), Jeff Nicholas (Uprising Creative). Moderator: TBA
“Prioritizing Digital Needs & Solutions”
Panelists: Tom Lord (Capitol Nashville UMG), additional panelists TBA. Moderator: David Macias (Thirty Tigers)
The 2013 event is targeted to attendees and participants ranging from college students to movers-and-shakers of the entrepreneurial community across the Southeast to a variety of music industry leaders and decision-makers, including artist managers, record label staff and executives, attorneys, business managers and members of the media, marketing and publicity communities.
For more information, visit leadershipmusicsummit.org.
Inspirational Country Music Awards Nominees Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonEntertainer of the Year
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Dennis Agajanian
Jeff Bates
Guy Penrod
Kali Rose
Lucas Hoge
Steve Richard
Sunday Drive
The Roys
Male Vocalist of the Year
Andrew Heller
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Daniel Alan
Lucas Hoge
Mike Rimmey
Russ Murphy
Steve Richard
Tommy Brandt
Wade Hammond
Female Vocalist of the Year
Aubree Bullock
Cindy Lee Alden
Jada Hite King
Kali Rose
Kristina Craig
Larissa
Laura Dodd
Lisa McClowry
Mary James
Stella Parton
Vocal Duo & Performance
Aaron & Amanda Crabb
Branded
Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Mary James featuring Jamie O’Neal
Nathan Stanley featuring Vince Gill
Randy-Paul
Spirit Driven 2
Steve Richard & Laura Dodd
The Roys
Vocal Group or Band of the Year
CrossCountry The Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Jayc Harold Band
Kristina Craig Band
Picnic In The Meadow
Red Roots
Sunday Drive
The Akins
The Springs
The Walkers
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“Changed,” Rascal Flatts
“Be Grateful,” The Farm
“Eighteen Inches,” Lauren Alaina
“Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain,” Gary Allan
“I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice
“Met Him In A Motel Room,” Gwen Sebastian
“Old King James,” Scotty McCreery
“See You Again,” Carrie Underwood
“Touchdown Jesus,” Tim McGraw
“True Believers,” Darius Rucker
Mainstream Country Male Artist
Alan Jackson
Andy Griggs
Craig Morgan
Darius Rucker
John Berry
Josh Turner
Lee Brice
Scotty McCreery
Tim McGraw
Vince Gill
Mainstream Country Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Dolly Parton
Faith Hill
Gwen Sebastian
Jamie O’Neal
Lauren Alaina
Martina McBride
Rachel Holder
Reba McEntire
Sara Evans
Mainstream Country Duo or Group
Diamond Rio
Joey+Rory
Lady Antebellum
Lonestar
Marty Raybon & Full Circle
Oak Ridge Boys
Rascal Flatts
The Farm Inc.
The Henningsens
Thompson Square
Inspirational Country Song of the Year
“God’s Still On The Throne,” Larissa
“Have I Done Something,” Lucas Hoge
“Hey Do You Know Me,” Kali Rose
“They Don’t Stay Little Long Enough,” Chuck Hancock
“I See You in Everything,” Steve Richard & Laura Dodd
“I’ll Stand Up For the Cross,” Wade Hammond
“Meanwhile Back At the Cross,” Tommy Brandt
“Take It Easy,” Daniel Alan
“Unknown Soldiers” Russ Murphy
“You Can Always Come Back Home,” Chuck Day
Songwriter of the Year
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Corey Lee Barker
Greg McDougal
Jeff Bates
Larissa Lundstrom
Mike Rimmey
Paul Staggs of Branded
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt
Living Legend/Pioneer Award
Bruce Haynes
Chuck Day (The Days)
Dolly Parton
Gene Higgins
Leo Johnston & CrossCountry
Lisa Daggs
Melanie Walker
Ricky Skaggs
Susie McEntire Luchsinger
Vince Gill
Musician of the Year
Charlie Daniels
Dennis Agajanian
Gary Livesay
Gordon Mote
Greg McDougal
Jayc Harold
Mike Baker
Ricky Skaggs
Tommy Brandt
Vince Gill
Comedian of the Year
Aaron Wilburn
Barry McGee
Bruce Mullen
Chonda Pierce
Jeff Treece
Johnny Lee Cook
Mike Snider
Tim Hawkins
T. Bubba Bechtol
Jeanne Robertson
New Artist of the Year
Adrienne Haupt
Angela Hesse
Chareé White
Cherie Brennan
Chris Hayle
Hunter Cook
Jennifer Nickerson
Jo Ann Bullard
Kristina Craig
Rachel Dampier
Radio Station of the Year
Cross Country Radio – CBN
HLE Radio
Inspirational Country Radio Network
KSTV 93.1 FM – Dublin, TX
KUPR 91.7 FM – Alamagordo, NM
WEKC AM 710 – Corbin, KY
WJCR 90.1 FM – Upton, KY
WSM AM 650 – Nashville, TN
WTGF 90.5 FM – Milton, FL
WTYS 94.1 FM – Marianna, FL
Radio Personality of the Year
Bob Flotte
Gary Richardson
Hunter Logan
Jerry Proctor
JR Pitsenbarger
Leon Joplin
Marty Smith
Mona Faith
Rich Miller
Ricky Russ
Youth In Music Award
Adrienne Haupt
Chlöe Goss
Emily Faith
Hannah Faith
Hunter Cook
Isaac Cole
Lydia Hollis
McDougal Kids
Mikayla Lynn
Tommy Brandt II
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist
Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Dailey & Vincent
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Isaacs
Marty Raybon
Nathan Stanley
Rhonda Vincent
Ricky Skaggs
The Roys
Video of the Year
“Be Grateful” The Farm
“Changed” Rascal Flatts
“Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain” Gary Allan
“I Drive Your Truck” Lee Brice
“If I Didn’t Have You” Thompson Square
“See You Again” Carrie Underwood
“Sharing The Journey” Lucas Hoge
“Time Is Love” Josh Turner
“Toothbrush” Steve Richard
“True Believers” Darius Rucker
For a full list of nominees, visit faithfamilycountry.com.
Music Businessman Mort L. Nasatir Passes
/by Robert K OermannMort Nasatir with a young Hank Williams Jr.
Multi-faceted music-business figure Mort Nasatir has died at age 88.
During his career, Nasatir worked as a music journalist, record-label executive, educator, author and radio-station manager. Born in Chicago in 1925, he graduated with a degree in journalism from that city’s Northwestern University.
He met and married his wife Valerie in New York in 1953. In 1960, he was an editor on the essay compilation The Jazz Word, which has been republished many times since. In 1961, he wrote the program book for the Great Moments in Music event at Carnegie Hall.
Also in the early 1960s, he wrote liner notes for the Broadway musical cast album Destry Rides Again as well as for artists such as Lawrence Welk. These projects were for Decca Records, his entry point into the recording industry.
Between 1964 and 1969, Mort Nasatir was president of MGM Records. While there, he re-signed Hank Williams Jr. and guided the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Erroll Garner, Astrid Gilberto and others. He presented Gold Record awards to such stars as The Cowsills and Stan Getz. He was the recording supervisor on the 1967 MGM cast recording of the long-running off-Broadway musical You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.
In 1967, he attempted to sign Bob Dylan away from Columbia Records by reportedly offering him sheets of unpublished song lyrics by the legendary Hank Williams. Nasatir was also behind MGM’s 1968-69 promotion of The Boston Sound, featuring groups such as Ultimate Spinach, Orpheus and The Beacon Street Union.
While at MGM, Mort Nasatir served as the national president of The Recording Academy (NARAS) in 1968.
Nasatir next became the publisher of Billboard magazine. He spent six-and-a-half years as the head of the company’s London office, supervising all of Billboard’s European publications in the 1970s.
In 1983, he was offered an administrative staff position at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In Nashville, he became the general manager of WLAC radio.
He remained in Nashville for the rest of his life, serving as a Lay Reader at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral and becoming a member of the 1999 Green Hills Citizens Advisory Committee for that community’s redevelopment plan. Mort and Valerie Nasatir were familiar faces at many Recording Academy events in Music City in the 1980s and 1990s.
Mort Nastir died on July 15. He is survived by wife Valerie, sons Seth, Mark and Iaian, six grandchildren and a brother. Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. on July 24 in Christ Church Cathedral Chapel.
Katie Couric Reveals Blackbird Academy Makeover
/by Jessica NicholsonSee the redesigned setup below, as well as interviews with Bob, Cortney, John and Martina. Blackbird Academy is located at 2806 Azalea Place in Nashville. For more information, visit theblackbirdacademy.com.