SPIN ZONE
Sidewalk Records’ Morgan Frazier (L) recently visited with Stephanie Crist (R) from 97-3 The Dawg in Lafayette, LA.
With her debut single, “Merry Go Round,”
Kacey Musgraves has etched her first No. 1 on the
MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
Blake Shelton‘s “Sure Be Cool If You Did” takes up residence at No. 2, while
Lee Brice‘s ballad “I Drive Your Truck” ups a notch to No. 3.
Taylor Swift‘s “Begin Again,” previously a No. 1 single, is at No. 4 this week.
Toby Keith‘s “Hope On The Rocks” holds on strong at No. 5 again this week. Rounding out the Top 10 are
Chris Young‘s “I Can Take It From There” at No. 6,
Hunter Hayes‘ “Somebody’s Heartbreak” at No. 7,
Miranda Lambert‘s “Mama’s Broken Heart” at No. 8,
Lady Antebellum‘s “Downtown,” which breaks into the Top 10 this week at No. 9 and
George Strait‘s “Give It All We Got” at No. 10.
Jason Aldean‘s “1994” is the biggest gainer this week, hitting the chart full-throttle with 233 added spins.
The Band Perry‘s “Done” earned an increase of 195 spins, while
Brad Paisley‘s “Beat This Summer” gained 194 spins.
Zac Brown Band‘s “Jump Right In” added 161 spins, and
Gary Allan‘s “Pieces” with 146 additional spins.
Zac Brown Band‘s “Jump Right In” makes its debut this week at No. 71, while The Band Perry‘s “Done” lands at No. 77 and Brad Paisley‘s “Beat This Summer” opens at No. 78.
Frozen Playlists: KWWR, KMOK, WZZS, WTCM, WBYZ, WWBE, WOKA, KVWF, WTHO, KFAV, WIFE, KXIA, WKDZ, WDGG, WMEV, WTRS, KWOX, KCNY, WJVL, KGMN, WDHR, KDKD, KDOL, KDXY, KIAI, KITX, KKAJ, KKOW, KMGO, KVVP, KXBZ, KXKZ, KYTN, WAAG, WKWS, WPPL, WXXK
Upcoming Singles
March 4
Brad Paisley/Beat The Summer/Arista Nashville
Randy Houser/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight/Stoney Creek
March 11
Jason Aldean/1994/BBR
Jon Pardi/Up All Night/Capitol
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville
Sheryl Crow/Easy/Old Green Barn-Sea Gayle-Warner Bros.-WMN
Tate Stevens/Power Of A Love Song/Syco Music-RCA
Billy Dean/I Can’t Leave A Good Thing/Rainman-Flying Island
Erica Nicole/Better Beer/Heaven-Nine North-Turnpike
Tobacco Rd. Band (Feat. Colt Ford)/That’s Country/Turnpike-Big Southern
March 18
Justin Moore/Point At You/Valory
Phil Vassar/Love Is Alive/Rodeowave
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Zac Brown Band/Jump Right In/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 71
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville – 77
Brad Paisley/Beat This Summer/Arista Nashville – 78
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Jason Aldean/1994/Broken Bow Records – 18
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville – 16
Brad Paisley/Beat This Summer/Arista Nashville – 15
Zac Brown Band/Jump Right In/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 13
Gary Allan/Pieces/MCA Nashville – 12
Tim McGraw w/ Taylor Swift/Highway Don’t Care/Big Machine – 11
Justin Moore/Point At You/Valory Music Co. – 6
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Jason Aldean/1994/Broken Bow – 233
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville – 195
Brad Paisley/Beat This Summer/Arista Nashville – 194
Zac Brown Band/Jump Right In/Southern Ground/Atlantic – 161
Gary Allan/Pieces/MCA – 146
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Jordan Anderson/Toxic/GTR – 180
Jaida Dreyer/Half Broke Horses/Streamsound – 174
Stephanie Grace/Would U Be Mine/SMG – 173
Smokey River Boys/All Pure Country/Platinum Plus – 170
Joe Bachman/Small Town Rock Stars/Joe Bachman – 163
Show Dog Universal Music’s Joel Crouse (L) made a recent pit stop on the west coast at KKGO to visit with PD Tonya Campos (R) in support of his debut single, “If You Want Some.”
Atlantic/WMN’s Hunter Hayes recently paid a visit to KKWF on top of the Hard Rock in Seattle. Pictured (L-R): Kevin Herring (VP of Promotion WMN), Mike Preston (KKWF PD), Hunter Hayes, Wingnut (KKWF MD), Deanna Lee (KKWF Assistant MD), and Rick Young (West Coast Regional WMN).
Grand Ole Opry, Country Music HOF To Mark 50th Anniversary of Patsy Cline Plane Crash
/by Jessica NicholsonGrand Ole Opry stars pause for a minute of silence in honor of their fellow entertainers on March 9, 1963. Photo by Les Leverett.
The Grand Ole Opry will recognize the 50th Anniversary of the tragedy that took the lives of Opry members Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins during its first Tuesday Night Opry of the season on March 5. The Three Opry members will be remembered with performances of their hit songs by Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Jean Shepard (who was married to Hawkins at the time of his death), Mandy Barnett (who portrayed Cline in Always…Patsy Cline), Terri Clark, John Conlee and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys. Among others on the first Tuesday Night Opry of the year are Academy of Country Music Award nominees Florida Georgia Line and Opry group Riders In The Sky.
On March 5, 1963, a small plane carrying the three Opry stars plus Randy Hughes, the plane’s pilot who also served as Cline’s manager, crashed near Camden, Tenn., leaving no survivors. On March 9, 1963 during the first Opry performance following the tragedy, Opry Manager Ott Devine addressed the crowd following a minute of silence in honor of the Opry stars. “…They would want us to keep smiling and recall the happier occasions,” Devine said. “I feel that I can speak for all them when I say, let’s continue in the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry.”
• • •
The program, which will take place in the museum’s Ford Theater, is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating for the program is limited, and program passes are required for admittance. (Visit the museum’s website for complete details.) The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org.
Stubbs will speak with Cline’s widower, Charlie Dick; Copas’s daughter and Hughes’ widow, Kathy Hughes; Hawkins’s widow, Jean Shepard; and Bobby Wright, son of Anglin’s longtime partner, Johnnie Wright, about their experiences and memories of the tragic events.
Bob Kingsley Connects Radio and Songwriters
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Bob Kingsley, Lee Thomas Miller, Jeff Stevens, Brandy Clark, and Tom Douglas.
For the second consecutive year, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley hosted a lineup of hit songwriters for in-the-round performances for the Country Radio Seminar. Presented by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 and co-sponsored by SunTrust Bank, Thursday’s (Feb. 28) event offered a chance for lyricists to candidly share thoughts, perceptions and insights with radio gatekeepers.
Each No. 1 hit was humanized and personalized by the songwriters that crafted it, which help to deepen the very relationship discussed during the Ethnographic presentation at the broadcasting conference.
Naturally, most songwriters offered praise for Kingsley during their round. The musical poets shared memories of the various times the legendary broadcaster announced their penned songs had climbed to the summit of the charts, including “One of Those Nights” from Luke Laird, “Tornado” from Natalie Hemby, and “Alone With You” from Shane McAnally––and that was just from the first round.
The second round of performers compelled the audience to their feet while listening to Tom Douglas’ “House That Built Me,” Lee Thomas Miller’s “In Color,” Jeff Stevens’ “Carrying Your Love With Me,” and Brandy Clark’s “Better Dig Two.”
Marv Green, Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers and Ashley Gorley were included in an additional round, performing renditions of their respective hits, including “Creepin’,” “Tattoos on This Town,” “Strange,” and “Why Ya Wanna.”
It is always impressive to witness the power of a song, especially when it intersects with another bedrock of our industry, radio. As for Kingsley’s evening, broadcasters from around the U.S. gathered to connect to a song, and walk away finding there’s only one degree of separation between each other.
'MusicRow' No. 1 Song
/by Eric T. ParkerKacey Musgraves
You heard it here first! Mercury Nashville’s newcomer, Kacey Musgraves, received her first No. 1 on this week’s MusicRow Chart for her single, “Merry Go Round.”
The former Nashville Star contestant penned the tune with Josh Osborne and co-producer Shane McAnally. McAnally produced the singer’s forthcoming March 19th release, Same Trailer Different Park, alongside Musgraves and Luke Laird.
Nearly one year ago, Musgraves debuted “Merry Go Round” at the Universal Music Group CRS luncheon (Feb. 23, 2012), receiving a warm reception from broadcasters, who gave her a mid-song standing ovation––a stamp of approval from those responsible for this week’s feat.
Although the single speaks of hopeless dysfunction, Musgraves is able to provide a window of perspective beyond the drudgery. For others, the metaphoric Merry Go Round may offer a sense of taunt nostalgia for what life was, or could have been.
By the looks of it, Musgraves is shaping up to be a palatable artist who is unafraid to rock the boat and push boundaries with her progressive perspective. So far, at least one track has been embraced by audiences at radio. So, bring on the full-length album! A little change might do some good.
Industry Ink (3/1/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonTop Row (L-R): Amanda Merki, Executive Assistant to Kent Earls, UMPG Nashville; Ron Stuve, VP of A&R/Special Projects, UMPG Nashville; Whitney Williams, Creative Director, UMPG Nashville; Missy Wilson, Senior Creative Director, UMPG; Tammy Helm, Manager of Administration, UMPG Nashville; Travis Gordon, Creative Manager, UMPG Nashville; Freeman Wizer, Creative Director, UMPG Nashville Bottom row (L-R): Kendall Connell, Receptionist, UMPG Nashville; Cyndi Forman, Vice President, Creative, UMPG Nashville; Troy Verges; Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville; John Mark Capers, Catalog and Studio Manager, UMPG Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville has renewed their exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Troy Verges, co-writer of Hunter Hayes‘ No. 1 hit “Wanted.” Verges has been with UMPG since 1999.
“Year after year, Troy continues to write the hits that move the needle in Nashville, most recently with the songs ‘Wanted’ and ‘Beer Money.’ Universal Music Publishing Nashville is so proud and honored to extend our successful relationship with Troy. We look forward to many more years of great songs,” said Executive VP/General Manager, UMPG Nashville, Kent Earls.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue working with Universal. UMPG Nashville has been my publishing home for most of my career. I feel so fortunate to have such an amazing creative team taking care of my songs. Can’t wait to see where we go from here!” said Troy Verges.
Verges also wrote “Beer Money,” recorded by Kip Moore. In 2011, he garnered Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for his original composition “Coming Home,” which was featured prominently in the film Country Strong. His songs have been recorded by Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Chesney, Celine Dion and Il Divo, among others.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Josh Kear, Tenn. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, co-chair of the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, songwriter Dan Wilson and ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams
ASCAP presented a performance and Q&A session with hit songwriters Josh Kear and Dan Wilson on Tuesday (Feb. 26) in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., in an event to entertain and inform members of Congress and their staffs about the creative process of songwriting and the challenges facing songwriters in the digital world. The event was hosted by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, while Rep. Marsha Blackburn, co-chair of the Congressional Songwriters Caucus, welcomed the songwriters to the Hill.
• • •
Country Music Gets "Funky" for Warner Wednesday 3
/by Jessica NicholsonWhile country radio programmers and personalities from across the country have poured into Nashville this week for the annual Country Radio Seminar for days of panels and nights of hot performances, they got a chance to let loose and get a little “funky” during the recent “Warner Wednesday 3–That ’70s Showcase.’ The event was held at aVenue. Throughout the evening, the label showcased most of the artists on the roster. Each artist performed one of his or her own singles, as well as a song from the 1970s.
Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Sheryl Crow.
First on the bill were Dean Alexander and Frankie Ballard. Alexander gave a daring performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” complete with a respectable rock scream. He followed it with a confident rendering of his single “Sunshine In My Rain.” Ballard sang his latest single, “Young and Crazy,” before stunning the crowd with his exceptional guitar skills on an extended version of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, “Freebird.”
The crowd was buzzing with the news that Miranda Lambert was hanging out sidestage to watch friend and fellow Pistol Annies member Ashley Monroe‘s performance. Monroe sang the clever “One Dollar Short and Two Weeks Late” from her solo album Like A Rose, while Lambert showed full support, pumping her fists in the air to the tune. She followed it with a sweet rendition of The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton smartly invited wife Lambert to perform with him on “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” to the approval of the audience. He didn’t have to coax the crowd into singing along with every word when he launched into an essential ’70s hit, “Play That Funky Music.” He warned the crowd in advance that he was using his cell phone to read the lyrics to the tune; that admission did little to dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Newly signed artist Sheryl Crow was clearly an artist the radio attendees had been waiting to hear, as evidenced by the swell of screams and clapping upon her introduction to the stage. She treated the crowd to her new single, “Easy,” before giving one of the biggest highlights of the evening. She was confident and comfortable on a rendition of The Eagles’ “Take It To the Limit,” backed by Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe on harmonies. The crowd offered an extra applause when it was revealed that the ladies had no rehearsal before the performance.
The Farm performed their single, “Be Grateful,” before giving a strong performance of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine When You’re Gone.” Brett Eldredge‘s soulful voice was a perfect fit for The Doobie Brothers’ “Take It To The Streets,” as well as his upbeat and suggestive hit “Don’t Ya.”
Sheryl Crow
Brantley Gilbert was also in the house, supporting fiance Jana Kramer as she performed Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” and her own single “Whiskey.” Hunter Hayes performed another ’70s classic, Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” But it was perhaps Charlie Worsham who brought the biggest thrill of the evening, as he introduced John Oates to perform the Hall and Oates classic, “Rich Girl.”
The Country Radio Seminar wraps this evening (March 1) with the New Faces of Country Music dinner and show, which features Warner’s Jana Kramer, along with Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line, Easton Corbin and Kip Moore.
Sony Boat Show Keeps On Rolling
/by Sherod RobertsonBrad Paisley and REO Speedwagon
Celebrating its 27th year, Sony Music Nashville’s General Jackson Show & Dinner Cruise on Thursday night (Feb. 28) offered attendees performances from many of the label’s diverse roster and ended the evening with a very special guest.
Sara Evans and Sony Music Chairman/CEO Gary Overton began the festivities with Radio Ink’s Lois Chooljian honoring the 2013 class of Best Country Radio Program Directors.
Miranda Lambert kicked off the evening with “Mama’s Broken Heart” after sharing with the crowd, “this is my first time to start the boat and I’m very excited!” She then brought out husband and Warner Music Nashville’s Blake Shelton to perform their duet and 2012 CMA Song of the Year, “Over You.” Shelton admitted he never thought he would ever be performing on the Sony boat.
Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley joined Lambert (forming the Pistol Annies) and performed “Hell on Heels” and a new song, “Hush, Hush” from their upcoming album. After host Gary Overton joked that not everyone gets to come on the boat, television producer Simon Cowell introduced via video 2012’s The X Factor winner Tate Stevens who delivered his upcoming single, “Power of a Love Song.”
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Monroe, Kelly Clarkson, Angaleena Presley and Miranda Lambert
Sporting a life jacket, Brad Paisley appeared on stage and quickly had the guests laughing as he bantered with Overton about being prepared for any mishap on the boat. Paisley introduced upcoming tour mates, The Henningsens who performed “American Beautiful” and “To Believe.” Next up was Jerrod Niemann stepping up for “Only God Could Love You More” and his No. 1 hit “Lover, Lover.” Chris Young performed “I Can Take It From There” and thanked RCA “for sticking with me” followed by his new song, “Aw Naw.”
Kelly Clarkson delivered “Don’t Rush” with Jason Sellers and performed her new song “Ain’t Gonna Like This,” backed by the Pistol Annies. Two words: standing ovation. Brad Paisley returned to the stage offering up his new single, “Beat This Summer,” before the special guest for the evening was introduced.
REO Speedwagon surprised the crowd performing “Take It On The Run” and being joined by Evans. Lead singer Kevin Cronin shared with the guests, “the line between rock and country has never been grayer.” The legends continued with such mega hits as “Music Man,” “Keep On Loving You,” and “Time For Me To Fly.” The finale brought out the Sony Nashville artists as they performed “Roll With The Changes.”
The boat had docked, but we were indeed still rollin’.
Weekly Chart Report (3/1/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSPIN ZONE
Sidewalk Records’ Morgan Frazier (L) recently visited with Stephanie Crist (R) from 97-3 The Dawg in Lafayette, LA.
With her debut single, “Merry Go Round,” Kacey Musgraves has etched her first No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart. Blake Shelton‘s “Sure Be Cool If You Did” takes up residence at No. 2, while Lee Brice‘s ballad “I Drive Your Truck” ups a notch to No. 3. Taylor Swift‘s “Begin Again,” previously a No. 1 single, is at No. 4 this week. Toby Keith‘s “Hope On The Rocks” holds on strong at No. 5 again this week. Rounding out the Top 10 are Chris Young‘s “I Can Take It From There” at No. 6, Hunter Hayes‘ “Somebody’s Heartbreak” at No. 7, Miranda Lambert‘s “Mama’s Broken Heart” at No. 8, Lady Antebellum‘s “Downtown,” which breaks into the Top 10 this week at No. 9 and George Strait‘s “Give It All We Got” at No. 10.
Jason Aldean‘s “1994” is the biggest gainer this week, hitting the chart full-throttle with 233 added spins. The Band Perry‘s “Done” earned an increase of 195 spins, while Brad Paisley‘s “Beat This Summer” gained 194 spins. Zac Brown Band‘s “Jump Right In” added 161 spins, and Gary Allan‘s “Pieces” with 146 additional spins.
Frozen Playlists: KWWR, KMOK, WZZS, WTCM, WBYZ, WWBE, WOKA, KVWF, WTHO, KFAV, WIFE, KXIA, WKDZ, WDGG, WMEV, WTRS, KWOX, KCNY, WJVL, KGMN, WDHR, KDKD, KDOL, KDXY, KIAI, KITX, KKAJ, KKOW, KMGO, KVVP, KXBZ, KXKZ, KYTN, WAAG, WKWS, WPPL, WXXK
Upcoming Singles
March 4
Brad Paisley/Beat The Summer/Arista Nashville
Randy Houser/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight/Stoney Creek
March 11
Jason Aldean/1994/BBR
Jon Pardi/Up All Night/Capitol
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville
Sheryl Crow/Easy/Old Green Barn-Sea Gayle-Warner Bros.-WMN
Tate Stevens/Power Of A Love Song/Syco Music-RCA
Billy Dean/I Can’t Leave A Good Thing/Rainman-Flying Island
Erica Nicole/Better Beer/Heaven-Nine North-Turnpike
Tobacco Rd. Band (Feat. Colt Ford)/That’s Country/Turnpike-Big Southern
March 18
Justin Moore/Point At You/Valory
Phil Vassar/Love Is Alive/Rodeowave
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Zac Brown Band/Jump Right In/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 71
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville – 77
Brad Paisley/Beat This Summer/Arista Nashville – 78
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Jason Aldean/1994/Broken Bow Records – 18
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville – 16
Brad Paisley/Beat This Summer/Arista Nashville – 15
Zac Brown Band/Jump Right In/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 13
Gary Allan/Pieces/MCA Nashville – 12
Tim McGraw w/ Taylor Swift/Highway Don’t Care/Big Machine – 11
Justin Moore/Point At You/Valory Music Co. – 6
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Jason Aldean/1994/Broken Bow – 233
The Band Perry/Done/Republic Nashville – 195
Brad Paisley/Beat This Summer/Arista Nashville – 194
Zac Brown Band/Jump Right In/Southern Ground/Atlantic – 161
Gary Allan/Pieces/MCA – 146
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Jordan Anderson/Toxic/GTR – 180
Jaida Dreyer/Half Broke Horses/Streamsound – 174
Stephanie Grace/Would U Be Mine/SMG – 173
Smokey River Boys/All Pure Country/Platinum Plus – 170
Joe Bachman/Small Town Rock Stars/Joe Bachman – 163
Show Dog Universal Music’s Joel Crouse (L) made a recent pit stop on the west coast at KKGO to visit with PD Tonya Campos (R) in support of his debut single, “If You Want Some.”
Atlantic/WMN’s Hunter Hayes recently paid a visit to KKWF on top of the Hard Rock in Seattle. Pictured (L-R): Kevin Herring (VP of Promotion WMN), Mike Preston (KKWF PD), Hunter Hayes, Wingnut (KKWF MD), Deanna Lee (KKWF Assistant MD), and Rick Young (West Coast Regional WMN).
Charlie Cook On Air: Traditional Radio vs. Auto Wi-Fi
/by contributorLast week I wrote about Sprint and Emmis chief Jeff Smulyan leading the way to having cell phones activate radio chips. This would certainly free broadcast radio to be in your pocket or purse 24-7. Then two new stories hit this week. One is mostly good news for broadcast radio and one is scarier than hellfire. The Radio Advertising Bureau reported that local online revenue grew more than 20 percent in 2012. This is the good news part of the story. The other side is radio is still far behind almost every other media for creating revenue online. This growth still points to more usage of websites and presumably online listening to broadcast radio.
Part of the reason is we are talking about local radio and clusters having their own strategy so there is not really a defined template in place. Clear Channel has its strategy with iHeartRadio. Many other companies have embraced it but, in the case of Cumulus, while they are partners in iHeartRadio, they concentrate much of their efforts on SweetJack. Smaller broadcast companies simply add a page to their sales pitches and hope for the best.
The other story that sends chills up the spines of broadcasters is the news that General Motors will begin offering Wi-Fi in their automobiles by the Summer of 2014. GM is not the only automaker to climb aboard the Wi-Fi express. All of the luxury automakers will be providing it by next year and it will quickly filter down to all cars on the road in short order. One of the questions, of course, is cost. Most new cars come today with Sirius/XM and in many cases the buyer gets free access for 90-180 days. Not every new car owner re-ups for the service once the trial period expires and cost must play some role in that decision. So will new car buyers play $20 or $30 a month to have Wi-Fi access when they already pay for it at home and on their cell phones? Additionally, Sirius/XM users may make the choice to stay with satellite and not move to Wi-Fi, or vice versa. I doubt that many people are going to pay for both. How would you feel about adding $30-$50 a month to your car payment? I know that I won’t do it. For no additional cost, you get 20-80 broadcast radio stations in your car right now.
GM’s partner in this project predicts this could be worth $1B to their company. Folks, that $1B doesn’t grow on trees. It comes from consumers who are today in the midst of figuring out how to pay new fees for health care and sequestration avoidance (politicians like to call taxes fees because apparently Americans don’t know how to use a thesaurus).
I am a broadcast radio guy. My entire work life has been spent in broadcast radio. I like more access to broadcast radio. I am not a Luddite. Wait a minute. Yes, I am. I like traditional broadcast radio. I believe the only way to hold back the charging forces of technological advances in delivery systems is to provide great content and compelling radio every hour of every day. I don’t think enough radio is doing that so we may very well be inviting the competition. And if that is true, shame on us.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
Bertelsmann Acquires Full Ownership of BMG
/by Jessica NicholsonBMG represents songwriting copyrights of numerous artists including Johnny Cash, Kings of Leon and The Civil Wars.
Bertelsmann Chairman & CEO Thomas Rabe said: “This is a great day for Bertelsmann: We are bringing the music home to our group. A few years after our exit from the traditional music business, in association with KKR, we have succeeded in building the world’s fourth- largest music rights management business.” Rabe emphasized that KKR has been a good partner. “Our partnership made it possible for BMG to take advantage of consolidation opportunities and to rapidly advance the organic expansion of the business. I thank them for an excellent collaboration.”
Hartwig Masuch, CEO of BMG, said: “For BMG, this is a return home. Being a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading media companies opens up more fields of cooperation for us and our customers in the future, and we look forward to many new, long-term development opportunities. The worldwide increase in the use of music, and the emergence of new digital business models offer a variety of opportunities that we will actively explore. We are grateful to KKR for always sharing our vision of an alternative, service-oriented company in the music rights market, and for actively supporting us with their team these past three and a half years. Without KKR, this development would not have been possible.”
LifeNotes: Toby Keith's Bassist, Carl "Chuck" Goff Jr., Dies In Crash
/by Jessica NicholsonGoff, 54, served as bassist as well as band leader for the entertainer. He also co-wrote two songs recorded by Keith, “Upstairs Downtown” and “You Ain’t Much Fun,” both from Keith’s 1994 album Boomtown.
Keith released a statement on his website, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our band member, Chuck Goff. He was a close friend for over 25 years, the band leader and bass player. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”