Pictured (L-R): Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart
paid a visit to RFD-TV Studios in Nashville recently to help
Marty Stuart wrap Season 5 of his series
The Marty Stuart Show. The half-hour musical variety program, hosted and produced by Stuart, is broadcast on Rural Media Group’s Network, RFD-TV (Dish Network), as part of his Saturday Night Music Row block of music. The season finale, which features Haggard, is slated to air June 29.
Stuart has plenty of additional high-profile guest stars lined up for this season of the show, which began airing Jan. 12. Guests for the season include
Sheryl Crow, Jim Lauderdale, Iris Dement, Del McCoury Band, Old Crow Medicine Show and others.
The Marty Stuart Show Season 5 schedule:
Feb. 16: Special guests Del McCoury Band, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
Feb. 23: Special guest Charley Pride, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 2: Special guest Brandy Clark, and featuring Marty Stuart,Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 9: Special guests Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 16: Featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 23: Special guests Riders in the Sky with Johnny Western, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 30: Featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 6: Special guests Old Crow Medicine Show, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 13: Special guest Jim Lauderdale, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 20: Special guest Gene Watson, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 27: Special guest Stonewall Jackson, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 4: Special guest Iris Dement, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 11: Special guest Tommy Emmanuel, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 18: Special guest Johnny Rivers, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 25: Special guest Sheryl Crow, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 1: Special guest The Chuck Wagon Gang, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 8: Featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 15: Special guest Corb Lund, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 22 : Special guest John Conlee, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 29: Special guest Merle Haggard, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
Artist Updates (2-18-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonThe four-day festival will take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. Tickets for MerleFest 2013 can be purchased at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 10, 2013.
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Sarah Darling
Sarah Darling will make her second appearance on ABC’s The Bachelor on Tuesday (Feb. 19) as part of The Bachelor: Sean Tells All Special. The episode begins at 8 p.m. CT.
The one-hour special will feature The Bachelor star Sean Lowe sitting down with host Chris Harrison to talk about his journey on the reality show and will feature never-before-seen footage including Darling’s concert in Whitefish, Mont., where she performed for Lowe and his date Lindsay Yenter.
Country Singer Mindy McCready Dead At 37
/by Sherod RobertsonReports indicate she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to a statement from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s office in Arkansas, deputies were dispatched to a report of gunshots fired Sunday afternoon (2/17) and found McCready’s body on the front porch. An autopsy is pending.
The sheriff’s office posted this report: At 3:31 PM, Sunday, February 17th Deputies from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of gun shots fired in the area of 1132 Fox Chase Drive in Heber Springs. Officers arrived on the scene at 3:58 PM and discovered the body of 37 year old Melinda Gayle McCready on the front porch of the residence at 1132 Fox Chase. Ms. McCready was pronounced dead at the scene from what appears to be a single self-inflicted gunshot wound. At this time family members have been notified of the incident. Ms. Mcready will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy and the matter will be fully investigated.
David Wilson with McCready
David Wilson (34), partner to Mindy McCready and father-figure to her two boys, 6-year-old Zander and 10-month-old Zayne, passed away last month (Jan. 13). Wilson was from Heber Springs, Ark. and also died of an apparent suicide; however, his death continues to be under investigation.
McCready was best known for her 1996 hit, “Guys Do It All the Time,” from her double platinum album, Ten Thousand Angels.
Arrangements are being planned by McCready’s family, and Nashville friends are organizing a memorial in Music City. Details to follow.
Mindy McCready performs at Fan Fair 1996. Photo: Alan Mayor
Country Artists See Post-Grammys Sales Boost
/by Jessica NicholsonAccording to Nielsen Soundscan, several country artists saw sales boosts after winning, being nominated or performing on the show.
Taylor Swift, who opened the show by performing her single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” saw sales for the track go up 10 percent, while sales of her latest album Red climbed 20 percent over the previous week
Carrie Underwood‘s song “Blown Away,” which she performed on the show, saw a 57 percent increase in downloads over the previous week, while the second song in her medley, “Two Black Cadillacs,” experienced an 8 percent jump.
Triple Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes was nominated for Best New Artist, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Album. He saw sales on his debut album soar 46 percent over the prior week.
Kelly Clarkson, who currently has the song “Don’t Rush” (featuring Vince Gill) on the country charts, won for Best Pop Vocal Album for her album Stronger. The album’s sales increased 51 percent over the prior week.
The Marty Stuart Show Welcomes Merle Haggard
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart
Merle Haggard paid a visit to RFD-TV Studios in Nashville recently to help Marty Stuart wrap Season 5 of his series The Marty Stuart Show. The half-hour musical variety program, hosted and produced by Stuart, is broadcast on Rural Media Group’s Network, RFD-TV (Dish Network), as part of his Saturday Night Music Row block of music. The season finale, which features Haggard, is slated to air June 29.
Stuart has plenty of additional high-profile guest stars lined up for this season of the show, which began airing Jan. 12. Guests for the season include Sheryl Crow, Jim Lauderdale, Iris Dement, Del McCoury Band, Old Crow Medicine Show and others.
The Marty Stuart Show Season 5 schedule:
MusicRow No. 1 Song
/by Eric T. ParkerSo it doesn’t hurt that the three songwriters teamed for “Two Black Cadillacs,” a title released by 19/Arista Nashville and carried to the top of our chart this week by Underwood’s powerhouse vocals.
With the song, Underwood unashamedly stretches her boundaries with this attitude-heavy, murder ballad. Given that country music fans have generally taken a liking to murder tunes from a female perspective (think Miranda Lambert‘s “Gunpowder and Lead” and Reba‘s “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia”), “Two Black Cadillacs” has proven a smart, head-turning step towards maintaining her palatable image among radio fans for the intense subject.
Music videos, equally liable as the song they represent, develop images of legendary entertainers. Director Paul Brown’s video interpretation of “Two Black Cadillacs” gives a chic, dignified and powerful display. The video becomes a no-holds-barred chronicle of the lyrics, until it takes a surprisingly haunting turn at the clip’s end.
This release should not only pay short-term dividends on the charts, but if played correctly, will prove a sound investment for elevating Underwood’s career to further heights.
Watch the video below:
Industry Ink (2/15/13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
Nashville’s Parallel Music Publishing has added country duo Kingston to their publishing roster. Kingston (previously known as The Carter Twins) has shared the stage with Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and Phil Vassar.
“Kingston has a long and successful career ahead of them,” said Tim Hunze, managing partner with Parallel Music Publishing. “Everyone at Parallel is excited to help propel them to the next level.”
Front Row (L-R): Zach Carter, Josh Carter
Back Row (L-R): Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing / Denise Stevens, Loeb & Loeb / C.T. Wyatt, Parallel Entertainment
Sarah Buxton Signs with Big Loud Shirt, Big Loud Bucks
/by Jessica NicholsonSinger-songwriter Sarah Buxton has signed with Craig Wiseman‘s Big Loud Shirt and Big Loud Bucks. Buxton is a writer on Gary Allan‘s current single “Pieces” and will have a song on The Band Perry‘s upcoming album, Pioneer.
Buxton has also penned the hit “Stupid Boy” for Keith Urban and is nominated for an ACM for Vocal Event of the Year for David Nail‘s “Let It Rain.”
Front Row (L-R): Sarah Buxton & Marshall Bukovac. Back Row (L-R): Big Loud Shirt’s Amy Allmand, Seth England, Craig Wiseman, Big Loud Buck’s Heather Buresh and Steven McMillian. Photo: Jake Owen
LifeNotes (2/15/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonOur condolences to Brian King (of Average Joes Entertainment country duo The LACS), who lost his father recently. Charles M. King, 58, passed away Feb. 1. He was retired from International Paper and enjoyed fishing and talking politics.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Theresa Kicklighter King; three sons, Wayne Strickland and his wife Dawn, Jason C. King, Brian King and his wife Nicole; five grandchildren, Austin Strickland, Ian Williams, Hailey Williams, Haydyn King and Coltyn King; two brothers, Joe King, Jeff Aldrich and his wife Leigh; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
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Martin Simmons
Our condolences to Earle Simmons, Vice President and Client Advisor with SunTrust Bank, who lost his father. Martin Ernest Simmons of Nashville passed away Feb. 13 at age 73.
He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Judith “Judy” Fingerle Simmons; children, Jay Carter Simmons (Amy) of Atlanta, Alison Simmons Wingo (John) and Martin Earle Simmons (Mary Katherine) of Nashville. He is also survived by grandchildren, John McLemore Wingo, William Reed Wingo, Emma Corinne Wingo, Margaret Aline Simmons and Corinne Chapin Simmons all of Nashville.
See the full obituary here.
Weekly Chart Report (2/15/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSPIN ZONE
Sarah Darling continues to visit radio in support of her No. 31 single, “Home To Me.” Recently, Darling spent time in Portland, OR with KUPL and KWJJ. Darling kicked off the “Scotty McCreery Weekend Road Trip Tour 2013” yesterday, (Feb. 14) in Bethlehem, Pa. at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center. Pictured (L-R): Brian Fee (Black River), Sarah Darling; B-Dub (KUPL’s APD/MD/afternoons); and Greg McCarn (Black River)
Note to songwriters: perhaps putting the word “Two” in your song is a good thing. The Band Perry topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart with “Better Dig Two” a few weeks ago, and this week Carrie Underwood‘s “Two Black Cadillacs” sits atop the summit of the MusicRow chart.
Tim McGraw‘s “One of Those Nights” (from his album Two Lanes of Freedom…sensing a pattern here?) sits at No. 2, while Taylor Swift‘s “Begin Again” rises two spots to No. 3. Kacey Musgraves‘ “Merry Go Round” holds steady at No. 4 while Toby Keith‘s “Hope On The Rocks” rounds out the Top 5. Lee Brice‘s “I Drive Your Truck” keeps rolling toward the upper echelon of the chart, coming in at No. 6. Chris Young‘s “I Can Take It From There” gains momentum this week, jumping from No. 10 to No. 7. Hunter Hayes‘ “Somebody’s Heartbreak” is in the No. 9 spot. New to the Top 10 this week are Blake Shelton‘s “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” entering the Top 10 at No. 8 with 264 additional spins and Miranda Lambert‘s “Mama’s Broken Heart,” lands at No. 10.
Big movers this week include Kenny Chesney‘s “Pirate Flag,” adding 590 spins and and jumping from No. 34 to No. 22. Lady Antebellum‘s “Downtown” makes a cool climb from No. 23 to No. 15. Greg Bates‘ “Fill In The Blank” makes a steady climb to No. 46 with 216 added spins. Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” lands in the No. 6 spot with 215 added spins.
There are several debuts on the chart this week, including Parmalee‘s “Carolina” at No. 74, Kristen Kelly‘s “He Loves To Make Me Cry” at No. 75, Joe Bachman‘s “Small Town Rock Stars” at No. 79 and Jacob Martin Band‘s “Wraparound Porch” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: KGMN, KWEY
Upcoming Singles
February 18
Jaida Dreyer/Half Broke Horses/Streamsound Records
Kristen Kelly/He Loves to Make Me Cry/Arista
Rachel Farley/Ain’t Easy/Red Bow
Gretchen Wilson/Still Rollin’/Redneck Records
February 25
Maggie Rose/Better/RPME
Tyler Farr/Redneck Crazy/Columbia
Jenna Jentry/Lovin’ Lazy/Circle 4-Nine North-Turnpike
Jason Charles Miller/The Way You Still Want Me/Render
March 4
Randy Houser/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight/Stoney Creek
March 11
Tate Stevens/Power Of A Love Song/Syco Music-RCA
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Parmalee/Carolina/Stoney Creek Records – 74
Kristen Kelly/He Loves To Make Me Cry/Arista Nashville – 75
Joe Bachman/Small Town Rock Stars/Joe Bachman – 79
Jacob Martin Band/Wraparound Porch/Jacob Martin Band – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Kenny Chesney/Pirate Flag/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville – 18
Greg Bates/Fill In The Blank/Republic Nashville – 15
Kip Moore/Hey Pretty Girl/MCA – 14
Tyler Farr/Redneck Crazy/Columbia Nashville – 10
Ash Bowers/Red/Wide Open Records 10
Randy Houser/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight/Stoney Creek Records – 9
Coleman Brothers/Lonely In The Lonestar State/Fishing Hole Records – 9
Jake Owen/Anywhere With You/RCA – 8
Joel Crouse/If You Want Some/Show Dog-Universal – 7
Outshyne/Dirt Road Romance/MillStar Entertainment Group – 7
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Kenny Chesney/Pirate Flag/Blue Chair-Columbia Nashville – 590
Lady Antebellum/Downtown/Capitol Nashville – 497
Blake Shelton/Sure Be Cool If You Did/Warner Bros. – 264
Greg Bates/Fill In The Blank/Republic Nashville – 216
Lee Brice/I Drive Your Truck/Curb – 215
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Stephanie Grace/Would U Be Mine/SMG – 152
Kelly Parkes/As Good As Me/Edge Records – 151
Jordan Anderson/Toxic/GTR – 146
Mumford & Sons/I Will Wait/Glassnote – 141
Randy Houser/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight/Stoney Creek Records – 140
LMG artist Josh Pruno (blue hat) recently visited KTJJ’s Kirk Mooney (Front, Right) and the staff at J98. Pruno lands at No. 50 this week with “23rd Psalm.”
Marco Promotions recently celebrated with Jerry Duncan Promotions after presenting plaques for the Florida Georgia Line No. 1 party for “Cruise.” Pictured (L-R): Lisa Smoot, Jerry Duncan, Jeff Walker, Rick Kelly, James Freeman, and Sarah Matlock
Before playing the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Toby Keith visited with KCYY/PD & Cox Media VP of Country Programming, Randy Chase. Keith’s “Hope on the Rocks” takes our No. 5 spot this week. Pictured (L-R): Greg Sax (SDU), Toby Keith, and Randy Chase.
Artist Snapshots (2/15/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSeveral artists, including Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, took part in the Music Preservation Project at the Saban Theater on Feb. 7 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Pictured (L to R): Yolanda Adams; Rodney Crowell; Buddy Leach; Emmylou Harris; Jim Suhler; Bill Blough; Kristen Madsen; Neil Portnow; Multi-George Thorogood; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Lianne La Havas; Jeff Simon; Ann Marie Simpson; Scott Goldman; Chair Member Rusty Rueff; Guy Sebastian; Lupe Fiasco; Ed Sheeran; Mike Einziger; George J. Flanigen IV
• • •
Eric Church and Colt Ford have been touring Canada since mid-January on Church’s “The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour.”
Pictured (L-R): Colt Ford and Eric Church
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High Valley’s Curtis Rempel took time out for a good cause prior to a show at WXBQ in Bristol, Va. Rempel gave a little love at a blood drive at the Paramont before the Valentine’s Day show.
High Valley’s Curtis Rempel