(L-R): Rob Beckham, Co-Head Nashville, WME; Marion Kraft, Owner, ShopKeeper Management; Chris Young; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Sally Williams, General Mgr., Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Chris Young kicked off the first leg of his headlining Liquid Neon Tour last Thursday (11/15), with a sold-out show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The date marked his first headlining concert in his hometown and featured supporting guests on the tour Joanna Smith and Thomas Rhett.
RCA Records label mate Smith started the night with an acoustic set including “Ring To Sell,” “Broken Wishes,” “Girls Are Crazy,” and current single “We Can’t Be Friends.” She captured the audience’s attention and shared that she often dreamed about performing at the Ryman during her many shows at nearby Tootsies. Valory Music Co.’s Thomas Rhett then performed songs from his self-titled EP including, “Whatcha Got In That Cup,” “Make Me Wanna,” “Beer With Jesus,” “Front Porch Junkies” and “Something To Do With My Hands.” Rhett’s onstage charisma kept fans engaged with every note and every move.
Centered between four LED video towers, Chris Young opened with “Gonna Find It Tonight” and then led into his first No. 1 song, “Getting You Home.” Singing every word, the enthusiastic crowd stood for most of the show, giving the Nashville artist a sincere hometown reception. Young gave a shout out to his parents, sister and grandparents who were in attendance. And perhaps the most endearing part of the concert was watching his proud mom Becky Harris enjoy every moment of the show, standing front and center.
After performing “Lost,” Young expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience “for giving me a life I love.” He thanked them for spending their hard earned money to support not just him, but all artists. He then followed up with “The Man I Want To Be,” “Save Water, Drink Beer,” “When She’s On,” and “Neon.”
Before the Nov. 15th show, Chris Young tweeted this photo, "This= epic #Ryman"
Young gave a special thanks to his label Sony Music Nashville (RCA Records) for sticking with him when his first singles fell short on the charts. He then performed a few songs from his first album, Chris Young, that were not hits but had often been requested by fans.
Following the performance of his No. 1, “You,” Young shifted into an acoustic set, offering the energetic crowd “Text Me, Texas,” “Beer Or Gasoline,” and “The Dashboard.” The latter song was dedicated to members of the military. Young also highlighted his involvement in the Stars and Stripes Program.
After singing a crowd favorite, “Voices,” Young confessed that the next song, “She’s Got This Thing About Her” was the first time he had ever performed the song live. The audience loved it. Young ended the show with ZZ Top‘s “Sharp Dressed Man,” and followed with his hits “I Can Take It From There,” and “Tomorrow.”
The encore included “Who’s Gonna Take Me Home” and “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” and brought Joanna Smith and Thomas Rhett back to the stage for the finale.
Chris Young Kicks Off Tour With Sold-Out Ryman Show
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): Rob Beckham, Co-Head Nashville, WME; Marion Kraft, Owner, ShopKeeper Management; Chris Young; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Sally Williams, General Mgr., Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Chris Young kicked off the first leg of his headlining Liquid Neon Tour last Thursday (11/15), with a sold-out show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The date marked his first headlining concert in his hometown and featured supporting guests on the tour Joanna Smith and Thomas Rhett.
RCA Records label mate Smith started the night with an acoustic set including “Ring To Sell,” “Broken Wishes,” “Girls Are Crazy,” and current single “We Can’t Be Friends.” She captured the audience’s attention and shared that she often dreamed about performing at the Ryman during her many shows at nearby Tootsies. Valory Music Co.’s Thomas Rhett then performed songs from his self-titled EP including, “Whatcha Got In That Cup,” “Make Me Wanna,” “Beer With Jesus,” “Front Porch Junkies” and “Something To Do With My Hands.” Rhett’s onstage charisma kept fans engaged with every note and every move.
Centered between four LED video towers, Chris Young opened with “Gonna Find It Tonight” and then led into his first No. 1 song, “Getting You Home.” Singing every word, the enthusiastic crowd stood for most of the show, giving the Nashville artist a sincere hometown reception. Young gave a shout out to his parents, sister and grandparents who were in attendance. And perhaps the most endearing part of the concert was watching his proud mom Becky Harris enjoy every moment of the show, standing front and center.
After performing “Lost,” Young expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience “for giving me a life I love.” He thanked them for spending their hard earned money to support not just him, but all artists. He then followed up with “The Man I Want To Be,” “Save Water, Drink Beer,” “When She’s On,” and “Neon.”
Before the Nov. 15th show, Chris Young tweeted this photo, "This= epic #Ryman"
Young gave a special thanks to his label Sony Music Nashville (RCA Records) for sticking with him when his first singles fell short on the charts. He then performed a few songs from his first album, Chris Young, that were not hits but had often been requested by fans.
Following the performance of his No. 1, “You,” Young shifted into an acoustic set, offering the energetic crowd “Text Me, Texas,” “Beer Or Gasoline,” and “The Dashboard.” The latter song was dedicated to members of the military. Young also highlighted his involvement in the Stars and Stripes Program.
After singing a crowd favorite, “Voices,” Young confessed that the next song, “She’s Got This Thing About Her” was the first time he had ever performed the song live. The audience loved it. Young ended the show with ZZ Top‘s “Sharp Dressed Man,” and followed with his hits “I Can Take It From There,” and “Tomorrow.”
The encore included “Who’s Gonna Take Me Home” and “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” and brought Joanna Smith and Thomas Rhett back to the stage for the finale.
Snapshots (11/19/2012)
/by MichelleThe Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum presented Love’s Gonna Live Here: Memories of Buck and Bonnie Owens recently (11/10). Buddy Alan and Michael Owens, joined by their half-brother John Owens and their cousin Mel Owens, shared memories of their parents, Buck and Bonnie Owens, and their stepfather, Merle Haggard. The interview was presented in support of the exhibit The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country.
(L-R): Museum Director Kyle Young, John Owens, Buddy Alan Owens, Michael Owens, Vice President of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Mel Owens and Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo: Steve Lowry
• • • •
Country artist and former soldier Craig Morgan performed at the Inaugural Old City Music Fest at the St. Augustine MarketPlace. The concert, which drew more than 7,000 people, was held on Veteran’s Day (11/11). Prior to taking the stage in Florida, Morgan made a $13,000 donation to the Wounded Warriors Project to support the organization’s mission to honor and empower wounded service members.
(L-R): Craig Morgan, Dan Nevins (Wounded Warrior Project) Photo: Kelly Crayne Photography
• • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Bigger Picture recording artist Chris Janson to the office while he was in Los Angeles this week. While at the Academy he performed his new single “Better I Don’t” and signed up for professional ACM membership, as part of the Academy’s complimentary one-year membership offered to support emerging artists.
(L-R): Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director; Chris Janson; Michelle Goble, ACM Senior Vice President, Membership & Industry Relations. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
• • •
Brett Eldredge was recently in East Nashville shooting a video for the lead single, “Don’t Ya,”off his debut album, set for release in 2013. Tacklebox Films shot the video with director Mason Dixon and producer Eric Williams.
Brett Eldredge
Country AMA Winners
/by Sarah SkatesLady Antebellum accepting Country Group of the Year.
Luke Bryan
The American Music Awards were presented Sunday night (11/18) in Los Angeles, where Country winners included Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
Country Music: Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Lady Antebellum. The group’s third consecutive AMA in this category.
Country Music: Favorite Male Artist – Luke Bryan. His first American Music Award.
Country Music: Favorite Female Artist – Taylor Swift. Her eleventh AMA.
Country Music: Favorite Album – Carrie Underwood, Blown Away. Every album she has released has won in this category
Artist of the Year – Justin Bieber. It was his third honor of the night and seventh overall.
Other winners included New Artist of the Year, Carly Rae Jepsen and Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category, TobyMac.
Photo Credit: ABC/Todd Wawrychuk
Carrie Underwood sang "Two Black Cadillacs."
Taylor Swift performed "I Knew You Were Trouble." The first tickets for her RED Tour sold out 14 shows within minutes last week.
Justin Moore Plans Hurricane Relief Concert
/by FreemanMoore had multiple friends who were affected by Sandy’s devastation. Caramanna’s family home and business, located on the Shore, were destroyed in the storm. Worse still, she lost her father to a heart attack just few days after the storm. Moore’s manager Pete Hartung, of L3 Entertainment, is also a Jersey native from the Seaside area. The performer decided the best way he could help his friends and victims was to rally everyone with an evening of music. Special guests Jake Owen, Thomas Rhett and Randy Houser are also slated to perform at the event.
Tickets go on sale at 11 am tomorrow (Nov. 17) here and at the Wildhorse door.
In other Moore news, the singer’s sophomore album Outlaws Like Me was recently certified Gold for sales exceeding 500,000. The album features his hit “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” plus “Bait a Hook” and his latest single “‘Til My Last Day.” He is currently on the road as part of Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour.
Industry Ink (11/16/12)
/by Caitlin Rantala• • • •
Nashville’s Entrepreneur Center broke ground yesterday (11/15) on its permanent home in SoBro, downtown Nashville, at the Trolley Barns of Rolling Mill Hill. After finalizing the public bidding process, WellSpring Builders, Inc. has been awarded the contract for the renovation of the Entrepreneur Center’s building project. The organization will be moving from a 7,500 sq/ft space in a new 20,000 sq/ft space. Construction began late October and is expected to be completed in May 2013.
• • • •
40th Annual American Music Awards on Sunday
/by Eric T. ParkerThe event, which airs live on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT from L.A.’s Nokia Theatre, will include the television debut of Carrie Underwood’s new single “Two Black Cadillacs.” The song appears on Underwood’s album Blown Away, which is nominated for Favorite Country Album. See a full list of nominees here.
Also scheduled to appear are 50 Cent, Ashley Benson, Brandy, Colbie Caillat, Elisha Cuthbert, Eric Stonestreet, Ginnifer Goodwin, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Morrison, Jenny McCarthy, Karmin, Kerry Washington, Lucy Hale, Neon Trees, Ne-Yo, Paula Abdul, Phillip Phillips, Ryan Seacrest, Stacy Keibler and will.i.am.
The “Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE! @ The 2012 AMAs” pre-show will stream online starting at 4 pm/CT. Fans will be able to tune in through a variety destinations including ABC.com, AMAs365.com, Cokemusic.com, Livestream, Ustream, POPSUGAR.com, YouTube, and AP Live Entertainment.
A weekly web series, hosted by Lance Bass, Kimberly Cole and Megan Turney, called AMAs On Demand, has been published to YouTube and ABC.com, including breaking news, artist spotlights, fashion retrospectives, acceptance speeches, red carpet and backstage interviews. Additionally, clips from the program’s past 40 years are available at www.abcmedianet.com.
MusicRow No. 1 Song
/by FreemanIn “Did It For the Girl,” Bates goes to such crazy lengths as getting a haircut, splashing on cologne, and even shining up the car to woo his lady friend. Okay, so it’s really not all that crazy. It’s more about the details and execution: making himself presentable (sans ball cap) and giving her an unforgettable date (with George Strait’s help), all to see her dancing in the sunset and hopefully receiving a kiss or two. You fellas taking notes?
Bates is currently wrapping up his opening slot on Brantley Gilbert’s “Hell on Wheels” tour, which finishes this weekend in Beaumont, Texas. See upcoming dates here.
McBee Exits Sony Music Nashville
/by Sherod RobertsonShe joined BNA Nashville in 1991 as an intern and over the years brought her interest and expertise in digital marketing to the forefront helping grow the careers of such artists as Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Chris Young, Love and Theft, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Lonestar, Sara Evans and others.
McBee can be reached at 615-584-8741 or at hmc@heathermcbee.com.
MusicRowPics: The Cadillac Black Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaBefore heading out to play a show with Florida Georgia Line at the Exit/In, The Cadillac Black stopped by MusicRow headquarters yesterday (11/15) to warm up. The trio is made up of three Nashville natives Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason and Kelby Ray, who released their self-titled debut album earlier this year.
The Cadillac Black played a stripped down acoustic set including album tracks “I’m Southern” and “Turn It On.” They concluded by introducing their new single “Get Your Buzz On.”
Johnston also co-wrote Keith Urban’s No. 1 hit “You Gonna Fly,” which earned him a nomination for Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year at the 2012 MusicRow Awards this summer.
The band’s next show is today (11/16) in Little Rock, AR. For more information about The Cadillac Black and their tour dates, visit thecadillacblack.com.
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Weekly Chart Report (11/16/2012)
/by Sherod RobertsonFor the third year, B100 teamed up with Martin's Supermarket selling Pink Light Bulbs in an effort to raise $6,800 for Susan G Komen for the Cure of Northern Indiana. Pictured (L-R): Deb Miles (B100 morning co-host), Barb LeVan (Martin's Supermarket), Madeline Catanzarite (B100 Sales Rep), and Sheri Miller Story (Northern, IN Susan G Komen Executive Director)
SPIN ZONE
Republic Nashville keeps the No. 1 spot this week on the MusicRow Chart with Greg Bates‘ “Did It For The Girl” succeeding last week’s chart-topper Florida Georgia Line‘s “Cruise,” now at No. 3. Written by Bates, Lynn Hutton and Rodney Clawson, “Did It For The Girl” is Bates first single from his debut self-titled album and first No. 1. The chart’s top 10 didn’t allow any new entries this week; however, Rascal Flatts‘ “Come Wake Me Up” climbed up to the No. 2 spot. Likewise, Dierks Bentley‘s “Tip It On Back” also gained a spot to No. 4 and Kip Moore‘s “Beer Money” rounds out the top 5.
Big movers this week include Jason Aldean‘s “The Only Way I Know” jumping from No. 36 to No. 21 with 577 new spins. Leaping from No. 51 to No. 32 is Tim McGraw‘s “One Of Those Nights” gaining an additional 484 spins. Moving up from No. 28 to No. 20 with 426 new spins in its 3rd week on the chart is The Band Perry‘s “Better Dig Two.” Toby Keith‘s “Hope On The Rocks” adds another 394 spins climbing 18 spots to No. 40.
Making its debut this week, Kelly Clarkson‘s (with Vince Gill) “Don’t Rush” landed at No. 68. Other debuts include Vince Hatfield‘s “Sometimes You Gotta Get Away” (No. 78), Jana Kramer‘s “Whiskey” (No. 79) and Steve Holy‘s “Hauled Off And Kissed Me” (No. 80).
Frozen Playlists: KGKL, KMKS, KGMN, KXBZ, KYKX
Upcoming Singles
November 19
Dustin Lynch/She Cranks My Tractor/Broken Bow Records
November 26
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/Sony Nashville
December 3
Lee Brice/I Drive Your Truck/Curb
Jillian Kohr/What You’ve Done
Holiday Singles
Lorrie Morgan/Wrapped Up In Love/Octabrook Records
Craig Morrison/Santa Claus Boogie/Lucky 53s-GMV Nashville
Clinton Gregory/Peace On Earth Again/Melody Roundup Records
Kyle Park/Winter Wonderland
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Kelly Clarkson w/ Vince Gill/Don’t Rush/19 Recordings-RCA Nashville – 68
Vince Hatfield/Sometimes You Gotta Get Away/Blue Moon – 78
Jana Kramer/Whiskey/WMN – 79
Steve Holy/Hauled Off And Kissed Me/Curb – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Tim McGraw/One Of Those Nights/Big Machine – 30
Toby Keith/Hope On The Rocks/Show Dog-Universal – 29
Jason Aldean/The Only Way I Know/Broken Bow – 22
Kelly Clarkson w/ Vince Gill/Don’t Rush/19 Recordings-RCA Nashville – 20
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/19-Arista Nashville – 16
George Strait/Give It All We Got/MCA – 15
Brantley Gilbert/More Than Miles/Valory – 14
Thompson Square/If I Didn’t Have You/Stoney Creek – 13
The Band Perry/Better Dig Two/Republic Nashville – 13
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Jason Aldean/The Only Way I Know/Broken Bow – 577
Tim McGraw/One Of Those Nights/Big Machine – 484
The Band Perry/Better Dig Two/Republic Nashville – 426
Toby Keith/Hope On The Rocks/Show Dog-Universal – 394
Zac Brown Band/Goodbye In Her Eyes/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 247
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Lizzie Sider/Butterfly/Blue Steel – 203
Michael Dean Church/Still Not Over You/MDC – 196
Hillbilly Vegas/Little Miss Rough And Tumble/Red Dirt Music Company – 193
Luke Pilgrim/Back Road Lullaby/MMG – 193
Brinn Black/That Should Have Been Us/SMG – 163
California native, Heidi Newfield, paid a visit to San Jose’s Rodeo Club for KRTY-FM. Pictured (L-R): Roger Fregoso (Sidewalk Records), Tina Ferguson (KRTY), Heidi Newfield, and Nate Deaton (KRTY GM/MD)
Kenny Chesney celebrated his CMA win for Musical Event of the Year with Tim McGraw with friends, as his new single “El Cerrito Place” climbs the charts. Pictured (L-R): Sheila Jeffries, Chesney and Jan Jeffries (Cumulus SVP Corporate/Programming)
Charlie Worsham visited with WZZK/Birmingham during the Southwest leg of his first radio tour. Pictured (L-R): Paul Orr, Summer Orr, Charlie Worsham, Jamie Boyd