The music video for Kristy Lee Cook’s new single “Airborne Ranger Infantry” debuted exclusively on Fox411 Country yesterday (Nov. 8). Directed by Roman White, the clip is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the US military as well as the loved ones who await them at home. Cook co-wrote the song with her father Larry Cook, in addition to songwriters Michael Logen and Luke Sheets, based on her father’s experiences in Vietnam.
“Singing a song about men and women that have fought and served for our country and those who have lost their lives for us is very emotional – and I’m not an emotional person but there is a soft spot in my heart for our soldiers,” says Cook. “I feel very privileged to be able to sing something for them in return for their sacrifice for me.”
See the video here.
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An impressive group of Nashville singer/songwriters has been assembled for the “Nashville to You” Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored tour, which kicks off on Sunday, Nov. 11 in Southwest Asia. Included on the bill are singer/songwriter and combat veteran Keni Thomas, Billy Montana, Hillary Lindsey, Ray Scott, and Troy Verges. More info here.
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Newcomer Joe Bachman is saluting men and women in uniform this Veterans Day with the release of his song “Soldier’s Memoir.” Penned by Bachman with Mitch Rossell, the song is a thank you to members of the Armed Forces and a portion of the proceeds from sales will go to benefit The Boot Campaign. Purchase “Soldier’s Memoir” on iTunes here. More info on Joe Bachman here.
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Tenacity Records has released David Kroll’s “Little Soldiers” just in time for Veterans Day. Kroll penned the song with Arlos Smith to acknowledge the sacrifices made by military families and, along with Tenacity, has partnered with the Code of Support Foundation to donate proceeds from a two-week sales period, running Nov. 5-18. More information here.
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“The Journey Home: A Soldier’s Story” by d corlew films made its debut on GAC Wednesday, Nov. 7. The documentary, narrated by Charlie Daniels, follows US Army and Marine veterans returning home from combat zones and facing the new challenges awaiting them. GAC will re-air the film throughout the weekend on 11/10 (10:30 pm), 11/11 (2:30 am, 5 pm, 10:30 pm), 11/12 (1:30 am, 4 pm, 9:30 pm) and 11/13 (12 am, 9:30 am, 8 pm). See the trailer here.
Better Angels Music Restructures
/by Eric T. ParkerThe publishing company’s writing roster has also been updated with the addition of Michael Howard (“Church Pew or Barstool” by Jason Aldean) and Blue Foley (“There She Goes” by The Dirt Drifters) following the departure of three of its writers.
“Change is a good thing!” said Gary Ray, who remains in his position as Vice President and will assume the role of Creative Director. “I am super excited about the new direction of the company and its future in Nashville.”
Clay Henderson Joins Southern Ground
/by Freeman“I’m looking forward to joining the Southern Ground family. I can’t wait to share their vision and be a part of the way they redefine the music business,” says Henderson.
Henderson joins the newly appointed in-house SGA radio promotion team, which includes Mara Sidweber (West Coast, Southwest), Chuck Swaney (Midwest, Southwest), Neda Tobin (Southeast) and Paul Williams (Northeast).
Katie Armiger to Release Fourth Album
/by Caitlin Rantala“We took our time making this record because I had a personal story to tell and as a songwriter I wanted to really showcase the past two years in the music,” said Armiger. “I worked with so many amazing people for the album and I am so proud of it because I think everyone will relate to each song. I cannot wait to get it out there.”
Armiger worked with several songwriters for the album including Blair Daly (Faith Hill, Keith Urban), Joe West (Julianne Hough, Toby Keith), Bruce Wallace (Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins), and Skid Mills (Saving Abel, Sister Hazel). She is currently out on the Get Smart Tour sponsored by Great American Country (GAC) through the end of November.
Benefit News
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Hunter passed away suddenly in March at age 39. She spent several years working on Music Row in the late ’90’s with stops at Hamstein, Masville Music, and Malaco Music Group. She left Malaco to relocate to Maine and focus on raising a family. All proceeds from this event will go to Shannon’s four young children who have since relocated back to the Nashville area. Show is 7:00 – 9:00 PM, with a $10 donation at the door.
New Signings (11/12/12)
/by FreemanBeausoleil avec Michael Doucet
Nashville-based roots label Compass Records has signed Grammy Award-winning Cajun group BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet. The band has begun working on its Compass debut album From Bamako to Carencro, due out in early 2013.
The title refers to to the cultural connections between Bamako, Mali and Carencro, outside Lafayette, Louisiana, but musically it will explore even further. “BeauSoleil has brought Cajun/Creole-rooted music to the world since 1975, and Nashville and the land of the bayous have been sharing musicians and songs since the early 1920s. I’m looking forward to expanding and retelling some of these musical occurrences on our new Compass release,” says Doucet.
Band leader Doucet previously collaborated with Compass on the Fiddlers 4 album with Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, and Rushad Eggleston in 2002.
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Broussard is the son of former Boogie Kings guitarist Ted Broussard. He has toured with Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, and more.
eBay and AEG Align
/by FreemanBeginning in Q1 of 2013, eBay’s StubHub ticket resale property will becoming the exclusive secondary ticketing outlet for AEG venues and its AXS Ticketing platform. StubHub will also be the official Secondary Partner of the Staples Center, the LA Kings, and the LA Galaxy starting with the 2013-2014 seasons. Additionally, PayPal will become one of AXS Ticketing’s new payment methods, and AEG’s BandMerch will be available in the eBay marketplace.
“Technology is revolutionizing commerce, and eBay Inc. is working with leading companies around the world to use our platforms to bring innovative new experiences to consumers,” said Devin Wenig, president of eBay marketplaces. “Integrating our technology platforms with AEG is a natural fit for eBay Inc., and allows our companies to give fans nearly unprecedented access to the events, performers and athletes they love.”
”eBay is one of the most complete and well-rounded e-commerce and technology companies in the world and pairing our combined capabilities and global reach is an exciting opportunity” said Tim Leiweke, president and CEO, AEG. “This partnership will help bring even deeper digital resources and online marketing reach to the AXS Ticketing platform and will allow us to continue to transform the live event fan experience.”
George Jones Reveals Final Nashville Concert
/by Eric T. Parker“The Grand Tour will have surprises throughout the shows – you never know who may show up!” said Jones. “The Possum has lots of friends so it is going to be the most exciting thing to see who shows up during the final show.”
The Nashville show is among approximately 60 dates The Possum will visit during his farewell tour (announced dates below), which will include surprise guests at various stops.
Tickets for the Nashville show go on sale Friday, November 16 at 10 am at all Ticketmaster locations.
The tour will be promoted by Outback Concerts. Visit www.georgejones.com for more information.
The Grand Tour (2012-2013)
11/09 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
11/10 – Morton, MN – Jackpot Junction Casino
11/16 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
11/17 – Hiawassee, GA – Anderson Music Hall
11/23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
11/24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino
12/01 – Elizabeth, IN – Horseshoe Casino
12/15 – Jackson, TN – Carl Perkins Civic Center
02/02 – Tunica, MS – Sam’s Town
02/07 – Lakeland, FL – Youkey Theater
02/22 – Greenville, TX – Greenville Memorial Auditorium
02/23 – Forrest City, AR – East Arkansas Community College
03/15 – Joliet, IL – Realto Square Theater
03/16 – Muncie, IN – Emens Auditorium
03/22 – Chattanooga, TN – Memorial Auditorium
04/05 – Fairfax, VA – Patriot Center
04/06 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Coliseum
04/19 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theater
04/20 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
04/27 – Huntsville, AL – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
05/17 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
05/18 – Spartanburg, SC – Memorial Auditorium
06/01 – North Tonawanda, NY – Riviera Theater
06/02 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
11/09 – Grant, OK – Choctaw Event Center
11/22 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
RIAA Issues Fall Gold & Platinum Recognitions
/by Eric T. ParkerSwifts “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was certified 2x multi-Platinum to mark the singer’s sixth career double-Platinum song, attributing to her more than 33 million career downloads sold.
Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line also earned high marks for the Big Machine Label Group with, “Cruise,” receiving a first-time digital song certification alongside Havana Brown (“We Run the Night”), Driicky Graham (“Snapbacks & Tattoos”), Imagine Dragons (“It’s Time”), Kreayshawn (“Gucci Gucci”), and French Montana (“Pop That”).
Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” was certified Platinum, denoting more than one million downloads sold since its release, alongside Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me” and Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis.”
October’s Gold certified albums included Glassnote Records’ Mumford & Sons sophomore album Babel, which easily surpassed the mark with first week sales exceeding 600k. Additionally, the Mumford crew earned its first double-Platinum download certification for “Little Lion Man” and a third Gold single award for the new track “I Will Wait.” Dave Matthews Band’s Away From the World and P!nk’s Truth About Love also earned Gold album status.
In total, 38 digital single awards and 8 album certifications were issued for October. The Black Keys, Postal Service and Madonna additionally received notable sale benchmarks.
Levon Helm Documentary Due in 2013
/by FreemanUnder the guidance of director Jacob Hatley, Ain’t In It For My Health follows Helm at home in Woodstock, NY, in the middle of recording his first studio album in 25 years. Filmed over two years, the documentary tracks the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer through an intensively creative period after his 2007 album Dirt Farmer brought him back to the spotlight.
“Jacob was the perfect fly on the wall for many months as we experienced the ups and downs of a wonderful time in all our lives,” says Helm collaborator and musical director Larry Campbell. “The result is a rare, artful, and honest glimpse into the fascinating world of one of our true American treasures, Levon Helm.”
This news follows the recent “Love For Levon” concert in early October, featuring Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Lucinda Williams, Roger Waters, Gregg Allman, John Hiatt, and many more. Proceeds from that event benefited the Helm estate, including home, barn, and studio.
Veterans Day News
/by FreemanThe music video for Kristy Lee Cook’s new single “Airborne Ranger Infantry” debuted exclusively on Fox411 Country yesterday (Nov. 8). Directed by Roman White, the clip is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the US military as well as the loved ones who await them at home. Cook co-wrote the song with her father Larry Cook, in addition to songwriters Michael Logen and Luke Sheets, based on her father’s experiences in Vietnam.
“Singing a song about men and women that have fought and served for our country and those who have lost their lives for us is very emotional – and I’m not an emotional person but there is a soft spot in my heart for our soldiers,” says Cook. “I feel very privileged to be able to sing something for them in return for their sacrifice for me.”
See the video here.
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