WSM Partners With ASCAP For New Show

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Beginning Wednesday (10/31), 650 AM WSM/Nashville will premiere “The ASCAP Songwriters Show,” an exclusive weekly songwriter show in partnership with ASCAP . The program will air Wednesdays from 2-3 pm and spotlight a different ASCAP songwriter each week. The writers will talk about the stories behind their hit songs, play live in the studio, and feature new songs currently being pitched to some of the biggest artists in music today.

“More than possibly any other radio station in America, 650 AM WSM understands that it all begins with a songwriter,” says WSM General Manager Tom English. “After all, the phrase ‘Music City USA’ was coined on our airwaves, and we are thrilled to partner with ASCAP and Regions Bank to provide this one-of-a-kind showcase of incredible Nashville talent on our one-of-a-kind radio station.”

“Regions Bank is delighted and honored to sponsor The ASCAP Songwriters Show on the legendary 650 AM WSM,” says Regions Senior Vice-President Lisa Harless. “Regions remains committed to the songwriting community and is excited that many of Nashville’s top songwriters will be showcased on WSM.”

ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan added “ASCAP Nashville is home to some of the greatest songwriters in the world and thanks to this partnership with WSM and Regions Bank, the WSM listeners will get to experience their talents first hand.”

ASCAP Songwriter Ben Hayslip (“Gimmie That Girl,” “Long, Slow Kisses,” “Put A Girl In It,” and “All About Tonight”) will be joined by publisher Rusty Gaston (This Music/Warner Chappell) for the premiere. Additional ASCAP songwriters confirmed for upcoming shows include Dave Turnbull, Odie Blackmon, Jeff Allen, Hannah Dasher, Josh Osborn, Trevor Rosen, James LeBlanc and Lynn Hutton. A calendar of show guests is available at www.wsmonline.com.

Aldean Adds Second Fenway Show; Raises Over $500k For Komen

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Jason Aldean has announced a second show at Boston’s Fenway Park, scheduled for Friday July 12, after selling out his first date (7/13) in just seven minutes.

Miranda Lambert, and special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will perform during both Fenway Shows as part of his 2013 Night Train Tour.

Tickets for the second date go on sale to the general public on Fri., Nov. 2 with pre-sale starting with Aldean’s fan club (Oct. 30), Red Sox season ticket holders (Oct. 31) and through WKLB (Nov. 1).

Over Saturday Oct. 27, Aldean rounded off the final date of his 2012 My Kinda Party Tour in Dallas, TX when he performed his seventh Concert For the Cure to raise money for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure. The event raised $509,125 to help support the fight against breast cancer, with over 20,000 in attendance at the Gexa Energy Pavilion.

For more information, visit www.jasonaldean.com.

Underwood Extends “Blown Away Tour”

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Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away Tour has added 40 North American dates beginning Feb. 13 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Following an international run in June, this will bring the tour’s combined total to over 100 shows. Hunter Hayes will continue as special guest.

The donation of $1 from each ticket sold on the North American leg of the outing will support Red Cross disaster relief.

The Blown Away Tour is presented and hydrated by vitaminwater® and promoted by AEG Live. Tickets will be available for the 2013 dates in select markets beginning Friday, Nov. 2. Please go to www.carrieunderwood.fm for details.

Underwood is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Nov. 1 CMA Awards and will co-host the show with Brad Paisley.

Chesney to Rock Cowboys Stadium For Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have announced that Kenny Chesney will rock the Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day to kick-off The Salvation Army’s 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Chesney’s performance will be televised live nationally on FOX during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 22) game against the Washington Redskins at 3:15 PM/CT. The concert marks the 16th year of the Thanksgiving Day partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army, during which time the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.5 billion.

“There are great traditions in America — especially Thanksgiving, family and football. For 16 years the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have been an American tradition and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Chesney. “I’m calling on all of my fans to not only give back this year but also send in their best football highlights videos for a chance to see me live in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.”

Also, now through Nov. 11, fans of the Cowboys and Chesney can visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org/BoysofFall for a chance to win a trip for four to Dallas to see the Thanksgiving Day game, including on-field passes for the halftime show performance and a meet-and-greet with Chesney. Complete contest rules and details are available here.

UMG Names New Executive Team

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Clockwise from top left: Tom Becci, Brian Wright, Royce Risser, Cindy Mabe

Mike Dungan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group Nashville, today announced part of his new senior management team for the company, which encompasses Mercury Nashville, Capitol Records Nashville, MCA Records and EMI Records Nashville. These appointments follow the recent close by parent Universal Music Group (UMG) of its acquisition of EMI Recorded Music. Each of these new appointments will report directly to Dungan and will be based in UMG’s downtown Nashville headquarters:

* Former Capitol Records SVP/COO, Tom Becci, will assume the same post at UMG Nashville

* UMG Nashville SVP of A&R, Brian Wright, will continue as SVP/Head of A&R for the UMG Nashville family of labels

* Former Capitol SVP of Marketing, Cindy Mabe, will assume broad based responsibility as SVP of Marketing at UMG Nashville

* UMG Nashville SVP/Head of Promotion, Royce Risser, will oversee all promotion efforts in the new UMG four-imprint structure

“Our new company embodies the very best of both Universal and EMI,” stated Dungan. “The integration of these two great companies presents a rare opportunity to create a Nashville-based music entertainment organization that is well positioned for creative innovation and profitable growth. Tom, Brian, Cindy, and Royce represent the very best in creative leadership and business management. Throughout each of their careers, they have displayed a real track record of success and innovation, and will play a key role in ensuring the smoothest possible transition for everyone involved. I have no doubt that they will help us maintain our position as the world’s leading country music company for years to come.”

Additional management appointments include:

* Capitol SVP of Promotion Steve Hodges will now assume responsibility for the Capitol Label promotion team

* Mercury Records VP of Promotion Damon Moberly and MCA Records VP of Promotion Van Haze, will continue in their respective roles

* Jimmy Rector has been appointed VP of EMI Records Promotion

* UMG Nashville VP Radio Marketing, Katie Dean, will continue in that role for all four labels

* Capitol VP Shane Allen will now become UMG Nashville VP of Promotion for all four labels

* Lori Christian has been appointed UMG Nashville VP of Media Marketing

* Dawn Gates has been appointed UMG Nashville VP of Digital Marketing

Friday MusicRow reported on several staffers who have exited as a result of the acquisition.

Swift To Co-Host Grammy Noms Concert

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Taylor Swift will co-host The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night® with LL Cool J on Wed., Dec. 5 in Nashville. Swift, who has earned six Grammys, co-hosted the first nominations special with LL in 2008.

Luke Bryan has been added to the show’s lineup, joining previously announced Maroon 5, with others to be revealed as the date approaches. The event, taking place at the Bridgestone Arena for the first time, will include performances and announce nominations in several Grammy categories.

Following the CBS telecast from 10 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (9 p.m. CT), concert attendees will experience a one-hour exclusive concert by one of the evening’s performers. (Artist to be announced shortly.) Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

This special marks the fifth time nominations will be announced live on primetime television. Last year’s nominations special helped lead to increased ratings for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which attracted 39.9 million viewers, the largest audience since 1984 and the second largest in history.

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, will air live on CBS from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013.

SESAC Awards Winners List

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SESAC's Tim Fink, Catt Gravitt, Jon Stone, SESAC's Pat Collins and Trevor Gale. Photo by Ed Rode

SESAC Award Recipients

Songwriter of the Year: Catt Gravitt (“Alone With You” recorded by Jake Owen, “Why Ya Wanna” recorded by Jana Kramer and “Amen” recorded by Edens Edge)

Song of the Year: “A Woman Like You,” Written by Jon Stone, Recorded by Lee Brice, Publisher Adios Pantalones, Hears That Skyline Music

Publisher of the Year: Sony ATV/EMI Foray Music

SESAC’s Nashville Music Awards were held last night, October 28, at the Pinnacle at Symphony Place. In addition to the awards listed above, The Avett Brothers received SESAC’s Summit Award. There was an all-star tribute to the 30th anniversary of the Bluebird Café featuring Gary Burr, Don Henry, Victoria Shaw, and Kim Williams. Also, Monty Powell performed his honored song, “For You,” which was recorded by Keith Urban. And due to the song’s subject matter, SECAP VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Tim Fink announced the PRO would make a donation to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Thompson Square offered its new single “If I Didn’t Have You,” and Lee Brice sang his hit “A Woman Like You.”

Country Performance Activity Awards
“Alone With You”
Written by Catt Gravitt
Recorded by Jake Owen
Published by Ink Pen Mama Music, Songs of Maxx Publishing, Tunes of R and T Direct

“Why Ya Wanna”
Written by Catt Gravitt
Recorded by Jana Kramer
Published by Ink Pen Mama Music, Songs of Maxx Publishing, Tunes of R and T Direct

“Amen”
Written by Catt Gravitt
Recorded by Eden’s Edge
Published by Ink Pen Mama Music, Songs of Maxx Publishing, Tunes of R and T Direct

“A Woman Like You”
Written by Jon Stone
Recorded by Lee Brice
Published by Adios Pantalones, Hears That Skyline Music

“Let’s Don’t Call It A Night”
Written by: Brice Long
Recorded by Casey James
Published by Sony ATV / EMI Foray Music / Send Me The Checks Music

“Shinin’ On Me”
Written by Rob Hatch, Lance Miller
Recorded by Jerrod Niemann
Published by Legends of Magic Mustang Music, Songs of StyleSonic Music, Melvin’s Pistol Music, Melvin’s Bullets Music

“For You”
Written by Monty Powell
Recorded by Keith Urban
Published by Cranesong Music, olé Toreador Tunes

“Dancin’ Away With My Heart”
Written by Hillary Scott
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
Published by Sony ATV / EMI Foray Music, Hillary Dawn Songs

“Wanted You More”
Written by Hillary Scott
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
Published by Sony ATV / EMI Foray Music, Hillary Dawn Songs

“Just A Kiss”
Written by Hillary Scott
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
Published by Sony ATV / EMI Foray Music, Hillary Dawn Songs

“A Little Big Stronger”
Written by Hillary Scott
Recorded by Sara Evans
Published by Sony ATV / EMI Foray Music, Hillary Dawn Songs

“Cost Of Livin’”
Written by Phillip Coleman
Recorded by Ronnie Dunn
Published by Tractor Radio Songs

“Fish”
Written by Craig Campbell, Arlos Smith, Ashe Underwood
Recorded by Craig Campbell
Published by Acoustic Peanut Publishing, Geormac Music, Jeff, Jack and the Mule Music, Melodies of Bigger Picture

“Tomorrow”
Written by Anthony Smith
Recorded by Chris Young
Published by Dreams to Music, Grand Poobah Publishing

Americana
Bob Dylan
For contribution to the album The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams, Recorded by Various Artists
Published by Special Rider Music

Bob Dylan
For contributions to the album Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan, Recorded by Various Artists
Published by Special Rider Music, Dwarf Music

Bob Dylan
For contribution to the album Slipstream, Recorded by Bonnie Raitt
Published by Special Rider Music

Bonnie Bramlett
For contribution to the album Slipstream, Recorded by Bonnie Raitt

Robert Johnson
For contribution to the album Light in the Sky, Recorded by Red Molly
Published by MPCA King of Spades

Jonathan Byrd
For contribution to the album Light In The Sky, Recorded by Red Molly
Published by Jonathan Byrd Music

Dustin Welch
For contribution to the album Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now, Recorded by Justin Townes Earle
Published by Super Rooster Music

Ray Wylie Hubbard
For contribution to the album Grifter’s Hymnal, Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Snake Farm Publishing

Ray Wylie Hubbard
For contribution to the album What The Hell Is Going On?, Recorded by Paul Thorn
Published by Snake Farm Publishing

Liz Foster
For contribution to the album Grifter’s Hymnal, Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Dueling Poets Publishing

Charlie Shafter
For contribution to the album Grifter’s Hymnal, Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Dogs In Publishing

Jim Lauderdale
For contribution to the album Carry Me Back, Recorded by Old Crow Medicine Show
Published by Ginger Dragon Music, Songs of Bug

Swift Paints North America “Red”

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Taylor Swift announced a North American stadium and arena tour beginning early 2013 in support of her new album, Red, during Katie Couric’s 20/20 ABC special last Friday (10/26).

Swift is currently slated to headline 58 shows (nine of which are stadiums) in 45 cities in 29 states and 3 provinces on The Red Tour in 2013, which kicks off on March 13 in Omaha, Neb. and continues through September.

Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, who is featured on Red’s duet, “Everything Has Changed,” will be a special guest at every show.

At Swift’s request, every show will include tickets priced under $50. The first tickets will go on sale on November 16th, on sale information is available here.

Watch the announcement here. 

The Red Tour will be produced and promoted by The Messina Group.

The Red Tour dates:
DATE CITY

March 13 & 14 – Omaha, Nebraska
March 18 & 19 – St. Louis, Missouri
March 22 – Charlotte, North Carolina
March 23 – Columbia, South Carolina
March 27 & 28 & 29 – Newark, New Jersey*
April 10 – Miami, Florida*
April 11 & 12 – Orlando, Florida
April 18 & 19 – Atlanta, Georgia*
April 20 – Tampa, Florida*
April 25 – Cleveland, Ohio
April 26 – Indianapolis, Indiana
April 27 – Lexington, Kentucky
May 4 – Detroit, Michigan*
May 7 – Louisville, Kentucky
May 8 – Columbus, Ohio*
May 11 & 12 – Washington, DC*
May 16 – Houston, Texas
May 21 – Austin, Texas
May 22 – San Antonio, Texas
May 25 – Dallas, Texas*
May 28 & 29 – Glendale, Arizona
June 1 – Salt Lake City, Utah
June 2 – Denver, Colorado
June 15 – Toronto, Ontario*
June 22 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
June 29 – Vancouver, British Columbia
July 6 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania*
July 20 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 27 – Foxborough, Massachusetts (on sale November 17)
August 1 – Des Moines, Iowa
August 2 & 3 – Kansas City, Missouri*
August 6 – Wichita, Kansas
August 7 – Tulsa, Oklahoma
August 10 – Chicago, Illinois*
August 15 – San Diego, California*
August 19 & 20 – Los Angeles, California*
August 27 – Sacramento, California*
August 30 – Portland, Oregon
August 31 – Tacoma, Washington
September 6 – Fargo, North Dakota
September 7 & 8 – St. Paul, Minnesota
September 12 – Greensboro, North Carolina
September 13 – Raleigh, North Carolina
September 14 – Charlottesville, Virginia*
September 19, 20 & 21 – Nashville, Tennessee

* On Sale November 16.

Nashville Sound Mainstay Louis Nunley Passes

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Louis Nunley

Louis Nunley, the baritone voice of both The Anita Kerr Singers and The Jordanaires, has died at age 81.

He was a veteran of the Music Row recording scene and a major contributor to the development of the classic Nashville Sound. That style softened the sound of Country recordings to make them accessible to pop-music fans. The Anita Kerr Singers earned two Grammy Awards during Nunley’s tenure with the group. After he joined The Jordanaires, that group also earned a Grammy.

Nunley sang on Nashville hits from the early 1950s until his retirement in 2010. Among the hundreds of stars he backed are Jim Reeves, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Eddy Arnold, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Hank Snow and Red Foley. Nunley was the “whispering” voice in Brenda Lee’s landmark 1959 hit “Sweet Nothin’s,” and he has also backed such contemporary vocalists as Kristin Chenoweth and Mandy Barnett.

He was a native of Sikeston, MO who was raised in Anderson, IN. He moved to Nashville in 1948 to attend David Lipscomb University. His first recording session was in 1949.

The Anita Kerr Singers initially performed as regulars on WSM’s radio show “Sunday Down South.” Producer Owen Bradley and singer Red Foley began using the group on recording sessions around 1950.

In 1956, Kerr’s group became a quartet to compete on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts on television. After winning, they became regulars on Godfrey’s CBS-TV series. In addition to Kerr and Nunley, the quartet included Dottie Dillard and Gil Wright.

The singers earned Grammy Awards in 1965 for the albums We Dig Mancini and Southland Favorites (with George Beverly Shea). They also continued to provide background vocals on hundreds of records.

Nunley was active as a session vocalist outside the group, recording as an independent contractor for decades. He sang on ad jingles, movie soundtracks and television specials such as the CMA Awards Show and the Music City News Awards. He was also a regular on the TNN series by The Statler Brothers. He served in leadership roles in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) at both the local and national levels.

He joined The Jordanaires in 1999 and became the group’s musical director in 2000. The group arned a Grammy in 2002 for the CD We Called Him Mr. Gospel Music: The James Blackwood Tribute Album.

Louis Nunley died on Friday, October 26. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Fluty Nunley, sons Louis Jr. and Lee, sister Jean Nunley Dennison and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday (10/31) at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the following day. The funeral service will then be held with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

CRS New Faces Show Sells Out

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CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne has announced that the New Faces Show at Country Radio Seminar 2013 has sold out. This applies to registrations received after October 25, 2012.

“The New Faces Show is one of the most popular events at CRS,” says Mayne. “With the early surge in registrations for the upcoming event, the dinner sold out earlier than ever before. In an effort to provide our next round registrants a chance to attend the event, we are offering tickets in a special seating area in a newly reconfigured area.”

The new seating section has limited seating, to be allocated to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. Special seating admission does not include meals.

The evening’s talent lineup will be announced in December. CRS 2013 will be held Feb. 27-March 1 at the Nashville Convention Center. The $399 Early Bird registration rate is available here through Oct. 31.