Kobalt Music Group Ltd. has signed an exclusive long-term deal with Paul McCartney and MPL, one of the world’s largest, privately owned music publishing companies, which was founded by the famed Beatle in 1971.
With the exception of the US, Canada, UK and Eire territories, Kobalt will administer the songs of three MPL catalogs: MPL Communications, MPL Music Publishing, and Cherio Corporation throughout the world and provide synch licensing services.
The catalogs contain McCartney copyrights “Ebony and Ivory,” “Say Say Say,” “Jet,” “My Love,” “Band On The Run,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Freedom,” ranging from post-Beatles solo material, to work with Wings, and songs by late wife Linda McCartney.
Elsewhere the catalogs are home to evergreen copyrights “Unchained Melody,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Till There Was You,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Sentimental Journey,” and songs from landmark Broadway musicals Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Music Man. The catalogs contain works by Frank Loesser, Carl Perkins, Joe Young, Harry Warren, Big Joe Turner, Jelly Roll Morton, Maurice Williams, Louis Jordan, Bessie Smith, Loudon Wainwright III, Hugh Masekela, Jule Styne, Roy Orbison, Hoagy Carmichael and over 1,200 other major songwriters.
In the wake of EMI Music Publishing’s acquisition by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the New York Times sees McCartney’s signing with Kobalt as particularly significant. Most of the Beatles catalog is with Sony/ATV and McCartney’s catalog was previously with EMI. More here.
Kobalt Signs McCartney’s MPL to Admin Deal
/by Sarah SkatesWith the exception of the US, Canada, UK and Eire territories, Kobalt will administer the songs of three MPL catalogs: MPL Communications, MPL Music Publishing, and Cherio Corporation throughout the world and provide synch licensing services.
The catalogs contain McCartney copyrights “Ebony and Ivory,” “Say Say Say,” “Jet,” “My Love,” “Band On The Run,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Freedom,” ranging from post-Beatles solo material, to work with Wings, and songs by late wife Linda McCartney.
Elsewhere the catalogs are home to evergreen copyrights “Unchained Melody,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Till There Was You,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Sentimental Journey,” and songs from landmark Broadway musicals Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Music Man. The catalogs contain works by Frank Loesser, Carl Perkins, Joe Young, Harry Warren, Big Joe Turner, Jelly Roll Morton, Maurice Williams, Louis Jordan, Bessie Smith, Loudon Wainwright III, Hugh Masekela, Jule Styne, Roy Orbison, Hoagy Carmichael and over 1,200 other major songwriters.
In the wake of EMI Music Publishing’s acquisition by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the New York Times sees McCartney’s signing with Kobalt as particularly significant. Most of the Beatles catalog is with Sony/ATV and McCartney’s catalog was previously with EMI. More here.
Country Gals Plan Christmas Shows
/by Eric T. Parker“Expect this Christmas tour to be different than the previous years. We’ll still have the classics, but this year I’m ready to rock,” said Wynonna.
Premium seats and pre-show meet & greet passes are available for five current ticket holders as part of her Tweet Your Seat campaign.
Dates for Rockin’ Christmas Tour
Thurs 12/6 – Newark, OH
Sat 12/8-9 Riverside, IA
Fri 12/14 – St. Michael, ND
Sat 12/15 – Larchwood, IA
Sun 12/16 – Fayetteville, AR
Tues 12/18 – Ft. Worth, TX
Fri 12/21 – St. Petersburg, FL
Sat 12/22 – Sarasota, FL
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As part of Gaylord Opryland’s 29th Annual A Country Christmas celebration, the show will feature Christmas classics, selections from her Merry Christmas from London album, and hits from her 16-album career. In addition, each evening will begin with a traditional holiday meal with trimmings.
“There is something about the snow and the lights and the sparkle in children’s eyes during the Holiday season that is absolutely magical,” said Morgan. “I remember coming to Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry with my father as a child; year, after year, the experience was like a whimsical storybook.”
Tickets are available online priced at $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 4-11 (children under 4 are free but must have ticket for seating assignment).
Morgan is currently in the studio with touring companion Pam Tillis working a new project entitled Grits & Glamour.
Bluegrass News
/by Sarah SkatesRicky Skaggs
• Absolute Publicity is honored to welcome Grammy Award winning country and bluegrass artist Ricky Skaggs to its artist roster. For Skaggs media inquiries, contact Don Murry Grubbs at 615-275-8380 or don@absolutepublicity.com.
• As part of an IBMA membership drive, all active members of the organization as of Sept. 27, 2012 will receive a chance to win an oceanview cabin for two on Mountain Song at Sea’s Bluegrass Cruise. The lineup includes The David Grisman Sextet, Del McCoury Band, Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tim O’Brien and Bryan Sutton, Peter Rowan and more. The drawing will be held onstage during Fan Fest at IBMA’s World of Bluegrass in Nashville on Sept. 28-30, 2012. For more information, click here.
The Roys
• The Roys’ new Rural Rhythm Records’ CD, New Day Dawning, world premiered on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction Channel 61 last night (7/24). The disc, featuring lead single “Still Standing,” hits stores Aug. 28, but fans can pre-order a signed and discounted copy at www.theroysonline.com. The Roys’ upcoming tour includes a stop in Nashville Oct. 11 at The Station Inn.
• Moonstruck Management is proud to present an Anniversary Evening event celebrating Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out’s 20th Anniversary and Lonesome River Band’s 30th Anniversary on Sept. 26 at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Nashville. Tickets at MoonstruckManagement.com.
C.F. Martin & Co. Taps Richlyn Marketing
/by Sherod RobertsonThe firm will focus on strategic partnerships aligning the Martin brand with artists, events and media outlets. It will also increase Martin’s brand awareness among members of the music industry in Nashville.
“We are honored to be selected by C. F. Martin & Co., to represent their iconic brand,” said Richardson. “It is an exciting time to be a part of the Martin family, and we look forward to introducing great artists to these amazing instruments and strings.”
“We are thrilled to have Kate Richardson and Lynn Tinsey of Richlyn Marketing join the Martin family,” said Amani Duncan, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Martin Guitar. “Their combined exceptional expertise and enthusiasm for the Martin brand will greatly bolster our work together and enhance our relationships in the Nashville music community moving forward.”
Richardson is a music industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations and is the former Director of Marketing at Gibson Guitars. Tinsey brings over 18 years of marketing experience including developing Procter & Gamble’s targeted marketing programs.
Snapshots: Kenny Chesney, Justin Moore, Rachel Holder
/by MichelleKenny’s Chesney’s “Come Over” has been certified Gold for sales in excess of 500,000. Reaching this milestone in just over nine weeks marks the fastest Gold single certification in Chesney’s career. The Brothers of the Sun Tour with Chesney and Tim McGraw made an emotional stop Saturday night (7/21) at Denver’s sold out Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. Chesney addressed Friday’s tragedy in Aurora, saying, “Me and my road family are just like the rest of the nation, hurting with this city tonight. We love you, and we’re with you, and if you guys will let us, we want to let music start to heal this town just a little bit tonight.” Later in the show, he brought Denver Broncos coach John Fox and Peyton Manning onstage for “Boys of Fall.”
(L-R): Manning, Chesney, Fox
(L-R): Justin Moore; BMLG Pres./CEO Scott Borchetta; VP of Whisky, Diageo North America Yvonne Briese; Curtiss Shaver; Troy, Ala. Mayor Jimmy Lunsford; Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pres./CEO Jeff Belskus; and Troy firefighters. Photo: Big Machine Label Group
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Justin Moore performed a surprise acoustic set on July 18 in Troy, AL honoring local firefighter Curtiss Shaver who won Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program.
Years ago, Shaver almost died during a farming accident, but the firefighters who saved him inspired his life calling. Though the accident claimed the lower part of his left leg, Shaver persevered and began a career as a firefighter and certified EMT with the goal of giving back to his community.
In an effort to bring a little piece of the famed track known as The Brickyard to Troy, AL, Crown Royal orchestrated a ceremony with BigMachineRecords.com to lay a replica “Yard of Bricks” in Troy’s downtown area.
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While on a radio tour in the northeast promoting her single “In Your Arms,” Curb Records artist Rachel Holder ran into old friend and former Cincinnati Reds’ great Pete Rose. They first met several years ago and have kept in touch. Holder sat with him during his autograph session in Cooperstown, NY during baseball’s Hall of Fame weekend, and also performed for the crowd.
Rose (L), Holder (R)
Barry Gibb Set For Opry Debut
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto: Sayre Berman
Pop icon Barry Gibb will make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry on Fri., July 27. “I have dreamed of performing on the hallowed stage of the Opry since I was 12 years old,” says Gibb, “so this is a dream come true for me. There is no greater honor.”
As the co-founder and creative leader of The Bee Gees, Gibb, along with his brothers Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history. His career as a singer, songwriter and producer has spanned more than five decades.
Kellie Pickler Salutes Troops on Cover of “Maxim”
/by Eric T. ParkerThe cover and centerfold images are reminiscent of the 1940s-50s era with a modern flare. Pickler shares her experiences performing for overseas troops on five USO tours in an in-depth interview. “I come from a military family,” said Pickler. “It really does take someone special to sacrifice everything.”
The story and full photo spread is currently at Maxim.com.
In recent news, Pickler’s manager confirmed to ABC News the singer has parted ways with Sony Music Nashville. The split follows the release of her third album, 100 Proof, which came out Jan. 20.
Toby Keith Debuts Single From Next Album
/by Caitlin Rantala“We were in the studio and everybody who heard it was like, ‘You’ve got to release that,'” Keith said.
Keith produced the new single, which he wrote with longtime collaborator Bobby Pinson. The star is working on the rest of the album in between dates on his Live In Overdrive Tour.
In more news, “Red Solo Cup,” the second single from Keith’s Clancy’s Tavern, has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.
Love And Theft Releases RCA Nashville Debut Tomorrow
/by Sarah Skates“Angel Eyes” is the lead single from the new album. Co-written by Jeff Coplan, Eric Paslay and Gunderson, the single is No. 6 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart. The track has sold nearly 500K digital downloads and the music video has received over 1.5 million views on VEVO.com.
The duo will perform “Angel Eyes” live on FOX & Friends tomorrow, and will perform an additional track from the record, “Runnin’ Out of Air,” for the live web show that airs immediately following FOX & Friends.
Love and Theft is currently on Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality World Tour, performing on the “Virtual Opry” stage through Sept. 29.
“This record represents the way we sound live,” says Liles.
“It shows a more mature, evolved Love and Theft but the core is still the same,” adds Gunderson. “Our sound will always be driven by harmonies.”
The duo is also giving fans a chance to participate in a Love vs. Theft sweepstakes. Fans choose a team based on whether they see themselves as a hopeless romantic or a heartbreaker, then try to earn points for their respective teams. Prizes will be announced on Aug. 10 and include dinner with Love and Theft, and signed merchandise.
After Midnight Launches “Third Shift Awards”
/by Eric T. ParkerWinners in 10 unique categories will be chosen via a bracket-style contest here. First round voting runs through July 29, third and final eliminations take place through Aug. 22. The Third Shift Award winners will be announced live on After MidNite the morning of Aug. 29.
“In the spirit of After MidNite, we have created 10 fun categories for our listeners, many of whom work the third shift, to vote for their favorite artists,” said Garner. “It’s a twist on some of the more traditional categories.”
Categories include:
Fanatical Fans (the artist with the most fanatical fans)
3rd Shift Pin Up – Female
3rd Shift Pin Up – Male
Pop-A-Top Award (the artist you’d most like to share a beer with)
3rd Shifter Artist of the Year
3rd Shifter Song of the Year
Pedal to the Medal Award (the song most likely to get you a speeding ticket)
Underdog Artist (the artist deserving of more respect)
Top Twit (the artist who gives good Twitter)
Fantasy Duet (living artists only)