Chapter 399
I love a parade.
And the kick-off parade for the 2012 CMA Music Festival on Wednesday (6/6) was a humdinger. It moved along Broadway from 10th Avenue to the Cumberland River at lunchtime.
Little Big Town with "The Voice" season 2 contestant Angie Johnson (center) at the CMA Music Festival Block Party
The Nashville Zoo had somebody waving merrily in a giraffe costume named Twiga. The Predators’ mascot Gnash did wheelies on his ATV. The Nashville Roller Derby gals struck poses while gliding by on skates. The Clydesdales were there! I love them, especially when they’re pulling a vintage Budweiser beer wagon.
The “General Lee” car from The Dukes of Hazzard rumbled along, tooting its “Dixie” horn all the way. The U.S. Marines, Nashville Firefighters and Davidson County Sheriff squad wowed the kiddies with their vehicles. The Rolling Thunder biker brigade made a mighty rumble. The Music City Drum and Bugle Corps sounded splendid.
The Girl Scouts and Brownies marched, proudly wearing their merit badges. There was a 40×60 foot American flag carried by veterans, the Bic razor girls, brightly painted custom tour buses, big balloons, marching bands and more Chevy trucks and Corvettes than you could shake a stick at.
Riding on the backs of those Corvettes were a bevy of country stars. Lorrie Morgan waved, wearing a lavender chiffon dress that billowed in the balmy breezes. Lynn Anderson was in a yellow summer wrap and a white chapeau with a big posey. The crowd sang “Rose Garden” to her. Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson looked as happy as a lark as he passed by.
Cowboy Troy drew hollers of recognition — snapshot takers yelled for him to turn this way and that. LoCash Cowboys tossed souvenir rubber balls into the throng. Rhonda Vincent was high above our heads on/in a giant shopping cart. Flynnville Train shared an Operation Troop Aid vehicle with that giant robot person who always shows up with that organization. Indianapolis 500 winner and Middle Tennessee resident Dario Franchitti was a big crowd favorite, riding on the race’s Camaro pace car.
"The Voice" contestant Gwen Sebastian in the CMA Music Festival Kick-off Parade
“Blow me a birthday kiss! I’m 50 today!” shouted a lady fan across the street from me. Dashing Dario obliged. Due West went a step further, serenading her with “Happy Birthday” from the back of their parade pick-up truck. Jeff Bates, Manuel, Craig Campbell, Julie Roberts, The McClymonts, Colt Ford, Ira Dean, Katie Armiger, J.T. Hodges, The Roys and Gwen Sebastian all had their own parade moments.
Perhaps the coolest thing was the Keep the Music Playing All Stars Marching Band. Consisting of 125 students from eight Metro public schools, this ensemble embodies the educational effort that the festival benefits. When I caught them, they were playing “The Wabash Cannonball,” with youthful verve.
Working the parade for all they were worth were Mark Cooke, Florida Georgia Line, Rachele Lynae, Craig Morrison, Craig Wayne Boyd, Tyler Farr, Greg Hanna, Rachel Holder, Jaida Dreyer, Amber Hayes, Chase Rice, David St. Romain, Daniel Smith, Corey Wagar, Weston Burt, Marlee Scott, Matt Stillwell, Leah Seawright and Jason Sturgeon.
Leading the way was the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” himself, parade grand marshal Glen Campbell. Bringing up the rear were four jumbo pontoon boats carrying Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook. Accompanying them was a banner stating, “Follow me.” So we did, right on down to Riverfront Park.
YouTube discovery and The Voice contestant Angie Johnson sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” She is a Tech Sergeant in the National Guard.
Then Little Big Town kicked off the 41st annual, 2012 CMA Music Festival with — what else? — “Pontoon.” Let me tell you, in that atmosphere and in that moment, this new single sounded like the most massive hit of the summer. The crowd sang along with “Boondocks,” and LBT then took their bows. Don’t worry, the fearless foursome will return with a full show at LP Field on Saturday night.
Here’s a shocking statistic. The Nashville Chamber of Commerce members were recently polled about the CMA Music Fest. They were asked, “Are you attending any of this year’s festivities?” An astonishing 63% said, “No, I make it a point to stay far, far away.” This, from the supposedly community-booster-ing Chamber, mind you. About downtown Nashville’s biggest annual event, mind you. Which is all free to all our citizens (except for the Convention Center and LP Field events), mind you. And which pours tons of money into Nashville’s economy, mind you.
Honestly, those folks don’t know what they’re missing. I, for one, plan on having a blast.
Bobby Karl Works the CMA Music Fest Kick-Off Parade
/by Bobby KarlChapter 399
I love a parade.
And the kick-off parade for the 2012 CMA Music Festival on Wednesday (6/6) was a humdinger. It moved along Broadway from 10th Avenue to the Cumberland River at lunchtime.
Little Big Town with "The Voice" season 2 contestant Angie Johnson (center) at the CMA Music Festival Block Party
The Nashville Zoo had somebody waving merrily in a giraffe costume named Twiga. The Predators’ mascot Gnash did wheelies on his ATV. The Nashville Roller Derby gals struck poses while gliding by on skates. The Clydesdales were there! I love them, especially when they’re pulling a vintage Budweiser beer wagon.
The “General Lee” car from The Dukes of Hazzard rumbled along, tooting its “Dixie” horn all the way. The U.S. Marines, Nashville Firefighters and Davidson County Sheriff squad wowed the kiddies with their vehicles. The Rolling Thunder biker brigade made a mighty rumble. The Music City Drum and Bugle Corps sounded splendid.
The Girl Scouts and Brownies marched, proudly wearing their merit badges. There was a 40×60 foot American flag carried by veterans, the Bic razor girls, brightly painted custom tour buses, big balloons, marching bands and more Chevy trucks and Corvettes than you could shake a stick at.
Riding on the backs of those Corvettes were a bevy of country stars. Lorrie Morgan waved, wearing a lavender chiffon dress that billowed in the balmy breezes. Lynn Anderson was in a yellow summer wrap and a white chapeau with a big posey. The crowd sang “Rose Garden” to her. Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson looked as happy as a lark as he passed by.
Cowboy Troy drew hollers of recognition — snapshot takers yelled for him to turn this way and that. LoCash Cowboys tossed souvenir rubber balls into the throng. Rhonda Vincent was high above our heads on/in a giant shopping cart. Flynnville Train shared an Operation Troop Aid vehicle with that giant robot person who always shows up with that organization. Indianapolis 500 winner and Middle Tennessee resident Dario Franchitti was a big crowd favorite, riding on the race’s Camaro pace car.
"The Voice" contestant Gwen Sebastian in the CMA Music Festival Kick-off Parade
“Blow me a birthday kiss! I’m 50 today!” shouted a lady fan across the street from me. Dashing Dario obliged. Due West went a step further, serenading her with “Happy Birthday” from the back of their parade pick-up truck. Jeff Bates, Manuel, Craig Campbell, Julie Roberts, The McClymonts, Colt Ford, Ira Dean, Katie Armiger, J.T. Hodges, The Roys and Gwen Sebastian all had their own parade moments.
Perhaps the coolest thing was the Keep the Music Playing All Stars Marching Band. Consisting of 125 students from eight Metro public schools, this ensemble embodies the educational effort that the festival benefits. When I caught them, they were playing “The Wabash Cannonball,” with youthful verve.
Working the parade for all they were worth were Mark Cooke, Florida Georgia Line, Rachele Lynae, Craig Morrison, Craig Wayne Boyd, Tyler Farr, Greg Hanna, Rachel Holder, Jaida Dreyer, Amber Hayes, Chase Rice, David St. Romain, Daniel Smith, Corey Wagar, Weston Burt, Marlee Scott, Matt Stillwell, Leah Seawright and Jason Sturgeon.
Leading the way was the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” himself, parade grand marshal Glen Campbell. Bringing up the rear were four jumbo pontoon boats carrying Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook. Accompanying them was a banner stating, “Follow me.” So we did, right on down to Riverfront Park.
YouTube discovery and The Voice contestant Angie Johnson sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” She is a Tech Sergeant in the National Guard.
Then Little Big Town kicked off the 41st annual, 2012 CMA Music Festival with — what else? — “Pontoon.” Let me tell you, in that atmosphere and in that moment, this new single sounded like the most massive hit of the summer. The crowd sang along with “Boondocks,” and LBT then took their bows. Don’t worry, the fearless foursome will return with a full show at LP Field on Saturday night.
Here’s a shocking statistic. The Nashville Chamber of Commerce members were recently polled about the CMA Music Fest. They were asked, “Are you attending any of this year’s festivities?” An astonishing 63% said, “No, I make it a point to stay far, far away.” This, from the supposedly community-booster-ing Chamber, mind you. About downtown Nashville’s biggest annual event, mind you. Which is all free to all our citizens (except for the Convention Center and LP Field events), mind you. And which pours tons of money into Nashville’s economy, mind you.
Honestly, those folks don’t know what they’re missing. I, for one, plan on having a blast.
CMT Music Awards Winners
/by Sarah SkatesCarrie Underwood performs "Good Girl" on the CMT Music Awards. Photo: CMT.com
Carrie Underwood was the only star to take home multiple honors at last night’s (6/6) CMT Music Awards. With five nods she was the top nominee going into the show, where she earned two of the network’s signature belt buckle trophies. Underwood won Video of the Year for “Good Girl,” and Collaborative Video with Brad Paisley for “Remind Me.”
Luke Bryan and wife Caroline on the red carpet. Photo: Alan Mayor
Hosted by Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, the fan-voted honors were presented at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert scored their third consecutive wins in their respective categories, Group Video and Female Video.
Luke Bryan took home Male Video honors, a first time win for him in the category.
Artists receiving their first belt buckles were Scott McCreery (USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year), Jason Aldean (CMT Performance of the Year), and Thompson Square (Duo Video of the Year).
See winners below in bold.
Video of the Year
Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem”
Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup””
Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You”
Taylor Swift Featuring the Civil Wars — “Safe & Sound”
Carrie Underwood — “Good Girl”
Male Video of the Year
Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem”
Luke Bryan — “I Don’t Want This Night to End”
Eric Church — “Drink in My Hand”
Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup”
Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You”
Keith Urban — “Long Hot Summer”
Female Video of the Year
Sara Evans — “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”
Miranda Lambert — “Over You”
Martina McBride — “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
Kellie Pickler — “Tough”
Taylor Swift — “Ours”
Carrie Underwood — “Good Girl”
Thompson Square celebrated their first CMT Award last night. Photo: Alan Mayor
Group Video of the Year
Eli Young Band — “Crazy Girl”
Lady Antebellum — “We Owned the Night”
Pistol Annies — “Hell on Heels”
Rascal Flatts — “Banjo”
The Band Perry — “All Your Life”
Zac Brown Band — “Keep Me in Mind”
Duo Video of the Year
Love and Theft — “Angel Eyes”
Montgomery Gentry — “Where I Come From”
Sugarland — “Tonight”
The Civil Wars — “Poison and Wine”
Thompson Square — “Glass”
Thompson Square — “I Got You”
USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year
Lauren Alaina — “Georgia Peaches”
Brantley Gilbert — “Country Must Be Country Wide”
Hunter Hayes — “Storm Warning”
Scotty McCreery — “The Trouble With Girls”
Pistol Annies — “Hell on Heels”
Thompson Square — “I Got You”
Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter — “You and Tequila”
Brad Paisley With Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me”
Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield — “Easy”
Lionel Richie With Shania Twain — “Endless Love”
Taylor Swift Featuring the Civil Wars — “Safe & Sound”
Zac Brown Band Featuring Jimmy Buffett — “Knee Deep”
CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT
Jason Aldean — “Tattoos on This Town” from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year
Lady Antebellum — “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year
Little Big Town — “Fix You” from Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert
Blake Shelton — “Footloose” from Invitation Only: Blake Shelton
Sting and Vince Gill — “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” from CMT Crossroads: Sting and Vince Gill
Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood — “Just a Dream/Dream On” from CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam
Artist Snapshots (6/06/12)
/by FreemanGAC hosted its 5th Annual Music Fest Kick-Off Breakfast at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this morning (6/6). Over 300 fans were treated to breakfast and performances by Josh Turner, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, and Thompson Square. Proceeds from the event benefited the Hall of Fame.
(L-R): Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, GAC GM/SVP, Sarah Trahern, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina and GAC host, Storme Warren.
• • • • •
Gary Allan and stylist Renee Layher, partners of Nashville’s The Label clothing boutique, recently welcomed “master hatter” Mark Mejia of Baron Hats for a trunk show. Among the guests trying on some of the selections were ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Show Dog-Universal’s JT Hodges. More info on The Label here.
(L-R): Renee Layher, co-owner of The Label; Billy Gibbons; Mark Mejia; and Gary Allan.
• • • • •
Republic Nashville’s Greg Bates recently performed for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam during a private event at the Tennessee Residence in Nashville. The event was a fundraiser for the Tennessee Residence Foundation, a non-profit that raises private funding for the renovation and restoration of the executive residence.
(L-R) Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Greg Bates and First Lady Crissy Haslam. Photo courtesy of the Office of the First Lady.
BMLG, Clear Channel Deal Likely To Pave Way For Other Artists
/by Sarah SkatesAnnounced yesterday (6/5), the agreement is very important in two respects: 1) it marks the first time artists will be paid a performance royalty for radio airplay in the United States. Traditionally, only songwriters have received radio performance payments. 2) It is designed to drive digital radio growth.
Today’s Wall Street Journal says the agreement “represents a historic shift,” calling it “a major bet that radio’s future is online rather than over the air… With the growing ubiquity of smartphones and more cars that include Internet-radio options, consumers are spending more time listening to music online, escalating the royalty costs along the way.”
The LA Times agrees, “The Clear Channel pact with Big Machine is evidence that the radio company is making a big bet on its online operations.”
The new business model set forth in the agreement is designed to level the royalty payment playing field for all types of radio. The model has BMLG and its artists being paid terrestrial performance royalties in exchange for a lower rate of digital performance royalties, which will distribute the royalty cost more evenly between both kinds of radio.
Under current circumstances—which the CC/BMLG model aims to change—the growth of digital radio is stunted because a high percentage of each company’s income goes to pay artist and songwriter royalties. These royalty rates are often based on individual song plays, and though they are fractions of a cent, can add up very quickly to large sums. By comparison, a low percentage of terrestrial radio station revenue goes to royalties, which are exclusively paid to songwriters via the performing rights organizations. Additionally, terrestrial radio recently entered a different agreement to decrease the rates it pays to the P.R.O.s.
Irving Azoff is the first music industry giant to publicly share his approval of the new business model, which was created by BMLG Pres./CEO Scott Borchetta, who is also a partner with Azoff and Virginia Davis in BAD Management.
Azoff told Bloomberg Businessweek that he is inclined to seek radio royalties for the artists he manages. “We’re trying to convince labels to enter into a direct deal [with radio] because we can’t get legislation passed,” he explained.
Tom Poleman, Clear Channel’s Pres./National Programming Platforms stated in a letter, “Because of the expense, we may not be able to partner with everyone until we see results from accelerated digital growth to offset the cost of sharing our broadcast radio revenue. But these are the kind of risks we have to take to be an innovator and fundamentally change our industry.
“This move is historic because it introduces a completely new structural model for our businesses,” he continued. “Why the change? Because it’s good for the long-term health of the music and radio industries. For digital radio to grow, it’s critical to have a predictable, sustainable pay structure that aligns radio, label and artist interests. It’s a bold move. And, yes, it will cost us more money in the short term and possibly even in the long run. Under this new, aligned structure, radio, labels and artists now all stand to make more money as we drive the growth of digital radio. Our interests will be linked. As we make money, labels and artists make money.”
In recent years the artist performance royalty debate pitted record labels and artists against radio stations. Until yesterday, radio maintained a united front under the trade organization the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters). Clear Channel is the first company to make an outside deal.
NAB Exec. VP of Communications Dennis Wharton responded, “NAB remains steadfastly opposed to a government-mandated performance tax on local radio stations. Beyond our respect for private contracts, we take no position on free-market agreements negotiated between broadcast companies and other businesses.”
RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman told a House Subcommittee today that his organization is “delighted that the biggest radio group acknowledged that something should be done.”
Amy Willis Joins Webster PR
/by Eric T. ParkerVeteran publicist Amy Willis has been added to the staff at Webster & Associates Public Relations, it was announced today (6/6) by company president Kirt Webster.
“Amy brings a vast amount of knowledge and expertise that is hard to find in our industry,” said Webster. “Having worked at a label and independently, she has a proven track record for being able to adapt to all client scenarios.”
Willis brings 15 years experience as a Nashville publicist, having worked with clients Trent Willmon, John Michael Montgomery, The Lost Trailers, and Jeff Bates, as well as Christian music artists, painters, authors, charity organizations, football players, local restaurants, producers, trade organizations and professional rodeo riders.
Willis is a graduate of MTSU’s music industry program and has worked at Spring Hill Music Group, Sony Music Nashville, Hallmark Direction and Wortman Works before opening her own company in 2010.
She can be reached at amy@websterpr.com.
Vehec Promoted at Sony Music Nashville
/by FreemanA native of Pennsylvania, Vehec was most recently Associate Director, Digital Sales for Sony Music Nashville. She started her career at Arista Records in New York City, followed by RCA Music Group then Sony BMG’s global business group. She relocated to Nashville in 2006 to become Manager, Mobile Marketing and Sales at Sony Music Nashville.
Wiseman Brings Out the Stars For Second Harvest
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L to R): Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Vince Gill. Photo: Peyton Hoge
The Ryman Auditorium received its yearly dose of Craig Wiseman’s eccentric personality yesterday evening (6/5) at the 8th Annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit concert.
Wiseman whisked across the stage wearing a trademark big and loud shirt with a sparkly serpent. After a prayer from his minister wife K.K. Wiseman and an introduction by figure skater Scott Hamilton, Wiseman was joined for a starter round with Vince Gill and Dallas Davidson.
The round included the songwriters’ hits “Summertime,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” and “Look at Us.” Wiseman clarified for the audience, “This is a songwriter round, if we sing it, we wrote it.”
After the opening round, the evening came to life. Songwriters seemed to be cast out to the stage in no particular order. The audience did not seem to mind, especially as Chris Tompkins joined Wiseman for the Chris Young hit “Voices.”
Tompkins branched off on his own to perform “Before He Cheats,” which Wiseman jokingly speculated allowed Tompkins to build a Carrie Underwood commemorative hot tub in his backyard. The audience excitedly sang along.
Rhett Akins then joined his Peach Pickers band mate Dallas Davidson, delivering a medley of Akins’ “Honey Bee” and “That Ain’t My Truck.”
Rodney Clawson partnered with Tompkins for his recent No. 1 “Drunk on You,” and “I Saw God Today.”
Wiseman invited Gill back out to perform his, “Bread and Water,” which he wrote with his brother in mind and dedicated to the evening’s mission. Wiseman then auctioned a few signed items to the crowd, with one signed concert poster bringing $1,000.
The audience gave a warm reception for newcomers Florida Georgia Line. The duo, comprised of Georgia’s Tyler Hubbard and Florida’s Brian Kelley, recently released a new EP, It’z Just What We Do on Big Loud Mountain, a partnership between Wiseman, Joey Moi, and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk. The band performed two songs from the release with “Cruise” and “Tip It Back.”
Jake Owen rounded-off the night fresh from his opening run on the Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney Brothers of the Sun arena tour. The “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” singer mentioned his parents and newlywed wife were watching from the wings as he sung “Journey of Your Life,” “Alone With You,” and “Heaven.”
Thanks to a sponsorship from O’Charley’s restaurants, 100% of tickets, auctioned items and merchandise went toward benefiting the food bank. According to Wiseman, each dollar raised could provide four meals to be served by Second Harvest.
We’re hoping nobody from the Ryman went to bed hungry, at least from a lack of good songwriting.
Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (L-R): Jaynee Day (Second Harvest), Rhett Akins, Jake Owen, Brittany Hansen. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Obama and Romney To Appear in CMT Awards Opening
/by FreemanCMT previously had political candidates on the awards during the 2008 presidential race. Candidates Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain all taped cameos for the show’s opening.
“The President and Governor Romney each understand the reach of the CMT audience, particularly on our highest-rated night of the year,” said Brian Philips, President, CMT. “They’re each great sports, they’re ‘in on the joke’, and they each went out of their way to deliver great moments for CMT. Tune in at the top of the show or you’ll miss them!”
Photo Spread: Chevy Test Drive, MCTI Donation, Tiffany Houghton Debut
/by Sarah SkatesCMA Hosts Chevy Test Drive
Chevrolet, The Official Ride of Country Music, hosted an Industry Test Drive at the CMA offices on Friday (6/1). Participants had the opportunity to test drive their choice of several exciting Chevrolet vehicles, including the 2012 Camaro pictured with CMA CEO Steve Moore behind the wheel. For every test drive, Chevrolet donated money to the CMA Foundation, which benefits music education through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing campaign.
(L-R): Steve Moore; CMA Board member and AristoMedia Group President and CEO, Jeff Walker; CMA Board member and Conway Entertainment Group Pres., Tony Conway; Chevrolet Manager of National Promotions, Phil Caruso; CMA Board member and Buddy Lee Attractions VP, Kevin Neal; and CMA Legal Counsel, R. Horton Frank. Photo: Christian Bottorff
MCTI Donates To Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
The 39th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational (MCTI) proudly donated $81,000 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The funds will support the Center’s services not covered by medical insurance for children with developmental disabilities. A Nashville tradition since 1973, MCTI is the longest running music-related charity tennis tournament in the country and has raised more than $1.5 million for Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Pictured (L-R) MCTI's Jeff Burrow, Greg Travis, Bill Riddle, Kathy Ashworth, Corrie Cron, Luann Mayer, Sherry Bond, Patsy Wells, Dr. Tyler Reimschisel, Joanne Nairon, Jim Massey, Rob Blackford and Patsy Bradley. Photo: Steve Green
Tiffany Houghton Celebrates Debut Release
Crowd Surf artist Tiffany Houghton celebrated the digital release her self-titled debut EP with a gathering Monday (6/4) at the Crowd Surf offices in Nashville. The singer is also teaming with Roughstock.com for CMA Music Fest week contest where one lucky fan and three friends will join her for dinner. She will appear at the BBQ Beach Meet & Greet on Saturday (6/9) and Sunday (6/10), and the Martin Guitars tent on Broadway on Saturday.
Pictured (L-R): Jade Driver, co-owner Crowd Surf; Tiffany Houghton; Eric Richter, Crowd Surf; and Cassie Petrey, co-owner Crowd Surf. Photo: Alex Barr
Publishing News (6/06/12)
/by Freeman• • • • •
Ryan Hurd has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group – Nashville.
(L-R): Robert Filhart (ASCAP), Chip Petree (Attorney), Kent Earls (UMPG), Ryan Beuschel (ASCAP), seated Freeman Wizer (UMPG), and Ryan Hurd.
• • • • •
George Canyon
ole has inked a co-publishing and worldwide administration deal with Canadian country singer/actor George Canyon. Notable copyrights in this agreement include “Pretty Drunk Out Tonight,” “Just Like You,” and “Let It Out,” among others. Also included is Canyon’s recently released single “Saddle Up.” His next studio album is slated for a fall release.
“We are proud that George has chosen ole as his music publisher, and are looking forward to working closely with Team Canyon on his future music and film projects,” says ole President Michael McCarty. “This signing further underscores our commitment to publishing the greatest stars in Canadian country music.”