GAC's Top 20 Countdown Host Nan Kelley with Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie’s new country duets project, Tuskegee will finally hit shelves Mon., March 26. The CD features 13 of his signature hits performed with a who’s who of today’s country stars.
The deluxe edition of the album contains a DVD featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the recording sessions with his duet partners.
Richie has a heavy duty publicity schedule to promote the release, including a March 14 performance at Billboard’s SXSW showcase and an hour-long live concert for HSN on March 16. Richie also graces the cover of Billboard on this March 24th issue, available now.
On Friday, March 23, CMT will premiere the 30-minute special CMT Presents: Lionel Richie: Tuskegee at 9:30 am CT, featuring interviews, studio footage with duet partners, and the “Endless Love” video with Shania Twain. Also March 23rd, Richie will appear on GAC’s Top 20 Countdown at 9 pm CT. BET will air CENTRIC Presents: Lionel Richie: Tuskegee on March 24 at 8:30 am CT.
NBC’s Weekend Today will air Lester Holt’s interview with Richie on Sun., March 25. Richie will also appear on NBC’s The Voice, Mon., March 26.
On Tuesday, March 27, Richie will be featured as CMT’s VJ for a Day at 7 am CT to share his favorite country videos. The same morning will also offer Richie performing “Deep River Woman” with Little Big Town on the Today show. That evening, “Say You, Say Me” a duet with Jason Aldean, will be performed on the Late Show with David Letterman.
On Wed., March 28, he will be interviewed on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, airing at 8 pm CT.
Richie is also slated to appear on the 47th Annual ACM Awards Sunday, April 1. The following evening, the ACM and dick clark productions will tape ACM PRESENTS: Lionel Richie and Friends–In Concert, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The show will air April 13 at 8 pm CT on CBS.
On April 2, he will perform on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by performances of “Just For You” with Billy Currington on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live April 4 and CBS’ The Talk on April 5.
Tuskegee already debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Canada on Mon., March 19, the day of its Canadian release. The album is also available in United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Europe and Australia, and will be released to the rest of the world on March 26.
Lionel Richie Makes Media Rounds to Promote Tuskegee
/by Eric T. ParkerGAC's Top 20 Countdown Host Nan Kelley with Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie’s new country duets project, Tuskegee will finally hit shelves Mon., March 26. The CD features 13 of his signature hits performed with a who’s who of today’s country stars.
The deluxe edition of the album contains a DVD featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the recording sessions with his duet partners.
Richie has a heavy duty publicity schedule to promote the release, including a March 14 performance at Billboard’s SXSW showcase and an hour-long live concert for HSN on March 16. Richie also graces the cover of Billboard on this March 24th issue, available now.
On Friday, March 23, CMT will premiere the 30-minute special CMT Presents: Lionel Richie: Tuskegee at 9:30 am CT, featuring interviews, studio footage with duet partners, and the “Endless Love” video with Shania Twain. Also March 23rd, Richie will appear on GAC’s Top 20 Countdown at 9 pm CT. BET will air CENTRIC Presents: Lionel Richie: Tuskegee on March 24 at 8:30 am CT.
NBC’s Weekend Today will air Lester Holt’s interview with Richie on Sun., March 25. Richie will also appear on NBC’s The Voice, Mon., March 26.
On Tuesday, March 27, Richie will be featured as CMT’s VJ for a Day at 7 am CT to share his favorite country videos. The same morning will also offer Richie performing “Deep River Woman” with Little Big Town on the Today show. That evening, “Say You, Say Me” a duet with Jason Aldean, will be performed on the Late Show with David Letterman.
On Wed., March 28, he will be interviewed on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, airing at 8 pm CT.
Richie is also slated to appear on the 47th Annual ACM Awards Sunday, April 1. The following evening, the ACM and dick clark productions will tape ACM PRESENTS: Lionel Richie and Friends–In Concert, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The show will air April 13 at 8 pm CT on CBS.
On April 2, he will perform on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by performances of “Just For You” with Billy Currington on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live April 4 and CBS’ The Talk on April 5.
Tuskegee already debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Canada on Mon., March 19, the day of its Canadian release. The album is also available in United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Europe and Australia, and will be released to the rest of the world on March 26.
Photo Roundup (3/22/12)
/by MichelleGamma Blast director Jeff Johnson, who has directed projects for Keith Urban, Billy Currington, and Lady Antebellum recently completed a music video for new country artist Brynn Marie. The video for her debut single, “Bandaid On A Bullet Hole” was shot on location at Silver Pointe studios in Nashville. After an exclusive run on CMT.com, the video will begin airing on AOL’s The Boot as well as other online and broadcast outlets.
Johnson commented, “First and foremost, Brynn is a great live performer, so I really wanted to capture the essence of her “live” show. She’s also a trained dancer and we enlisted some Tennessee Titans cheerleaders to appear with her in the dance sequence.”
(3rd from left) lighting designer Erik Parker, Brynn Marie and Johnson with the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders.
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Katie Armiger has begun working on her new album with Reigning CMA Musician of The Year, Mac McAnally and two time Grammy Winner, Chad Carlson at the Blackbird Studio in Nashville. “To begin work on my next album with Chad and such amazing musicians is so exciting…and to be able to write all of the songs for this album is an amazing feeling,” exclaimed Armiger.
(L-R): Mac McAnally, Katie Armiger, Chad Carlson
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ACM New Artist of the Year nominee Brantley Gilbert recently performed on the 86th floor of Empire State Building. He performed his No. 1 hit, “Country Must Be Country Wide,” as well as his current top 20 and rising single, “You Don’t Know Her like I Do.” Gilbert, who will make his network television debut on the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 1, was in town as part of Eric Church’s The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour playing to a sold-out crowd fat the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Brantley Gilbert
Jacob Davis Signs With Wrensong
/by Eric T. Parker(L-R): Wrensong's Ree Guyer-Buchanan, Jacob Davis, and ASCAP's Robert Filhart
Singer/songwriter Jacob Davis signed his first publishing deal with Wrensong Music Publishing. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Davis was a participant in ASCAP’s Country Songwriting Workshop in Fall 2011 and its GPS Program (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) earlier in 2012.
White Prepares Solo Album, Schedules Ryman Dates
/by FreemanWhite also has a handful of live dates scheduled, including a two night stand May 15-16 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with hot up-and-comers The Alabama Shakes supporting. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, March 23, at Noon. Full dates here.
Blunderbuss is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, and single “Sixteen Saltines” can be downloaded ahead of the release date. Check out a clip of White performing the song on Saturday Night Live with an all male band here, as well as a clip of him performing “Love Interruption” with an all female band here.
Photo Roundup (3/21/12)
/by Caitlin Rantala(L–R): BMI's Ari Surdoval, panelists John Doe, Todd Snider and Jesse Malin; and BMI’s Jody Williams
Featuring insight from John Doe, Todd Snider and Jesse Malin and moderated by BMI’s Jody Williams, the “How to Track and Capture Wild Roots Songs of North America” songwriting panel at SXSW offered a unique opportunity to listen to three master writers discuss their craft and perform acoustic versions of their songs.
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L–R: Matthew O’Brien, Big Fella, Ryan Huie, Raeanna Mowl and Ashlee Locke
Yesterday (3/20), SOLID (Society of Leaders In Development) members spoke at “The Best Job Ever” for students at MTSU.
Brightwell Joins Diane Richey Promotions
/by FreemanBrightwell’s background includes time as a morning personality with WTRS/Ocala, and most recently as the co-host of the Rick & Beth Morning Show on WSM-FM/Nashville. Congratulate her at richeypromobb@comcast.net.
Brantley Gilbert Announced for Ram Truck Series
/by Eric T. ParkerThe series is presented by the Ram Trucks and will feature exclusive video, sweepstakes, and free downloads. Fans can enter for a chance to win trips for two to 2012 Ram Jam concert on the contest website or through the Facebook page. Gilbert will additionally offer fans a chance to win a free download of his single, “Kick It In The Sticks” when they enter the Road to the concert sweepstakes.
All five participating artists will receive a lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds benefiting a charity of each artist’s choice. Gilbert will donate to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
“Teaming up with Ram for the Road to the Ram Jam was a no brainer – it’s a great way to reach out to the BG Nation and beyond with some amazing and very cool content,” said Gilbert. “The best part is we get to auction off my truck at the end of the year and donate the money to IAVA. How awesome is that?”
Signings and Hirings: G7, Hearts Bluff, Bobby Roberts, Centricity
/by Sarah SkatesCentricity Music Publishing has signed hit Christian songwriter Sam Mizell to an exclusive contract. His songs have been recorded by Matthew West, Natalie Grant, Madisa, Francesca Battistelli, and many others. His seven No. 1 singles have resulted in a Grammy nomination, and Dove and ASCAP awards. (L-R): Sam Mizell and Centricity Music head Steve Rice
Hearts Bluff Music has expanded its Creative Services department with the addition of Greg Gallo. His background includes placing songs with Faith Hill, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum, as well as roles at Ash Street Music and Big Loud Shirt.
Hearts Bluff President/CEO Scott Parker leads the company which according to a press release has $20 million in private funding and has acquired over 50 No. 1 hits in recent years.
In addition, Gallo continues to provide creative services for Revelry Music Group, Extreme Writers Group, Brave Music, Silent Gate Music, Savannah Music Group, Yacht Haven Music and Beautiful Day Music.
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The Bobby Roberts Company has signed Curb Records artist Morgan Frazier and Bigger Picture artist Chris Janson for exclusive booking representation. President Lance Roberts also announced the hiring of Matt Rizor as an agent.
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G7 Entertainment Marketing today announced the appointment of four new executives. Lori Cloud has joined G7 as Executive Director of Client Services. She has 25 years of entertainment marketing experience and was most recently VP Brand Strategy and Digital Media at management firm Big Enterprises. Previously she was a Brand Agent at the LA headquarters of Creative Artists Agency, where she managed client relationships such as The Coca-Cola Company, P&G, Sprint, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Starwood Hotels.
Rick Whetsel is on board as G7’s Director of Booking and Production. He has more than 20 years experience in the music industry including founding Nashville-based Great Big Shows, a top concerts promotions and productions company. Most recently he has focused on sponsor-driven events and corporate productions, working with a variety of Fortune 500 consumer brands.
Diana Garcia has joined G7 as Digital Strategist and Project Manager, specializing in data collection, viral marketing, social media and interactive storytelling. She has more than eight years of experience working with acts including Rascal Flatts, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton and many others.
Christian Henderson has joined G7 as Project Manager. Henderson was most recently at Creative Artists Agency.
Artist Updates (3/21/12)
/by FreemanPhoto: Lloyd Bishop/NBC
Eric Church made an appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Monday night (3/19), where he played his current single “Springsteen.” See Church’s performance here, just after the 37 minute mark.
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Jake Owen will also play late night television, when he visits The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on March 26. Owen will play his current hit “Alone With You,” which was recently certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000-plus downloads.
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Lady Antebellum has named the community of Henryville, IN as the winner of the group’s “Own Prom Night” contest. The community was chosen for the resilience and unity it has displayed after devastating tornadoes hit earlier in March. Due to a prior commitment, Lady A won’t be able to make Henryville High School’s scheduled prom, but has decided to throw another event on May 16 in nearby Louisville, KY for the school’s juniors and seniors, as well as a benefit for the community. See the reveal here.
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Gloriana’s Tom Gossin announced the engagement to his longtime girlfriend Jamie Moffett during a show in his upstate New York hometown last week. The couple met in North Carolina as teens, and celebrated their 10 year anniversary on March 1 with Tom’s surprise proposal. No official wedding plans have been made.
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(L-R): Firefly Co-Founder, Scott Newitt, and Average Joes JB Patterson of JB and the Moonshine Band.
Average Joes Entertainment’s JB and the Moonshine Band might have to make room in the cabinet for another type of spirit, as South Carolina-based Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka has signed on as a partner. When JB joins up with Colt Ford’s Declaration of Independence tour starting in April, he and band will be driving the Firefly Vodka RV across 17 states. Additionally, the band will play 15 club dates promoting Firefly. Dates here.
Industry Ink Wednesday (3/21/12)
/by Sarah SkatesMuseum celebrates Chet Atkins—On Saturday (3/17), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a panel discussion, Chet Atkins at Studio. Artists Bobby Bare (“Detroit City”) and Jim Ed Brown (“The Three Bells”), background singer Dolores Dinning Edgin, studio guitarist Ray Edenton, and hit songwriter John D. Loudermilk (“Abilene”) shared their memories of Atkins as a record producer and the manager of RCA Studio B. This program was offered as part of the special exhibition Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, Made Possible Through the Generous Support of the Gretsch Company. Pictured (L-R): panel host and Museum Senior Historian John Rumble, John D. Loudermilk, Ray Edenton, Dolores Dinning Edgin, Bobby Bare and Jim Ed Brown. Photo: Donn Jones
• Scott B. Bomar has launched 4th and State Music Services offering music licensing, copyright research, historical research, online content creation, and organization services such as cataloging masters. He recently produced a 5-CD set for Bear Family Records featuring the music of Bakersfield, CA artist Red Simpson, and penned the accompanying coffee table book. He will moderate a panel March 24 at the opening of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Bakersfield Sound” exhibit. The Nashville native is son of publisher Woody Bomar, and is based in Los Angeles but available for work nationwide. His career most recently included time at Universal Music Publishing. Reach him at www.4thAndState.com.
• CRS 2013 agenda committee applications are now available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com and will be accepted through Fri., April 6. The CRS Agenda Committee is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the Country radio and record industries. The committee is responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s Country Radio Seminar. Prospective applicants must be available to attend agenda meetings in Nashville on June 20-22, 2012 and are expected to attend panels and meetings at CRS 2013, held Feb. 27 – March 1, 2013.
• The AristoMedia Group’s 2012 Country Video Outlet Status Report is now available for online viewing here. The annual report highlights the current media outlets using Country music video content as part of their programming and outlines important trends and opportunities at the national, regional, syndicated, pool/closed-circuit and online video outlet levels. The 2012 status report points to increasing demand for video content at nearly every outlet level, with the most substantial growth noted in mobile application platforms and blogs.
• The 30th Annual Texaco Country Showdown National Final will air on WZTV FOX-Nashville Sun., March 25 at 5:00 p.m. LeAnn Rimes hosted the pre-recorded show at the Ryman Auditorium where five rising artists compete for $100,000 and the title “Best New Act in Country Music.”
• The Long Players band celebrates its eighth anniversary with a show Fri., March 23 at the Mercy Lounge. The band dedicated to performing classic albums in their entirety will play R.E.M.’s Murmur. The Long Players is made up of Steve Allen, John Deaderick, Steve Ebe and Bill Lloyd. Among the special guests joining them Friday night will be Don Dixon, who co-produced Murmur. Part of the $15 cover will be donated to Kim Collins’ medical relief fund.