Industry Ink Thursday (8/25)

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• Americana Defined—Merriam-Webster has added the word Americana to its Collegiate Dictionary. According to the dictionary’s editors Americana music is defined as: a genre of American music having roots in early folk and country music.

• Guy Clark’s live album Songs And Stories debuted this week. Recorded at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre, Clark was joined at the show by longtime sidekick and co-writer Verlon Thompson, along with Shawn Camp, Bryn Davies and Kenny Malone. The Dualtone release sold over 3000 copies its first week—a great lead in to Clark’s upcoming 70th birthday. He is member of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Mike Rivers has exited his post as Sony Music Nashville Director Field Sales, Marketing & Catalog Development. He can be reached at mike.rivers09@comcast.net or 615-500-8346.

• Mark Bright will be the featured speaker at the Producer’s Chair tonight (8/25) at 6:00 p.m. at Douglas Corner.

• Marlee Scott visited the MusicRow offices recently to perform a few new songs. The rising singer has been on a radio tour promoting current single “Beautiful Maybe,” and has been getting airplay with the Wes Edwards-directed video. She often cooks her favorite chocolate Marls Bars for station visits, and is sharing the recipe with fans on her “In The Kitchen” video blog.
The Ontario native and Nashville resident is busy with upcoming events at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards and Country Music Week.

Back row (L-R): MusicRow's Sherod Robertson, Christie King, and David Ross, and Marco Promotion's Rick Kelly. Front row (L-R): Manager Gerry Leiske, Marlee Scott and MusicRow's Jon Freeman.

• Nan Kelley at WMBA Meeting—The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed Nan Kelley as its guest speaker for the Aug. 16 membership meeting. The host of GAC’s Opry Live and Top 20 Country Countdown shared her experience as a broadcast journalist, music historian, singer-songwriter and performer, with attendees honoring her with a standing ovation at the end of the meeting.

Pictured at the WMBA meeting (L-R): Holly Ashby, Vice President; Betsy Walker, Membership Chairman; Nan Kelley; Amanda Fletcher, Social Chairman; Brandi Simms, President; Kama Upton, Community Service Chairman; Susan Myers; Amery Fridenstine, Treasurer; and Trina Lloyd-Weidner, Secretary

• A documentary produced in part by Nashville’s Thinking Bee Productions was awarded the Grand Prize for Best Documentary in the Rhode Island International Film Festival’s Viola M. Marshall Audience Choice Awards. The indie documentary is Family Band: The Cowsills Story. Thinking Bee is a visual production company founded by director/editor Bill Filipiak and producer Jo Hunt which focuses on music documentaries.

• Luna Chica Records has launched online radio station Indie Music Nashville (IMN), offering 24-hour programming of Americana, Country and indie rock at www.indiemusicnashville.com. Those wishing to submit material can send a CD and contact info to Indie Music Nashville, 2826 Dogwood Place, Nashville, TN 37204.

• Several songwriters are on the line-up for a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, scheduled for Wed., Aug. 31, 7-10:30 p.m. at The Building in East Nashville. Among those set to perform are Dave Pahanish, Lauren Lucas, and Channing Wilson.

• Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free weekly lawn party in Centennial Park, recently announced its fall season schedule which takes place on Saturdays from Sept. 3 to Nov. 5. See the line up at www.musicianscornernashville.com.

• Xtreme Muzik The Tour, featuring co-headliners Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson, has been a hit with audiences from coast to coast. For their Sept. 2 hometown show at The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel, the artists will donate 100% of their proceeds to Operation Finally Home, a 501(c)3 organization that honors wounded and disabled veterans and widows of fallen soldiers with new homes.

Pictured at a recent Xtreme Tour date in Allentown, PA. (L-R): artist manager and Fontanel co-owner Marc Oswald; George King, OM WCTO/Allentown; Big Kenny; Gretchen Wilson; Sam Malone, AM Show WCTO/Allentown; Cowboy Troy; Becca Lynn, AM Show WCTO/Allentown; Lindsay Walleman, Manager Promo MW/NE; John Rich

CMA Awards Bidding War Draws To A Close?

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As reported last week, the major television networks have been in a bidding war for broadcast rights to the CMA Awards. ABC has been the show’s home in recent years, and despite efforts by NBC and CBS, two outlets are reporting that “Country Music’s Biggest Night” will likely stay put on ABC.

The Hollywood Reporter has posted a story about a pending agreement between ABC and CMA.

The story is also on the website of Broadcasting & Cable, which reports, “One source says the price tag could reach more than $30 million per year in a multi-year deal that would also include the summertime CMA Music Festival and a Christmas special.”

Stay tuned for official word from the CMA…

Video: Lady A “Unplugs,” Discusses New Album

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Lady Antebellum announces they will touch-down in three major cities surrounding their Sept. 13 Own The Night album release in a concert series labeled Own The Night: Unplugged. The evenings will feature stripped-down versions of new and old favorites from the band beginning in Chicago on Sept. 10, New York on release day (9/13), followed by Los Angeles on Sept. 15.

“The next few weeks are crazy, and we wanted to make spending time with our fans in a low-key, intimate setting a big priority,” says Hillary Scott. “We want to play some of our new songs and their favorites, and really live in this moment with them.”

These intimate shows will precede the band’s first headlining tour, hitting arenas in 21 cities, starting Nov. 11 in Knoxville, featuring Josh Kelley on all dates, with Randy Montana and Edens Edge on select dates.

Fans can purchase the very limited “Unplugged” tickets beginning tomorrow (8/26) plus receive information on the arena tour tickets through www.ladyantebellum.com.
A behind-the-scenes look as the band prepares for the upcoming Own The Night album release and tour can be seen with the video below.

“We named our new album ‘Own The Night’ after one of our favorite songs ‘We Owned The Night’ off the new album, and felt it was a great description of how we wanted our fans to spend each night of the tour with us,” explains Dave Haywood. “When people come out to our live show or hear the song on the radio it’s a call to action. Be confident, live in the moment and enjoy the experiences you’re going through—own them.”

Own The Night 2011 Stadium Tour

11/11 – Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Coliseum*
11/12 – Macon, Ga. -Macon Centreplex*
11/13 – Pikeville, Ky. – East Kentucky Expo Center*
11/16 – El Paso, Texas – El Paso County Coliseum*
11/17 – Phoenix, Ariz. – Grand Canyon University*
11/18 – Las Vegas, Nev. – The Joint @ The Hard Rock*
11/25 – Huntsville, Ala. – Von Braun Civic Center**
11/26 – Florence, S.C. – Florence Civic Center**
11/27 – Savannah, Ga. – Savannah Civic Center**
12/1 – Colorado Springs, Colo. – Colorado Springs World Arena**
12/2 – Lubbock, Texas – City Bank Coliseum**
12/3 – Wichita Falls, Texas – Kay Yeager Coliseum**
12/4 – Belton, Texas – Bell County Expo Center**
12/8 – La Crosse, Wis. – La Crosse Center Arena**
12/9 – Sioux City, Iowa – Tyson Center**
12/10 – Springfield, Mo. – JQH Arena**
12/11 – Murray, Ky. – CFSB Center**
12/15 – Amherst, Mass. – The Mullins Center**
12/16 – Wilkes-Barre, Pa. – Mohegan Sun Arena**
12/17 – Roanoke, Va. – Roanoke Civic Center**
12/18 – Morgantown, W.Va. – WVU Coliseum**

*Tour Dates with Randy Montana
**Tour Dates with Eden’s Edge

Breaking News: Details on CMA Noms Announcement

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The Band Perry and Jake Owen will reveal some of the nominations live on ABC's "Good Morning America."

“Country Music’s Biggest Morning” will be Tues., Sept. 6, when the final nominees for “The 45th Annual CMA Awards” are announced from two cities.

The Band Perry and Jake Owen will announce the final nominees in five CMA Awards categories live from the Good Morning America studios in the heart of New York City’s Times Square on the ABC Television Network. The announcement will air in the 8:30 AM/ET half-hour segment of the morning news program. During the broadcast, Owen will also perform his current Top Five single “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.”

Later that morning, Jerrod Niemann and Thompson Square will announce the finalists in seven CMA Awards categories from Nashville at a press conference at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Also in Nashville, the JaneDear girls will announce the finalists for the 2011 CMA Broadcast Award Personality and Radio Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large, and major markets), as well as the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality.

CMT Insider Special Edition: 2011 CMA Awards Nominations, featuring in-depth coverage of all the nominations, artist interviews, and more, will premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 7 (11:30 AM/ET). The 30-minute special will re-air on Saturday, Sept. 10 (1:30 PM/ET) and again on Sunday, Sept. 11 (11:00 AM/ET) on CMT.

CMA’s official radio partner, Premiere Radio Network, will carry the Awards and Broadcast Award nominations live to Country Radio.

The awards will be presented Nov. 9 on “Country Music’s Biggest Night.”

Quick Pics

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Connie Smith Takes Up Residency at Hall of Fame
Connie Smith with featured steel guitarist guests Gary Carter, Robby Turner, and Weldon Myrick before her first Artist-in-Residency show Monday night (8/22) at the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum. The theme for the evening was “Connie and the Steel Guitar.” Smith’s remaining residency programs will be Aug. 29 and Sept. 12.

Pictured (L-R): Gary Carter, Robby Turner, Connie Smith, Weldon Myrick, Marty Stuart and Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo: Donn Jones

Miller Harris Foundation Benefit
SESAC supported the annual Miller Harris Foundation Benefit show at the Bluebird Café, which featured a line-up of top songwriters including its own affiliates Rob Hatch and Lance Miller, who took the stage along with fellow hitmakers Dallas Davidson, Lee Brice, Jason Sellers, Doug Johnson and Jerrod Niemann. The event raised funds for asthma education and awareness programs. The 12th Annual Miller Harris Golf Tournament will be held Mon., Sept. 12 at Temple Hills Country Club in Franklin, Tenn. Registration at www.millerharrisfoundation.org.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Dallas Davidson, Karen Sturgeon, Lee Brice, Rob Hatch, Jerrod Niemann, Judy Harris, Jason Sellers, Doug Johnson and Lance Miller. Photo: Alan Mayor

East Side Sounds
BMI partnered with Rumours East Wine Bar to present another installment of East Side Sounds on Wed., Aug. 10. The free monthly showcase series hinges on acoustic, in-the-round sets by indie up-and-comers. Singer/songwriters Stephanie Lambring, Jimmy Robbins, Robert Kelly, and Julia Sinclair took full advantage of the intimate, outdoor setting, swapping stories and finely crafted songs.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Beth Laird, Lambring, Kelly, Robbins, Sinclair, and BMI’s Julie Stuckey and Mark Mason. Photo: Drew Maynard

Apple’s Steve Jobs Steps Down

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Steve Jobs

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced his resignation from that post today (8/24), and was elected chairman of the board of the technology giant. The company’s COO Tim Cook, who has been leading Apple during Jobs’ recurring medical leaves, will succeed Jobs as CEO according to the company’s official press release.

 

Jobs has been plagued with health issues in recent years following a 2004 fight with pancreatic cancer. However, there was no mention of his health in his resignation letter to the board (below). The tech visionary has been on medical leave since January, though he did appear briefly in public in March to launch the iPad2.

August 24, 2011

Letter from Steve Jobs

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

 

More here from the Wall Street Journal.

 

Gibson Guitar Raided

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Gibson’s plants in Nashville and Memphis were raided today by federal agents. Law enforcement is not giving any details in the case, but The Tennessean reports that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were executing search warrants at the offices.

Today’s searches could be related to past investigations about using endangered wood in Gibson’s instrument manufacturing. In November 2009, Gibson was charged with illegal importation of Madagascar wood.

 

Frank DiLeo Passes

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DiLeo's signature look always included a cigar.

Legendary music businessman Frank DiLeo died today (8/24) following a lengthy illness. He was 63 and is best known as Michael Jackson’s manager during the pinnacle of the star’s career in the 1980s. DiLeo resumed the role in the months leading up to Jackson’s death, and continued working for his estate following the star’s passing.

DiLeo grew to industry prominence after being tapped by another legend, Walter Yetnikoff, to lead Epic’s promotion division, where the younger exec was an outspoken advocate for independent radio promotion, and helped build the careers of Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Meat Loaf, Ozzy Osbourne, Gloria Estefan and REO Speedwagon.

DiLeo’s work at Epic led to his management role with Jackson, during which he guided the singer through his post-Thriller skyrocketing career, including the monumental Bad World Tour, movie Moonwalker, and classic Pepsi commercials/endorsement deal.

In January 2007, he formed the Nashville based Dileo Entertainment Group and worked with singer-songwriter Galen Griffin and other new talents. He was a 2008 graduate of Leadership Music.

DiLeo also acted in famed mobster flick Goodfellas.

The Nashville Scene was the first media outlet to report DiLeo’s passing, and also featured him in a 2007 cover story.

DiLeo and Michael Jackson.

Eli Young Scores Solid Debut

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Eli Young Band’s Life At Best debuted with sales of 35K units, including a notably high 46 percent digital downloads. Fueled by hit lead single “Crazy Girl,” the project came in at No. 3 on the Country Album Chart (Nielsen Soundscan).

Spending a second week at No. 1 on that chart is Luke Bryan, moving 52K copies this week for RTD totals nearing 200K. Jason Aldean lands at No. 2, moving about 37K per week after 42 weeks on the chart. And Eric Church sells 31K to slide into No. 4 after just as many weeks.

On the digital tracks front, Lady A has two songs in the top 5 country downloads, both from upcoming release Own The Night, and moving about 60K each.

The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” is at No. 1 with 83K. Also faring well are downloads of the Brad/Carrie duet (68K), and Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” (70K).

Jay Z and Kanye West’s Watch The Throne is ruling the land, with 177K units for a two-week RTD total of 619K.

Hunter Hayes Plans Album Release

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Multi-instrumentalist Hunter Hayes will release his debut self-titled album on Atlantic Records October 11.

The young artist from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, co-produced it with Dann Huff, and played every instrument. Included among the 12 tracks of Hunter Hayes are his current single “Storm Warning,” which is climbing the charts. Full track list below.

In addition to his own music, Hayes has also co-written songs for artists such as Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry and shared the stage with Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and more. He just wrapped up his stint on Taylor Swift’s Speak Now World Tour 2011 and made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He’s now planning his fall Most Wanted tour.

Hunter Hayes Track Listing:
1. Storm Warning
2. Wanted
3. If You Told Me To
4. Love Makes Me
5. Faith
6. Somebody’s Heartbreak
7. Rainy Season
8. Cry
9. Somebody But Me
10. What You Gonna Do
11. More Than I Should
12. All You Ever