Juice Newton‘s Duets Album
Grammy and CMA award-winning artist Juice Newton will release a duets record, Duets: Friends & Memories, on November 16th, featuring a soulful twist on classic pop songs. Newton’s first single, “Funny How Time Slips Away,” with Willie Nelson, is out now.
Newton also joins forces with Glen Campbell, Frankie Valli, Melissa Manchester, Gary Morris, Randy Meisner and the late Dan Seals. “For me, it was like making three records,” Newton says. “These singers are so wonderful and unique – I really wanted to be on my game. I lived with my headphones on, studying the songs and preparing my interpretations.”
Newton’s noteworthy career includes multiple platinum and gold albums and 15 Top 10 hits, including “Angel of the Morning,” “Queen of Hearts” and “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known).” Newton will hit the road in support of Duets; dates to be announced.
Top 50 Viewer Poll at GACTV.com
GAC is giving viewers the chance to select their Top 50 Videos of the Year. Up until November 30th, fans can log in once day to vote for 10 of their favorites at www.gactv.com/top50. Over 130 videos from 96 artists released between November 1, 2009 and October 31, 2010 are eligible and listed in alphabetical order on the GAC website. Zac Brown Band and Jewel lead the pack with four nominated videos each, while Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith have three nominated videos each.
Voters can also enter for a chance to win $5,000 in cash and a trip for two to the Mississippi gulf cost.
The results from this viewer poll will be revealed in a year-end countdown special that will premiere on Monday, December 27th at 8:00 pm ET.
Kenny Chesney to Co-Headline Stadium Tour with Zac Brown Band
/by Eric T. ParkerKenny Chesney announced his return to
the stage for a nine stadium “Goin’ Coastal Tour”. When the four time CMA/ACM Entertainer of the year sets out on the 2011 tour, he will be joined by co-headliners The Zac Brown Band, plus special guests Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker.
“With four acts on the bill, we’ve created these shows as all-day events, and are working hard to make them affordable for our fans,” says tour promoter Louis Messina. Chesney will make at least 7,000 tickets available at $25 at the majority of the stadium dates.
Tickets for the first leg for of the tour will go on sale starting Nov. 20, with a presale available for registered fan club members at kennychesney.com. Additional arena and amphitheater dates to follow.
Chesney took a 2010 hiatus from the road, to produce a documentary about high school football, “The Boys of Fall,” which shares the name of his first radio single from his latest album, Hemingway’s Whiskey.
Kenny Chesney 2011 Tour
(Stadium Dates Only – co-headline with Zac Brown Band)
Sat Mar 19 – Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium (on sale Sat Dec 11)
Sat Apr 16 – Dallas, TX – Cowboys Stadium (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Jun 4 – Washington, DC – FedEx Field – (on sale Fri Dec 3)
Sat Jun 11 – Green Bay, WI – Lambeau Field (on sale Sat Dec 11)
Sat Jun 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field (on sale Sat Nov 20)
Sat Jul 2 – Pittsburgh, PA – Heinz Field (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Jul 30 – Kansas City, MO – Arrowhead Stadium (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Aug 20 – Detroit, MI – (on sale Sat Dec 4)
Sat Aug 27- Foxboro, MA – Gillette Stadium (on sale Sat Nov 20)
SESAC Promotes Edwards
/by contributor“Maxine brings a deep understanding of the ever-changing licensing world and has proven to be a confident and effective leader,” states Pat Collins, SESAC President/COO. “She possesses a clear vision of the future of SESAC and I feel she will continue to contribute significantly to SESAC’s ongoing growth in the music world.”
Edwards joined SESAC in 1995 as Manager, Account Resolutions and was subsequently promoted to Director, Administration & Support in 1997. In 2000, Edwards was named Senior Director, Licensing Administration before being promoted to Vice President, Administration & Process Development in 2005. Prior to joining SESAC, Edwards served as Senior Case Manager for Chapter 13 Trustee, Western District of TN.
Big Machine Publicity Adds Burr
/by adminErin D.D. Burr
Big Machine announces it has added Erin D.D. Burr to its publicity department as PR Account Manager. Burr’s primary focus will be the day-to-day facilitation of publicity initiatives for the Republic Nashville label roster, which includes The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, Sunny Sweeney and SHEL.
“I am ecstatic to be a part of this creative and passionate team that is defying challenges in our industry and making history,” says Burr. “I look forward to the journey and most importantly… the music our artists are making!”
Burr recently completed a three year stint as publicist for the Colgate Country Showdown, followed by two years as the Communications Director for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
“Erin’s previous work with aspiring artists, plus her national media and promotional experience, makes her a natural fit for the Big Machine Label Group as we continue to embark upon exciting new endeavors,” says Natalie Kilgore, BMLG Head of Publicity. “She will play an integral role in our artists’ day-to-day lives as well as serve as an important conduit between our three labels.”
Jimmy Harnen, President of Republic Nashville welcomed Burr saying, “Her ‘refuse to lose’ attitude make her the perfect addition to the Republic Nashville and Big Machine Label Group team.”
NYC Songwriters Series, Aldean’s Kind of Party, and Currington in Georgia
/by contributorEric Church, Bob DiPiero, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Luke Laird recently performed a sold-out show for CMA’s Songwriters Series at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Pictured (L-R): Bob DiPiero, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Eric Church and Luke Laird.
Broken Bow Records’ Jason Aldean celebrated with publishers, producers and writers for the release of his latest album, My Kinda Party, at Red Rooster’s in Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Producer Michael Knox, songwriters Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher.
Mercury artist Billy Currington stopped by the WKHX studios in Duluth, GA, before his appearance at the Gwinnett Arena.
Pictured (L-R): Mike Macho, MD, WKHX, Billy Currington, Christy Ullman, Promotions Director, WKHX.
Sara Evans Presents; Kid Rock Performs
/by adminSara Evans
Kid Rock is back, and set to perform on the 44th Annual CMA Awards set to air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 10. The show will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.
Kid Rock is nominated for Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You See,” his duet with the Zac Brown Band. He has a career total of two CMA Award nominations, having also been nominated in 2003 for Vocal Event of the Year for “Picture,” a duet with Sheryl Crow. His new album, Born Free, will be in-stores on Nov. 16.
Sara Evans has been added to the list of previously announced presenters which includes The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and ABC television stars JoAnna Garcia (“Better With You”) and Ty Pennington (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”). Rodney Atkins will present Awards in Pre-Telecast Ceremonies.
Kid Rock
Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood, and Keith Urban. In addition, special performances will feature Gwyneth Paltrow in her live Country Music singing debut performing with Vince Gill; top nominee Lambert with Sheryl Crow in a tribute to Loretta Lynn’s 50th Anniversary as a recording artist; Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson; and Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson.
Brown Opens Nashville Format Office
/by adminBrown will head up a Nashville Format branch, act as a music supervisor, plus tap into musical talent residing in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Having already developed offices in Los Angeles and New York, Format looks forward to the Nashville expansion.
“I’ve spent the last several years focusing on bridging Nashville with the film and entertainment communities in New York and LA,” says Brown. “I am passionate about music and excited to join forces with Format to take Nashville and its singers, songwriters and musicians to the next level. Whether it be supervision, consultation, artist representation or raising film financing for music driven films, I’m committed. I believe Nashville will become the true third coast within the next few years.”
Dave Jordan, Format’s President and Founder, adds, “Having been friends with Anastasia as well as admiring her talent, I’m thrilled she is joining the Format family.”
Brown has worked with artists such as Sting, Peter Frampton, Leon Russell, Waylon Jennings, Junior Brown, John Berry and Keith Urban, whom she helped launch in 1994 as co-manager. She has experience in artist management, A&R, and publishing and was asked to join NBC’s Nashville Star as a celebrity judge.
Anastasia can be reached at anastasia.brown@formatent.com
Pinecastle Records Reopens Under New Ownership
/by Robert K OermannOne of the leading bluegrass imprints, the company was closed last February because of the health issues of its previous owner, Col. Tom Riggs. Lassiter purchased the company from the Riggs family in August, and the label began rebuilding a roster this fall.
The first new signee is the North Carolina band Nu-Blu. Pinecastle is headquartered in Columbus, NC. Award-winning, Knoxville-based Dobro player Phil Leadbetter has re-signed with the company.
In addition to Lassiter, the new Pinecastle staff includes Matt Hood as VP of Public Relations, bookkeeper Kim Jolley, Ethan Burkhardt as VP of operations and executive assistant Macy Gibbs.
Pinecastle was originally founded in 1989. Its 250 releases to date include albums by such Nashville mainstays as The Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse and Kristin Scott Benson. This year’s Emerging Artist winner at the IBMA awards is Middle Tennessean Josh Williams. When the label closed, he moved from Pinecastle to Rounder Records.
Duets for Juice, Viewer Poll at GACTV.com
/by contributorGrammy and CMA award-winning artist Juice Newton will release a duets record, Duets: Friends & Memories, on November 16th, featuring a soulful twist on classic pop songs. Newton’s first single, “Funny How Time Slips Away,” with Willie Nelson, is out now.
Newton also joins forces with Glen Campbell, Frankie Valli, Melissa Manchester, Gary Morris, Randy Meisner and the late Dan Seals. “For me, it was like making three records,” Newton says. “These singers are so wonderful and unique – I really wanted to be on my game. I lived with my headphones on, studying the songs and preparing my interpretations.”
Newton’s noteworthy career includes multiple platinum and gold albums and 15 Top 10 hits, including “Angel of the Morning,” “Queen of Hearts” and “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known).” Newton will hit the road in support of Duets; dates to be announced.
GAC is giving viewers the chance to select their Top 50 Videos of the Year. Up until November 30th, fans can log in once day to vote for 10 of their favorites at www.gactv.com/top50. Over 130 videos from 96 artists released between November 1, 2009 and October 31, 2010 are eligible and listed in alphabetical order on the GAC website. Zac Brown Band and Jewel lead the pack with four nominated videos each, while Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith have three nominated videos each.
Voters can also enter for a chance to win $5,000 in cash and a trip for two to the Mississippi gulf cost.
The results from this viewer poll will be revealed in a year-end countdown special that will premiere on Monday, December 27th at 8:00 pm ET.
Rascal Flatts as “Real Heroes,” NAMM stays in Nashville
/by contributorNashville Lifestyles magazine recently honored Rascal Flatts as the cover subject for their November issue, highlighting the supergroup as “real heroes” for their considerable charitable contributions in Nashville area.
Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus serve as spokespersons for Hendersonville-based the Jason Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs. They are also celebrity ambassadors for the American Red Cross and have been recognized for their on-going work with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where the hospital recently named the pediatric surgery center for the band.
NAMM has announced that the industry’s summer gathering will take place in Nashville throughout 2013. NAMM, a not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion international musical instruments and products industry, promotes music making to people of all ages through activities and programs, including this summer session.
“These past few years, even in the depths of the recession, our Members came to Nashville to network, attend NAMM U sessions and do their fall buying,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “NAMM Member companies, especially independent dealers and innovative exhibitors have told us that they want and need this show, and we’re resolved to support them.”
The summer NAMM session will take place in Nashville July 21-23, 2011. In order to provide increased value to attendees and exhibitors, NAMM will be adding new features including a full day (Saturday, July 23, 2011) that will be open to the public, introducing more people to the benefits and fun of playing music.
More information on this and other NAMM events is available here.
No. 1 Parties in Nashville, More Photos
/by contributorBMI and ASCAP joined forces to throw a party at Rooster’s in Nashville, celebrating Josh Turner’s #1 hit, “All Over Me.” The song was co-written by the “Peach Pickers”—the songwriting power trio of Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip. The Pickers have also collaborated on Joe Nichols’ “Gimmie That Girl,” and Blake Shelton’s “All About Tonight.”
Pictured (L-R): Warner/Chappell’s Steve Markland; This Music’s Rusty Gaston; ASCAP’s Tim DuBois; co-writers Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, and Dallas Davidson; Josh Turner; BMI’s Jody Williams; UMG Nashville’s Royce Risser; and EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran.
ASCAP hosted a celebration for Brad Paisley’s latest hit, “Water,” with a party at Watermark in Nashville. “Water,” written by Paisley, Chris DuBois and Kelley Lovelace, marks Paisley’s 17th chart-topper and 13th consecutive No. 1 hit. “Water” is also the fourth No. 1 from his lauded American Saturday Night album.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Gary Overton, Sea Gayle Music's Liz O'Sullivan, Kelley Lovelace, Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley, ASCAP's Marc Driskill and producer Frank Rogers.
Artist Karli Whetstone recently visited the MusicRow office to play her new single, “I Didn’t” and to gift the staff with promotional mugs featuring a line from the song, “He thought that I should have a D-cup … and I didn’t.”
Pictured (L-R): Chart Director Jon Freeman, RowFax Manager Michelle Stephens, Karli Whetstone, Publisher/Editor David Ross and GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick.