Chapter 348
(L-R) Dailey & Vincent band member Joe Dean, Jamie Dailey, band member Jesse Stockman, manager Don Light, Darrin Vincent, band member Jeff Parker, publicist Karen Byrd, band member Christian Davis, sound engineer Key Chang.
The bluegrass demographic looks like it is becoming more diverse than ever. Judging by the crowd at the 21st annual International Bluegrass Music Awards at the Ryman (9/30), bluegrass still skews somewhat older. But more than ever, the genre’s fans were hard to pigeonhole. Thin young people mingled with heavyset seniors. Cowboys sat next to hippies, progressives were alongside rednecks. The audience included fans from Europe, Australia and Japan as well as a tiny smattering of African Americans.
No matter who they were, there was no consensus about proper award-show attire. Garb ranged from t-shirts and bluejeans to evening gowns and brocade wraps, from sport coats to sport shirts. Within yards of one another were a middle-aged guy in khaki shorts and a woman roughly his peer in a strapless floor-length gown with a pouffy organza stole.
No matter who they were or what they wore, they were treated to a triumphantly musical, 3 1/2 hour show. Let’s state the obvious: This is one genre where you have to be able to really play and really sing.
Dierks Bentley and an all-star bluegrass assemblage were a great show opener with “Fiddlin’ Around.” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver did a lickety-split, harmony-drenched version of Paul Simon’s “Gone at Last.” What a brilliant cover idea. Dailey & Vincent’s version of The Statler Brothers’ “Elizabeth” was perked up when Statler Jimmy Fortune walked out in mid-song to take over lead vocals on the song he wrote.
The Claire Lynch Band’s cover of Bill Monroe’s “My Florida Sunshine” was embellished with crisp triple fiddles, including Michael Cleveland’s. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of O Brother Where Art Thou were Alison Krauss & Union Station (“Valley to Pray”), The Whites (“Keep on the Sunny Side”) and Dan Tyminski (“Man of Constant Sorrow”). Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out did “Carolina’s Arms.”
The Del McCoury Band were tighter than tight on “Hello Lonely.” The Sam Bush Band did his co-written “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle.” Earl Scruggs, 86, led on acoustic guitar when he performed “You Are My Flower” with Gary Scruggs singing lead, plus Randy Scruggs, Jon Randall, Dierks and Rob Ickes accompanying. Earl is the last surviving architect of the bluegrass sound. I, for one, got teary eyed.
The evening was studded with outstanding collaborations. In addition to the Dierks, Claire and Scruggs events. The Josh Williams Band teamed with fleet-fingered Tony Rice on The Delmore Brothers chestnut “Blue Railroad Train.” Darrell Scott fronted Blue Highway to sing his “Bleeding for a Little Peace of Mind.” The evening’s finale was The John Hartford String Band joined by Alison Brown, Tut Taylor, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas and Jamie Hartford for “Gentle on My Mind.” Let the record show that all of these performances were greeted by wild ovations.
Winners? Winning biggest were Dailey & Vincent, with trophies for Entertainer, Vocal Group, Recorded Event and Album. But not far behind were Michael Cleveland (Fiddler, Instrumental Group), Josh Williams (Emerging Artist, Guitarist), The Gibson Brothers (Song, Gospel Performance) and Adam Steffey (Mandolinist, Instrumental Performance).
Many were IBMA repeaters, Steffey has won Mandolin Player of the Year five previous times. Rob Ickes continued his dominance on Dobro. He has won 11 prior IBMAs, including the last five years in succession. Michael Cleveland has won on fiddle eight times previously. Kristin Scott Benson of The Grascals won her third straight Banjo Player of the Year honor. This was Dailey & Vincent’s third consecutive win as both Entertainer and Vocal Group. Marshall Wilburn repeated his 2009 win as Bass Player.
But Russell Moore was a first-timer as Male Vocalist. The Gibson Brothers’ trophies were their first since winning Emerging Artist in 1998. Claire Lynch hasn’t won Female Vocalist since way back in 1997.
“Wow: That’s absolutely sweet,” said Male Vocalist Moore. “This has sucked every bit of the spit outta my mouth. Shoot, I’ll even thank the ones who didn’t vote for me. Everything’s good.” “My very first cut when to Number One, and that’s amazing to me,” said awestruck Song of the Year winner Chet O’Keefe (“Ring the Bell”).
Josh Williams did not have an album out this year, so he was clearly shocked to win Emerging Artist. “Oh my gosh, I love you guys so much,” he said before choking up. “I can’t tell you what this means to me. This is truly a dream come true.” He and his wife are expecting a baby in December, and he thanked his unborn son.
“It’s indeed a great honor to feel bona fide,” said Claire. “You are my family. I’m truly delighted and grateful.” When Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers won Album, Jamie Dailey said, “This was my dream record. I listened to The Statler Brothers from the time I was a 9-year-old kid. I really wanted to do this tribute record.”
“We are touched beyond words,” he added when picking up the Entertainer trophy. “We are all brothers and sisters in this business.”
That sentiment was echoed by Steffey: “One thing about this music that I would not trade for anything, and that’s the friends I’ve made. I love this music.” He was humbled by his win, stating, “If you walked in a mandolin store and there were 31 flavors like Baskin Robbins, I’d be vanilla. I don’t think there’s anything special about what I do.”
Louise Scruggs was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame by Eddie Stubbs. “Mom didn’t let that Man’s World define her,” said Gary. “She did as much as anybody, maybe more, to elevate bluegrass music,” added Randy. I’ll be more blunt. There would not be a bluegrass industry if it were not for Louise Scruggs, who passed away in 2006. It was a poignant touch that she and Earl first met at the Ryman.
John Hartford was inducted into the Hall by Tim O’Brien. “John represented the past, the present and the future of all music, and he was one of ours,” said Tim. “He was a special combination of wise and childlike.” Tim concluded by quoting “Gentle on My Mind,” saying, “I can still see you in my memory, by the rivers, on the backroads, ever smiling, ever gentle on my mind.” Hartford died in 2001, and Tim sang the song at his funeral.
“The only thing that could make this better would be if Dad could be here. He would know what to say,” said daughter Katie Hartford Hogue. As it turned out, he did. John left behind a quote that says, “Bluegrass is America’s last small town. Everybody knows everybody. And you don’t have to lock your doors.”
The show was ably hosted by Jerry Douglas, Sharon White and Cheryl White. At one point, Jerry donned a long silver wig to mock the locks of Ricky Skaggs. Presenters included Kenny & Amanda Smith. Recalling their first date, Kenny quipped, “She said the three words that would melt the heart of any man: ‘You wanna pick?’” Presenters Eddie & Martha Adcock referenced his headline-making recent brain surgery wherein he played his banjo during the operation.
Also taking the stage to hand out honors were Michael Martin Murphey, Hazel Dickens, Peter Rowan, The Grascals, Buck White, Aussies The Davidson Brothers, Dan Tyminski, Missy Raines, Melodie Cannon, humorous Rodney Dillard and Alison Krauss.
For a complete list of winners click HERE.
Weekly Chart Report (10/01/10)
/by FreemanDr. Bruce Nelson Stratton
RADIO NEWS
Quality Broadcasting’s KFTX/Corpus Christi GM/morning host Dr. Bruce Nelson Stratton has announced his retirement after 50 plus years in radio, 15 of which have been on air with KFTX. His last day will be December 31. “Nobody in this business could ask for a better 52 year career then I have had,” says Stratton. “Imagine getting paid ‘pretty well’ for 52 years for something you would have done for free. Plans include a weekend air shift, handling some very special advertising accounts doing another movie (soon) and calling Scott Borchetta to see if he’s signing any old guys like me. I’m remembering the Moe Bandy song ‘You Ain’t Heard The Last of Me.’” KFTX Sales Manager Cyndi Rowden is expected to take over as GM, and PD/Afternoons Chuck Abel will move to mornings.
(L-R): John Rich and WSLC/Roanoke PD Brett Sharp just before the station's 4th Annual Star-B-Q at the downtown Salems Farmers Market.
SPIN ZONE
Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” adds an additional 67 spins for a total of 3576 and hangs on to the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot a second week. Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” is decidedly unstuck as it gains 110 spins and jumps to No. 2. Hot on the Mercury duo’s heels is Taylor Swift’s “Mine,” which has made quick work of the chart by ascending to No. 3 in only eight weeks. The lone new entrant to the Top 5 is Reba’s “Turn On The Radio,” which moves ahead of The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” with a gain of 119 spins.
There are only two new additions to this week’s chart, which could be a sign that fall’s feverish release schedule is slightly slowing down. Billy Currington’s “Let Me Down Easy” is out front at No. 73, before his previous single “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” is even off the chart. The second spot also goes to UMG Nashville, as Gary Allan’s “Kiss Me When I’m Down” maneuvers into the No. 78 position.
It’s a difficult time to play the chart game with so many new superstar singles in rotation, but many independent artists are doing it and making some headway. CountryBreakout Award winner Cody McCarver is ahead of the bunch at No. 25, still picking up spins with “I’m America.” Newcomer David Adam Byrnes is a couple slots back at No. 27 with “Sweet Distraction.” Moving through the Top 40 are offerings including “Beautiful” by The Roys (No. 31), “How Long Is Long Enough” by Burns & Poe (No. 32), “What A Day To Shake A Heartache” by Sherry Lynn (No. 35) and “Leaving Home” by Katie Armiger (No. 38).
Upcoming Singles
October 4
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol
The Judds/I Will Stand By You/Curb
Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, & Miranda Lambert/Coal Miner’s Daughter/Columbia
October 11
Craig Morgan/Still A Little Chicken Left On The Bone/BNA
Daniel Smith/Until I Close My Eyes For Good/DLS Records
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury — 73
Gary Allan/Kiss Me When I’m Down/MCA — 78
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Tim McGraw/Felt Good On My Lips/Curb — 479
Toby Keith/Bullets In The Gun/Show Dog – Universal — 432
Keith Urban/Put You In A Song/Capitol — 418
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol — 381
Zac Brown Band feat. Alan Jackson/As She’s Walking Away/Atlantic/Bigger Picture — 299
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Andy Vello/Hank It Up/LoozLip Records — 230
Chris Heers/Happy Thought — 229
Troy Olsen/Good Hands/EMI Records — 218
Rocket Club/One Thing Beautiful/Feather — 218
Mike Aiken/Love You Tonight/Aspirion — 213
Two Week Most Added*
Artist/song/label — New adds
Tim McGraw/Felt Good On My Lips/Curb — 33
Toby Keith/Bullets In The Gun/Show Dog – Universal — 32
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol — 32
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury — 15
Keith Urban/Put You In A Song/Capitol — 11
Randy Houser/A Man Like Me/Show Dog – Universal — 7
LoCash Cowboys/Keep In Mind/Stroudavarious — 7
*Most adds rec’d over two weeks
CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan made stops in Sacramento, Calif. and Portland, Ore. last week for the CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan On Tour. Alan along with KNTY-FM hosted a free concert for fans featuring Joe Nichols and Kevin Fowler in Sacramento on Sept. 22. On Thursday, September 23, CMT Radio Live and KUPL-FM hosted a concert for charity featuring Joe Nichols along with Jack Ingram and Kevin Fowler in Portland. (L-R): KNTY PD Tosh Jackson, Fowler, Alan, MTV Music Grou VP Radio Lori Megown, Nichols and CMT Sr. Dir. Music & Promotion Stephen Linn.
Sherrill Named BMI Icon
/by MichelleBilly Sherrill
BMI will honor Billy Sherrill as a BMI Icon during its its 58th annual Country Awards, slated for Tuesday, November 9 at the organization’s Music Row offices in Nashville. The black-tie ceremony will celebrate songwriters and publishers of the past year’s fifty most-performed country songs from the BMI catalog. BMI will also award the Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year.
Sherrill joins a list of past honorees that includes John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Isaac Hayes, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, the Bee Gees, Ray Davies, James Brown, and more.
The eight-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year has earned 84 BMI Country, Pop and R&B Awards for penning jewels including “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “Stand By Your Man,” “’Til I Can Make It on My Own,” “My Elusive Dreams,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” “Almost Persuaded,” and “Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High).” Yet, Sherrill’s place in musical history would be assured even if he had never written a word. The Grammy-winning architect of countrypolitan produced standards including Charlie Rich’s “Behind Closed Doors,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” and George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Sherrill has received more BMI Country Awards than any other songwriter in history, and was named BMI Country Songwriter of the 20th Century in 1999. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, while the Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed Sherrill earlier this year.
Bobby Karl Works IBMA Awards
/by Robert K OermannChapter 348
(L-R) Dailey & Vincent band member Joe Dean, Jamie Dailey, band member Jesse Stockman, manager Don Light, Darrin Vincent, band member Jeff Parker, publicist Karen Byrd, band member Christian Davis, sound engineer Key Chang.
The bluegrass demographic looks like it is becoming more diverse than ever. Judging by the crowd at the 21st annual International Bluegrass Music Awards at the Ryman (9/30), bluegrass still skews somewhat older. But more than ever, the genre’s fans were hard to pigeonhole. Thin young people mingled with heavyset seniors. Cowboys sat next to hippies, progressives were alongside rednecks. The audience included fans from Europe, Australia and Japan as well as a tiny smattering of African Americans.
No matter who they were, there was no consensus about proper award-show attire. Garb ranged from t-shirts and bluejeans to evening gowns and brocade wraps, from sport coats to sport shirts. Within yards of one another were a middle-aged guy in khaki shorts and a woman roughly his peer in a strapless floor-length gown with a pouffy organza stole.
No matter who they were or what they wore, they were treated to a triumphantly musical, 3 1/2 hour show. Let’s state the obvious: This is one genre where you have to be able to really play and really sing.
Dierks Bentley and an all-star bluegrass assemblage were a great show opener with “Fiddlin’ Around.” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver did a lickety-split, harmony-drenched version of Paul Simon’s “Gone at Last.” What a brilliant cover idea. Dailey & Vincent’s version of The Statler Brothers’ “Elizabeth” was perked up when Statler Jimmy Fortune walked out in mid-song to take over lead vocals on the song he wrote.
The Claire Lynch Band’s cover of Bill Monroe’s “My Florida Sunshine” was embellished with crisp triple fiddles, including Michael Cleveland’s. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of O Brother Where Art Thou were Alison Krauss & Union Station (“Valley to Pray”), The Whites (“Keep on the Sunny Side”) and Dan Tyminski (“Man of Constant Sorrow”). Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out did “Carolina’s Arms.”
The Del McCoury Band were tighter than tight on “Hello Lonely.” The Sam Bush Band did his co-written “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle.” Earl Scruggs, 86, led on acoustic guitar when he performed “You Are My Flower” with Gary Scruggs singing lead, plus Randy Scruggs, Jon Randall, Dierks and Rob Ickes accompanying. Earl is the last surviving architect of the bluegrass sound. I, for one, got teary eyed.
The evening was studded with outstanding collaborations. In addition to the Dierks, Claire and Scruggs events. The Josh Williams Band teamed with fleet-fingered Tony Rice on The Delmore Brothers chestnut “Blue Railroad Train.” Darrell Scott fronted Blue Highway to sing his “Bleeding for a Little Peace of Mind.” The evening’s finale was The John Hartford String Band joined by Alison Brown, Tut Taylor, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas and Jamie Hartford for “Gentle on My Mind.” Let the record show that all of these performances were greeted by wild ovations.
Winners? Winning biggest were Dailey & Vincent, with trophies for Entertainer, Vocal Group, Recorded Event and Album. But not far behind were Michael Cleveland (Fiddler, Instrumental Group), Josh Williams (Emerging Artist, Guitarist), The Gibson Brothers (Song, Gospel Performance) and Adam Steffey (Mandolinist, Instrumental Performance).
Many were IBMA repeaters, Steffey has won Mandolin Player of the Year five previous times. Rob Ickes continued his dominance on Dobro. He has won 11 prior IBMAs, including the last five years in succession. Michael Cleveland has won on fiddle eight times previously. Kristin Scott Benson of The Grascals won her third straight Banjo Player of the Year honor. This was Dailey & Vincent’s third consecutive win as both Entertainer and Vocal Group. Marshall Wilburn repeated his 2009 win as Bass Player.
But Russell Moore was a first-timer as Male Vocalist. The Gibson Brothers’ trophies were their first since winning Emerging Artist in 1998. Claire Lynch hasn’t won Female Vocalist since way back in 1997.
“Wow: That’s absolutely sweet,” said Male Vocalist Moore. “This has sucked every bit of the spit outta my mouth. Shoot, I’ll even thank the ones who didn’t vote for me. Everything’s good.” “My very first cut when to Number One, and that’s amazing to me,” said awestruck Song of the Year winner Chet O’Keefe (“Ring the Bell”).
Josh Williams did not have an album out this year, so he was clearly shocked to win Emerging Artist. “Oh my gosh, I love you guys so much,” he said before choking up. “I can’t tell you what this means to me. This is truly a dream come true.” He and his wife are expecting a baby in December, and he thanked his unborn son.
“It’s indeed a great honor to feel bona fide,” said Claire. “You are my family. I’m truly delighted and grateful.” When Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers won Album, Jamie Dailey said, “This was my dream record. I listened to The Statler Brothers from the time I was a 9-year-old kid. I really wanted to do this tribute record.”
“We are touched beyond words,” he added when picking up the Entertainer trophy. “We are all brothers and sisters in this business.”
That sentiment was echoed by Steffey: “One thing about this music that I would not trade for anything, and that’s the friends I’ve made. I love this music.” He was humbled by his win, stating, “If you walked in a mandolin store and there were 31 flavors like Baskin Robbins, I’d be vanilla. I don’t think there’s anything special about what I do.”
Louise Scruggs was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame by Eddie Stubbs. “Mom didn’t let that Man’s World define her,” said Gary. “She did as much as anybody, maybe more, to elevate bluegrass music,” added Randy. I’ll be more blunt. There would not be a bluegrass industry if it were not for Louise Scruggs, who passed away in 2006. It was a poignant touch that she and Earl first met at the Ryman.
John Hartford was inducted into the Hall by Tim O’Brien. “John represented the past, the present and the future of all music, and he was one of ours,” said Tim. “He was a special combination of wise and childlike.” Tim concluded by quoting “Gentle on My Mind,” saying, “I can still see you in my memory, by the rivers, on the backroads, ever smiling, ever gentle on my mind.” Hartford died in 2001, and Tim sang the song at his funeral.
“The only thing that could make this better would be if Dad could be here. He would know what to say,” said daughter Katie Hartford Hogue. As it turned out, he did. John left behind a quote that says, “Bluegrass is America’s last small town. Everybody knows everybody. And you don’t have to lock your doors.”
The show was ably hosted by Jerry Douglas, Sharon White and Cheryl White. At one point, Jerry donned a long silver wig to mock the locks of Ricky Skaggs. Presenters included Kenny & Amanda Smith. Recalling their first date, Kenny quipped, “She said the three words that would melt the heart of any man: ‘You wanna pick?’” Presenters Eddie & Martha Adcock referenced his headline-making recent brain surgery wherein he played his banjo during the operation.
Also taking the stage to hand out honors were Michael Martin Murphey, Hazel Dickens, Peter Rowan, The Grascals, Buck White, Aussies The Davidson Brothers, Dan Tyminski, Missy Raines, Melodie Cannon, humorous Rodney Dillard and Alison Krauss.
For a complete list of winners click HERE.
Performance Royalty Wrangling Spurs FM Research
/by adminThe new Apple iPod nano music player has a built-in FM tuner.
As part of the debate framing the discussion of a performance royalty for terrestrial radio, airwaves advocate NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) has asked for a government mandate that all cell phones be equipped with an FM radio.
The CEA (consumer electronics association) has recently released a study showing that 70% of cell phone and smart phone owners were not interested in having FM built into their device. The study also showed that 80% opposed a government mandate to require them.
On the other side of the aisle, the NAB’s research shows that 73% of cell owners considered “having a radio in their cell phone for local weather and emergency alerts would be very or somewhat important.” NAB also reports that more than 50% of those surveyed didn’t realize that FM was an option in cell phones.
CEA President Gary Shapiro said, “We understand that radio broadcasters are facing competition from new services and technologies, but rather than rely on government mandates, we encourage broadcasters to provide innovative services that Americans actually want to use.”
Joe Nichols Makes $125,000 Donation
/by Eric T. ParkerAccording to Cyndy Teas, the camp’s co-founder and director of development, Nichols’ donation will be combined with a fund program from the Mabee Foundation making it possible for the camp to break ground immediately on a much-needed Health Care Facility.
“Every camper who comes to our summer program has a medical need,” Teas explains, “applying the money from Joe in this way provides the maximum benefit for the dollar to all of the campers. We are so appreciative of his honoring us and his sister Kelli in this way.”
Nichols will continue to tour through early December while his latest single, “The Shape I’m In” moves up the charts.
Opry Plans “Spirit Of Nashville Day”
/by FreemanOpry member Dierks Bentley will host a virtual tour of the refurbished Opry house Saturday, Oct. 2
With the Grand Ole Opry now returned to its permanent home at the Opry House, visitors and fans are invited to celebrate its homecoming on “Spirit of Nashville Day” Saturday, October 2.
The day will offer free tours of the Opry House from 10 am – 4 pm CT, as well as free music in the plaza starting at 12 noon and including a 6 pm performance by CMA Award nominees The Band Perry. Special Opry shows will recognize persons affected by the May 2010 Nashville flooding, as well as many who assisted with the relief efforts. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will join the 7 pm Opry show as a Guest Announcer, and performers for the night’s shows include Charley Pride, Craig Morgan and Kevin Costner.
For those unable to attend in person, Opry member Dierks Bentley will host his own Opry House tour for fans around the globe on the Opry’s Facebook page, starting at 10 am. Bentley is also celebrating his 5th anniversary as an Opry member with a performance tomorrow night (Oct. 1).
“Spirit of Nashville Day” kicks off the Opry’s 85th Birthday Month, which includes highlights such as the 85th Birthday Bash (Oct. 8-9) with Trace Adkins, Roy Clark, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and more; Opry Goes Pink (Oct. 15) supporting breast cancer awareness with the Judds and Kimberly Williams-Paisley; and Blake Shelton’s Opry Induction (Oct. 23).
Republic Nashville's The Band Perry will play a free concert Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Aldean’s Concert For The Cure
/by Michelle“Most of my long-time fans know that I had a really good friend die of breast cancer when she was only 29. The day she passed away, my family decided that we would always do something to carry on her memory and to help in the fight,” explains Aldean. “Everybody I know has been touched by it…they say a woman dies every 69 seconds from it. October is breast cancer awareness month, and it just felt like the right time to do our event this year. We’re taking it out of Nashville this year too, so that fans from other parts of the country can be involved. It’s going to be a great night.”
Aldean is set to release his fourth studio album, My Kinda Party, on Nov. 2.
ZBB This Week’s Top Dog, Next Week Chesney?
/by adminA bit further down the list we see Randy Houser’s No. 8 debut, They Call Me Cadillac with almost 9k units sold.
Checking a few more of country’s vital signs, 818.5k country tracks were sold on the Digital Genre Country 100 chart down slightly form 821k last week. YTD album sales (physical & digital) for both the overall business and for country are starting to align. The overall business is down 13.1% Y/Y, and country, including this week’s debuts is down 13.3%. There was lots of talk this week about the sputtering market for physical CDs, but note that this year, 80% of all country album sales are physical (72% of all-genre sales are physical.) However, despite the heavily tipped physical format scale, the overall numbers are dropping, so the pie is indeed shrinking. (Source: Nielsen SoundScan)
Looking to next week’s numbers there is an increasingly good chance that country music might again occupy the pinnacle on the all-genre album list. After first day sales, insiders are predicting that Kenny Chesney’s new title Hemingway’s Whiskey may scan from 180-200k units which should place him in the exalted “top dog” position.
Farm Aid Concert To Be Broadcast On Sirius XM
/by FreemanSirius XM listeners will be able to catch the concert live on Sirius XM channel Willie’s Place (Sirius ch. 64 / XM ch. 13) starting at 1 pm CT. Sirius XM’s Dallas Wayne will be on hand to offer backstage interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage.
Armiger Celebrates CD Release At SESAC
/by adminCover girl Katie Armiger. Photo: Izzynashville.com
Katie Armiger celebrated the upcoming Oct. 5 release of her third Cold River Records album, Confessions Of A Nice Girl to a packed house at SESAC (9/29). Armiger performed selected tracks from the new CD with musical help from special guests such as Rebecca Lynn Howard, guitarist Jesse Tucker, Bruce Wallace, Joe West and others. In the crowd was Bonnie Baker, who produced and co-wrote “Can You Handle It.” The album’s name was chosen by fans who voted for the title. Armiger co-wrote 9 of the 13 tracks.
GAC streamed the event live, powered by AristoWorks. Radio personality Scott Lindy, interviewed Armiger during several strategic breaks, asking her questions that had been submitted online by fans. Over 1300 fans from all over the world logged in to view the stream. Music from Confessions Of A Nice Girl can be previewed at www.katiearmiger.com