Sam Cerami
Salvatore “Sam” Cerami, a radio promotion veteran who helped propel decades of hits, has passed away. He was 89.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Cerami’s passion for music began at a young age. His mother recognized his talent as a singer, and facilitated his formal training from a teacher who had been an opera singer in Italy. Eventually, singing at his teacher’s studio would lead to him meeting his wife and duet partner, Beverly Salatino.
With a desire to stay in music, Cerami took a job at Coral Records in their record distribution center. His knack for sales soon became apparent, and while traveling to sell records, he also stopped by radio stations to secure airplay. His efforts were so successful that Coral’s sister company, Decca Records, brought him on as a regional promoter—launching a remarkable seven-decade career in the music business.
As a Promoter, Regional Manager and then National Sales & Promotion Manager, Cerami took some of the most popular songs to No. 1 on the charts. His career moved from pop, rock and R&B to classical, country and even comedy. After notching his first No. 1 as a promoter with “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley, Cerami had hits with Buddy Holly, Moody Blues, Ides of March, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink, Johnny Mathis, Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Newton John, Tanya Tucker, Glen Campbell, the Gatlins, Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Alabama, Barbara Mandrell, Tammy Wynette, Lee Greenwood, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Rascal Flatts, Steve Martin and many more.
Cerami’s expertise was recognized by the industry when he was named Billboard’s Promotion Man of the Year for 1978 and received Gavin’s National Promotion Director of the Year in 1991.
Cerami was preceded in death by his parents Salvatore Cerami and Virginia (Catanzaro) Cerami, his brother Joseph Cerami, his aunt and uncle Pearl (Catanzaro) and Anthony Cerami and his sister-in-law Lenora Cerami. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Cerami) Herbert; his sisters-in-law, Anne (Pauly) Cerami and Alana Salatino; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A Celebration of Life event and dinner will be held Wed., Dec. 18th. Details and an RSVP form can be found on samcerami.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Tunnels to Towers or your local animal shelter, as these were Cerami’s favorite charitable organizations.
Ella Langley Notches First No. 1 Single At Country Radio
/by LB CantrellRiley Green and Ella Langley
Breakout singer-songwriter Ella Langley has earned her first No. 1 on country radio with “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green. The tune was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.
The feat makes Langley the first female artist to lead the Billboard Country Airplay Chart in 2024. The last woman to top the chart was Lainey Wilson, who was a featured vocalist on Jelly Roll’s “Save Me,” which topped the chart for two weeks in December. Prior to that Wilson spent three weeks at No. 1 in October of 2023 with “Watermelon Moonshine,” meaning that Langley ends the 51-week break between women in the lead spot. According to Billboard, the nearly year-long gap marked the longest stretch without a female chart-topper since the record 61-week drought in 2003-2004.
“You Look Like You Love Me” has become Langley’s most-streamed song to date with more than 260 million worldwide streams and counting. The Platinum-certified hit took home the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year and was featured on Langley’s debut album, Hungover, as well as her deluxe album, Still Hungover. It camped out at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for five weeks in November.
Now in her fourth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, Langley will be performing tonight (Dec. 9) at Opry NextStage Live as part of their Class of 2024. She will then be kicking off 2025 with her extended run of headline shows on the “Still Hungover Tour,” which is completely sold out.
Lee Brice & Joel Smallbone To Headline Maui Songwriters Festival’s 10th Anniversary Event
/by Liza AndersonLee Brice & Joel Smallbone
The Maui Songwriters Festival, in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, will kick off the new year with its 10th anniversary event.
Taking place Jan. 15–18 at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, the festival includes performance by headliners Lee Brice and Joel Smallbone of For King & Country as well as Chris DeStefano, Deric Ruttan, Randall King and Brice Long, among others.
The milestone function will open with two complimentary community showcases at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s recently-reimagined Alaloa Lounge on Wednesday (Jan. 15) and Thursday (Jan. 16). The showcases will feature Maui’s own singer-songwriters Akoni Palomino, Tempa & Naor and Gail Swanson, along with Jordan Walker, Frank Ray and Trea Landon.
The festival’s ticketed events include a VIP meet-and-greet and Cantera Negra Tequila Tasting including a special performance by Ray on Thursday. Additionally, the “Maui Songwriter Festival Find,” spotlighting emerging artist Kurt Stevens, will premiere at this year’s event alongside a family-friendly Movie Matinee screening on Saturday (Jan. 18).
On Friday (Jan. 17), guests can partake in a wine tasting and VIP showcase headlined by Smallbone and artist-actress Mōriah. Later that evening, “How I Wrote That Song” will return with DeStefano, King, Long and Ruttan. The “Lee Brice & Friends” finale and a live auction in the Aloha Pavilion will then conclude the weekend.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which helps those affected by the Maui fires as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. For more information, click here.
Shenandoah Scores With New ‘Sunday In The South’ Collaboration
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Shenandoah’s Manager Cole Johnstone, Jason Aldean, Shenandoah’s Mike McGuire and Marty Raybon, Luke Bryan’s Manager Kerri Edwards and Luke Bryan
Shenandoah has surged to the top of the iTunes All Genres and Country Charts with the band’s reimagined version of “Sunday in the South” (8 Track Entertainment), featuring Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. The track claimed the No. 1 spot last week, following the release of a new video that amassed over eight million views across social media in just 48 hours. The video also became the No. 9 trending music video on YouTube.
“This all comes as a stunning and pleasant surprise,” says Shenandoah frontman Marty Raybon. “We couldn’t have done this without Jason and Luke and we are eternally grateful for their willingness and friendship.”
The release of the video sparked renewed interest in some older Shenandoah tracks, and 30 years after its release, Shenandoah Super Hits landed atop the iTunes Country Albums Chart, marking the group’s first No. 1 album in its 40-year career. Additionally, the original version of “Sunday in the South” (released 35 years ago) hit No. 5 on the iTunes Country Chart and No. 15 on the All Genres Chart. The chart action marks the first time Shenandoah has ever landed two songs in the top 5 of any chart at one time.
“The Fame family couldn’t be more excited for Shenandoah’s recent return to the top of the charts,” says Rodney Hall, President of Fame Studios. “I know my Dad [the late Rick Hall] is smiling down watching his favorite country voice hit the top of the charts again with his favorite country song he ever produced, ‘Sunday in the South.'”
Additional Shenandoah songs landing on the iTunes Country Chart following the release of the video include “Two Dozen Roses,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” “Church on Cumberland Road” and several more.
“Sunday in the South,” with Aldean and Bryan follows Shenandoah’s new version of their hit “Two Dozen Roses” with Luke Combs which reached No. 1 on the All Genre iTunes chart, No. 1 on the Country iTunes chart and amassed over 20 million global streams.
Ty Myers To Embark On ‘The Select Tour’ Next Month
/by Liza AndersonTy Myers. Photo: Emily Vinson
Ty Myers will embark on “The Select Tour” next month. The journey is named after his debut album, which is set to be released on Jan. 24 via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia and includes newly-unveiled tune “Can’t Hold Me Down.”
The singer-songwriter and guitarist has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, and served as support for Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers Band, as well as recently wrapped his sold-out, debut headlining “Let ‘Em Talk Tour.”
This new run will kick off Jan. 16 at the Haute Spot in Cedar Park, Texas. Originally from the Austin area, Myers plans to visit a number of venues across the Lone Star State, including Gruene Hall in New Braunfels and Rowdy’s Dance Hall in both Webster and Spring, in addition to performing at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City and more before concluding at JJ’s Live in Fayetteville, Arkansas on May 3.
An exclusive fan ticket presale begins tomorrow (Dec. 10) at 10 a.m. local time and will continue through Thursday (Dec. 12) at 10 p.m. local time. Public sales will then follow on Friday (Dec. 13) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
CMA Presents Industry Honors
/by LB CantrellMike Curb (Chairman and Owner, Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment) and Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
The Country Music Association presented a series of honors to industry members during its Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday (Dec. 4).
Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart presented country music historian Bill Malone with the 2024 Joe Talbot Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and traditions.
Pictured (L-R): Jim Beavers (Composer and CMA Board member), Kella Farris (2024 CMA Board Chairman and Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC), Bill Malone (country music historian) and Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Drew Noble/CMA
Songwriter and board member Jim Beavers presented Chairman and Owner of Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment, Mike Curb, with the 2024 Irving Waugh Award of Excellence. The honor is given to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of demonstrated ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved country music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
Singer-songwriter Charlie Worsham presented Founder and Former Executive Director of Porter’s Call, Al Andrews, with the 2024 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, awarded to an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism and advocacy.
During the Board dinner on Thursday (Dec. 5), Founder of Spalding Entertainment, Clarence Spalding, was presented with the 2024 J. William Denny Award by Country Music Hall of Fame member Kix Brooks. This award is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.
In recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Board Chairman Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) as well as current President and incoming 2025 CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe (Founder and CEO, Girlilla Marketing). Farris also presented the CMA Chairman’s Award to Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration). This award is not given annually, but when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.
Al Andrews (Founder and Former Executive Director, Porter’s Call) and Charlie Worsham. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Clarence Spalding (Founder, Spalding Entertainment) and Kix Brooks. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Kella Farris (2024 CMA Board Chairman and Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) and Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration) Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
Keith Urban To Fire Up ‘High And Alive Tour’ In May
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban
Keith Urban returns to the road on tour for the first time in three years on his new “High and Alive World Tour,” which kicks off May 22 in Alabama.
Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins join Urban on the new trek, which will include stops in Charleston, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Salt Lake City and more, with a Nashville show on Oct. 13 at Bridgestone Arena. Dates will go on sale starting this Friday, Dec. 13 and info about the tour is available at keithurban.com. Additional North American dates will be announced in the coming months.
“Playing live is what I live to do,” says Urban. “Looking out from a stage and seeing people singing, forgetting about all the stress in their lives, cutting loose, and feeling ALIVE—that’s what it’s about for me. Lots of hits, new songs, things we won’t even think about until we’re onstage—and loads of guitar. We’re gonna make this tour the best night of your life!”
The hitmaker with 24 No. 1s under his belt also returns to Las Vegas on Feb. 14-15, 19 and 21-22 for “Keith Urban’s High” in Vegas at the Fountainebleau.
Keith Urban’s “High And Alive World Tour” (U.S.):
May 22: Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
May 23: Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
May 24: Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
May 30: Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
May 31: Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park Raleigh
June 12: Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
June 13: Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
June 14: Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
June 19: Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 22: Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
June 26: Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
June 27: Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
June 28: Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
July 17: Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
July 18: Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 19: Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
July 24: TBA
July 26: Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
September 25: Chicago, IL – United Center
September 26: TBA
September 27: Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
October 2: Hershey, PA – Giant Center
October 3: Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
October 4: Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
October 9: Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
October 11: Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
October 16: Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
October 17: Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Luke Combs’ Category 10 To Host First New Year’s Eve Party
/by Lorie HollabaughGuests will have access to the Honky-Tonk, the Five Leaf Clover Sports Bar and Hurricane Hall as well as line dance lessons, a light show and live music performances all night long. Additionally, Category 10’s full menu of signature cocktails and scratch-made dishes will be available for purchase.
Fans can elevate their New Year’s Eve experience by purchasing VIP tables for the evening, which offers access to The Still bourbon lounge complete with a private bar. In addition to a reserved for up to eight guests on the second floor, the package includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres at the table and a charcuterie board, a bottle of champagne for a New Year’s toast.
Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ Launches ‘The Search For Dolly’
/by Liza AndersonDolly Parton, Danny Nozell and ATG Productions have launched “The Search for Dolly,” which will give those chosen the chance to travel to New York to formally audition for a role in Dolly: An Original Musical (formerly titled Hello, I’m Dolly).
The musical is searching for performers of all ages to portray Parton at different stages of her life. Applicants are asked to capture a video of them singing one minute of their favorite Parton song, upload it to the social media account of their choice, and tag #SearchForDolly. They must also fill out an application form to be fully registered.
For applicants under the age of 18, a parent or guardian can upload a one-minute video of the candidate singing a Parton song, and complete the application including granting permission and submitting the candidate’s date of birth. For more information, click here.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 12. After the application window closes, the show’s casting team will review all submitted videos with accompanying completed application, and invite anyone who they feel could be a part of the cast to participate in the formal audition process.
“We’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something. So, what are you waiting for? This might be your moment to take center stage and step into the spotlight,” said Parton in a video released yesterday (Dec. 5). “Break a leg!”
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up Offering Bayou Fun For New Year’s Eve
/by Lorie HollabaughMain dining area in Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up will host its first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration.
The three-story venue features two live music stages, a frozen daiquiri bar, dance floor space and rooftop patio access. The dueling piano bar, Bayou Keys, is also accepting New Year’s Eve reservations for $100 per seat that include full access to Bell Bottoms Up.
General Access Tickets are $50. Additionally, Platinum Passes, which offer expedited access to all of TC Restaurant Group’s downtown Nashville establishments like Casa Rosa, Luke’s 32 Bridge, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Morgan Wallen’s This Bar and Bell Bottoms Up, are available for are $250. Platinum Pass entry is contingent on venue capacity.
For more information, click here.
Industry Veteran Sam Cerami Passes
/by LB CantrellSam Cerami
Salvatore “Sam” Cerami, a radio promotion veteran who helped propel decades of hits, has passed away. He was 89.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Cerami’s passion for music began at a young age. His mother recognized his talent as a singer, and facilitated his formal training from a teacher who had been an opera singer in Italy. Eventually, singing at his teacher’s studio would lead to him meeting his wife and duet partner, Beverly Salatino.
With a desire to stay in music, Cerami took a job at Coral Records in their record distribution center. His knack for sales soon became apparent, and while traveling to sell records, he also stopped by radio stations to secure airplay. His efforts were so successful that Coral’s sister company, Decca Records, brought him on as a regional promoter—launching a remarkable seven-decade career in the music business.
As a Promoter, Regional Manager and then National Sales & Promotion Manager, Cerami took some of the most popular songs to No. 1 on the charts. His career moved from pop, rock and R&B to classical, country and even comedy. After notching his first No. 1 as a promoter with “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley, Cerami had hits with Buddy Holly, Moody Blues, Ides of March, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink, Johnny Mathis, Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Newton John, Tanya Tucker, Glen Campbell, the Gatlins, Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, Faith Hill, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Alabama, Barbara Mandrell, Tammy Wynette, Lee Greenwood, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Rascal Flatts, Steve Martin and many more.
Cerami’s expertise was recognized by the industry when he was named Billboard’s Promotion Man of the Year for 1978 and received Gavin’s National Promotion Director of the Year in 1991.
Cerami was preceded in death by his parents Salvatore Cerami and Virginia (Catanzaro) Cerami, his brother Joseph Cerami, his aunt and uncle Pearl (Catanzaro) and Anthony Cerami and his sister-in-law Lenora Cerami. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Cerami) Herbert; his sisters-in-law, Anne (Pauly) Cerami and Alana Salatino; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A Celebration of Life event and dinner will be held Wed., Dec. 18th. Details and an RSVP form can be found on samcerami.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Tunnels to Towers or your local animal shelter, as these were Cerami’s favorite charitable organizations.