Country Radio Broadcasters handed out its 2010 Artist Humanitarian, Radio Humanitarian and Tom Rivers Humanitarian Awards today (2/24) at CRS 2010.
This year’s CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was presented to Trace Adkins. Since 2002, Adkins has worked closely with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to educating others about potentially life-threatening food allergies. Adkins’ daughter, Brianna, was diagnosed with severe food allergies when she was nine months old. Adkins became a National Spokesperson for FAAN in 2005 and has also served as the organization’s National Honorary Chair of FAAN’s Walk for Food Allergy. The country star appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2008 in an effort to raise money for the foundation and supported legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker that would help schools protect the more than 2.2 million children nationwide who suffer from food allergies.
In 1990, CRB instituted the Artist Humanitarian Award, which was first presented during CRS-21. Past Artist Humanitarian Awards winners include Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels and Kenny Rogers. Last year’s recipient, Randy Owen, presented Adkins with the award on Wednesday morning at the Artist and Radio Humanitarian Awards Presentation during CRS.
The CRB Radio Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by Radio Ink, are presented to full-time country radio stations for their efforts to improve the quality of life for communities they serve. The 2010 awards are presented to stations in three categories: Large (markets 1-50), Medium (markets 51-130), and Small (markets 131+) for public service performed November 1, 2008 – December 31, 2009.
Large Market Winner: 97.3 WGH, Norfolk-Hampton Roads, Va.
Eagle 97.3 has been a part of the Country Cares For St. Jude Kids program for the past 18 years. Each year, the station partners with the Center for Child and Family Services to raise funding with the Country for Kids Concert and also serves as an integral part in many local homecoming celebrations for troops returning from deployment around the world. The station is also involved with the Susan G. Komen programs, Feed the Hungry Union Mission, March of Dimes, Hampton Roads Crimeline and countless other community service programs to benefit their community.
Medium Market Winner: 103.7 KXKT, Omaha, Neb.
KXKT KAT 103.7 has been an integral part of the Omaha community for more than 16 years. With the help of their loyal listeners, they raised more than 1.3 million dollars for more than 50 different charities. Their involvement provides major funding for Children’s Hospital of Omaha, The Salvation Army, The Foodbank for the Heartland, Nebraska Organ Recovery Program, YMCA, Toys for Tots, Heart Association, The Nebraska Children’s home and many more.
Small Market Winner: 99.9 WKSF, Asheville, NC
99.9 WKSF Kiss Country gives back to their listeners and local charities by raising funds for Mission Children’s Hospital, Toys For Tots, Western Carolina Rescue Mission, Local Hospice, The Tye Blanton Foundation, Humane Society, The First Life Organization, March of Dimes, and many more. In 2009, they contributed to more than 70 charities, raising more than 1 million dollars.
This year’s Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award went to George G. Beasley, noted radio broadcaster, educator and founder of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. Located in Naples, Fla., Beasley Broadcast Group owns and operates 42 radio stations in 11 large- and mid-sized markets, including five markets with Country-formatted stations. Beasley was inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998 after receiving the prestigious Distinguished Broadcaster of North Carolina Award. In 2003, he received the Broadcast Pioneer Award from the Broadcasters Foundation and was recently honored with the addition of the George G. Beasley Broadcasting Complex to the Appalachian State University campus in Boone, NC.
Digital Expert Sees Downturn for Downloads
/by contributorPresenting data on U.S. music purchases from 2007 to 2009, Crupnick said users at these sites make 13 percent fewer digital download purchases. He went on to explain that users of online radio services like Pandora, which does not allow users to choose songs, but presents music randomly, see a 41 percent increase in download sales. As a result, he explained, the “free music” business model is quickly losing traction at record companies.
“We’re eating our young,” Crupnick said. “For some people more listening just means more listening and tends to lead to less purchasing.”
Overall, the NPD Group’s research shows that 24 million fewer people bought music in 2009 compared to 2007 and that newer digital consumers were quickly losing interest, with the number of people who purchased downloads dropping to 34.6 million in 2009 from 35.2 million in 2008.
Last year, free on-demand sites SpiralFrog and Ruckus closed their doors. Only Pandora has shown a profit. Spotify, the on-demand service that has taken hold in Europe, is planning a U.S. launch this spring, but may have a difficult time getting the labels to go for an on-demand, ad-supported business model.
Edgar Bronfman, Warner Music Group chairman, recently voiced his skepticism about the ad-supported model, saying, “Free streaming services are clearly not net positive for the industry.”
Speaking at the Digital Music Forum, Thomas Hesse, President of Sony Music Entertainment’s Global Digital Business, was more optimistic about Spotify’s chances for success in the U.S., saying he was pleased with the company’s efforts to convert customers from the company’s free service to a subscription model. Hesse predicted a “bright future” for the digital marketplace and recommended a more niche-oriented approach.
“There are markets that are underserved in today’s digital environment,” he said.
Krauss Parts Ways With DS Mgt.
/by contributor“We have had a wonderful 23 years together and are proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Krauss and Stiff said in a joint statement. “This is a difficult decision, but we have decided to end our professional relationship. We have the utmost respect and love for one another.”
Krauss continues to record for independent label Rounder Records, where she signed at age 14. Her most recent release, Raising Sand, was a collaboration with legendary rocker Robert Plant. The album won numerous awards across multiple genres, garnering top awards at the 2009 Grammy Awards including Record of the Year and Album of the Year. With 27 Grammy Awards, Krauss is the most awarded female in Grammy history. She and her acclaimed band Union Station are currently working on a new album.
DS Management, a part of the Front Line management group, represents 13-time Grammy winner Dan Tyminski, and has signed new artist Alyssa Bonagura. Stiff was Executive Producer of Music for the award-winning film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?. She also produced the multi-act Down From the Mountain tour, and was the Associate Producer of the Down From the Mountain album. She subsequently produced the Great High Mountain tour, which highlighted music from the films Cold Mountain and O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Artist Showcases Light Up CRS
/by contributorUMG Parties at the Ryman
Universal Music Group Nashville showcased 18 acts during their CRS luncheon yesterday (2/24) at the Ryman auditorium. Artists included Easton Corbin, Laura Bell Bundy, Josh Kelley, Coldwater Jane, Randy Montana, Mallary Hope, Ashton Shepherd, Randy Rogers Band, Ryan Bingham, David Nail, Julianne Hough, Billy Currington, Jamey Johnson, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill and Sugarland.
Front Row (l-r): Brandon Jane (Coldwater Jane), Leah Crutchfield (Coldwater Jane), Corbin, Shepherd, Bundy, Kelley, Hope, Montana, 2nd Row (l-r): Brady Black (Randy Rogers Band), Geoffrey Hill (RRB), Randy Rogers (RRB), Nail, Hough, Currington 3rd Row (l-r): Johnson, Jon Richardson (RRB), Turner, Allan, Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) 4th Row (l-r): Womack, Gill, Kristian Bush (Sugarland) Ryan Bingham (not pictured) Photo credit: Peyton Hoge
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Big Machine Meets CMT at CRS
CMT and Big Machine Label Group joined forces on Tuesday night (2/23) for a CRS after-hours event at the CMT offices that included new music from acts on Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., and Republic Nashville. The evening included performances from Jewel, Steel Magnolia, The Band Perry and Eden’s Edge along with special guest Melissa Peterman. Others in attendance included Jack Ingram and Justin Moore as well as CMT’s new Top 20 Countdown host, Evan Farmer. CMT Radio Live’s Cody Alan was broadcasting live during the event and featured interviews with all performers.
(l-r): Evan Farmer, Host, CMT Top 20 Countdown; Justin Moore; Cody Alan, Host/EP CMT Radio Live; Melissa Peterman; Brian Philips, President, CMT; Jewel; Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta; Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner and Cherrill Green of Eden’s Edge; Jay Frank, SVP Music Strategy, CMT; Jack Ingram. Photo credit: WireImage.com/Rick Diamond
(l-r) Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen; Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry of The Band Perry; Jay Frank, SVP Music Strategy, CMT; Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta; Joshua Scott Jones and Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia; Brian Philips, President, CMT; Melissa Peterman; John Hamlin, SVP Production, Development and Talent, CMT Photo credit: WireImage.com/Rick Diamond
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JaneDear Girls Rock the House
Warner Music Nashville staffers and guests gathered at the home of John Rich (aka Mt. Richmore) for a CRS showcase performance from new act the JaneDear Girls.
(l-r) Warner Music Nashville President John Esposito, the JaneDear Girl's Susie Brown, Managers from Turner Nichols Management Doug Nichols and Trey Turner, the JaneDear Girl's Danelle Leverett, and Warner Music Nashville VP of Promotions Bob Reeves.
Stacey To Head Warner Music Promotion
/by contributorThe two-team structure represents a new approach that expands WMN’s resources and allows the radio promotion staff to specialize in individual artists, dedicate more time to individual releases, work singles deeper into their airplay cycles and offer WMG labels a broader range of in-house expertise to draw upon. WMN’s current radio promotion team will remain in place and continue to be overseen by Bob Reeves, Vice President of Promotion who, along with the head of the newly-created second team, will report directly to Stacey.
In making the announcement, Esposito said: “We have a wonderful roster of artists who deserve the most thoughtful yet aggressive approach to radio promotion possible. I have known Chris for more than 10 years and know that in him we will have the executive with the experience and talent who can help drive that effort forward. During his nearly two decades in the business, Chris has exhibited entrepreneurial initiative and brought an enormously creative approach to getting the music of so many great artists to their fans.”
“Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to work with many of the best artists and promotion people in the business, so when the opportunity presented itself to build out this organization and create a power house for breaking artists, I couldn’t resist,” said Stacey. “Being able to help Espo execute his vision for what a major label should be in 2010 is a true honor, and I look forward to contributing and helping to assure Warner Music remains one of the most innovative companies in the business.”
Throughout his career, Stacey has worked with some of the most accomplished artists in music, including Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Counting Crows, John Mayer, Joss Stone, Shania Twain, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson, among many others. He most recently served as head of the music division for Mozes, a mobile marketing and promotion company specializing in artist and fan connections.
In 2000, Stacey helped start up Lost Highway Records, a highly respected niche Country music label, where he served as Senior Vice President of Promotion and Artist Development. In 2003, Stacey formed Vector Promotions, a division of the successful Vector Management firm, and later founded Hurricane Interactive Promotions, a mobile marketing and promotion company that was eventually acquired by Mozes.
Stacey began his career in 1990 as an intern for MCA Records and landed his first paying job as a regional promoter for Mercury Records in 1993. Between 1993 and 2003, he held a number of increasingly important positions at Mercury, eventually becoming Senior Vice President of Promotion. He also is the founder of Rock The Ocean, a charitable foundation devoted to protecting the world’s oceans.
A music industry veteran and artist manager, he was formerly Senior Vice President of Promotion and Artist Development for Universal Music Group’s Mercury Nashville record label. Chris has worked artists including Shania Twain, Toby Keith and Terri Clark, among others. Later, he formed his own company Vector Promotions, a prominent independent radio promotion company representing many of today’s most successful artists including: Maroon 5, Dylan, David Gray, Stone, Los Lonely Boys, and many more. Vector Promotions was affiliated with Vector Management & Recordings which represent Lyle Lovett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Michael McDonald, Jonny Lang, Trace Adkins, Bon Jovi, Kid Rock and Damien Rice to name a few.
Underwood, Steel Magnolia, a Chesney App and a Kershaw
/by contributorCarrie Underwood will make a one-off guest star appearance on CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother. The episode will air on Monday, March 1. Underwood will appear as a new character, Tiffany, an enigmatic pharmaceutical sales rep and love interest for Ted, played by Josh Radnor. How I Met Your Mother airs on CBS Television, Mondays, 7:00-7:30pm CT.
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Chesney Thinks His App is Sexy
Aloompa’s owners Drew Burchfield, Kurt Nelson and Tyler Seymour, the team responsible for the Bonnaroo app, the country superstar started from scratch and created “the app I’d’ve liked one of my favorite artists to have had when I was a kid living on music.”
Kenny Chesney is on the phone – the iPhone that is. Working with Nashville-based design and innovation firm
With a No Shoes Radio component that provides an extensive playlist, iPhone and iPod touch users can have Chesney’s personal mix playing as they navigate the application’s other functions.
“It’s a good way to put your songs and tour directly in your fans’ hands,” Chesney says. “I decided rather than be first, I’d take some time and create something that gives the fans the most comprehensive application we could create. And I wanted it to be free for them, just to say thanks for being part of all of this!”
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Steel Magnolia Hits “CBS’ Early Show”
Big Machine duo Steel Magnolia released their debut EP only yesterday (2/23) and the release quickly jumped into the the Top15 on the iTunes album chart. Steel Magnolia EP features their Top 15 hit single, “Keep On Lovin’ You.”
Following a whirlwind week of performances and interviews at the Country Radio Seminar, the ACM Top New Vocal Duo nominees will travel to New York City to perform on the CBS’ Early Show’s “Second Cup Café” this Saturday (2/27). The show airs nationwide each Saturday at 8 AM CT.
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Kershaw Assembles New Team
Veteran country artist Sammy Kershaw has assembled a new team of industry players to assist in releasing and promoting his records as well as touring.
Industry vet Billy Holland has assumed day-today management for Kershaw and can be reached at 38 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 476-0938 or billywholland@yahoo.com. Also, industry guru Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Consulting is handling Physical and Digital Distribution via Rocket Science Records/Sony/RED Distribution. Spielberg can be reached at (615) 293-4974 or spielneal@comcast.net.
In addition, Susan Niles Public Relations is handling publicity. Contact Susan Niles at (615) 352-8080 or susanniles@bellsouth.net. Jake Kennedy with New Frontier Touring is on-board as booking agent, 1503 17th Avenue South, Nashville, TN. 37212 (615) 321–6152 or jakekennedy@newfrontiertouring.com.
CMA Holds Annual Artists Luncheon
/by contributorThe Nashville School of the Arts guitar ensemble performed for guests at the Seventh Annual CMA Artist Luncheon yesterday. Nashville School of the Arts (NSA)has been a recipient of funds from “Keep the Music Playing,” CMA’s charity initiative which donates half the net proceeds from the CMA Music Festival to Metro Nashville public schools for music education.
(back row l-r) Principal Bob Wilson of Nashville School of the Arts; NSA instructor Dr. James Satterwhite; Pam Garrett, Executive Director, Nashville Alliance for Public Education; Jay DeMarcus, CMA Artist Relations Co-Chairman; and Dr. Jesse Register, Director of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. (front row l-r) NSA students: 10th grader Ben More, 10th grader Tyler Mayo, 11th grader Dylan Owens, and 10th grader Max Marlowe.
CRB Inducts 2010 Radio Hall of Famers
/by contributorCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) inducted the 2010 class of the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame last night (2/23) at a special ceremony at the Nashville Convention Center.
Bill Bailey, Laurie DeYoung and Rudy Fernandez are the 2010 Country Music DJ inductees, while Dan Halyburton, Mike Hammond and Cy Blumenthal (posthumous) are the Country Radio inductees.
The class of 2010 was instated at the dinner and awards ceremony that unofficially kicks off Country Radio Seminar each year. Brooks & Dunn took home the CRB Career Achievement Award, and Charlie Cook received the CRB President’s Award. Dierks Bentley was on hand with members of the McCoury family to perform a special acoustic version of Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road.” The surprise of the evening was an appearance by Taylor Swift, who introduced Radio Hall of Famer Hammond.
The 2010 class of the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame, pictured(l-r) Family of Cy Blumenthal, deceased (Radio), Dan Halaburton (Radio), Ronnie Dunn (Career Achievement), Laurie DeYoung (DJ), Kix Brooks (Career Achievement), Mike Hammond (Radio), Bill Bailey (DJ), Rudy Fernandez (DJ), Charlie Cook (Presidents Award Winner)
The 2010 CRB Career Achievement Award winners, Brooks & Dunn, pose with Dierks Bentley (c), who performed the duo’s “Red Dirt Road” with members of the McCoury family. Brooks & Dunn were honored with the award at the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame ceremonies at the Nashville Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. Photo: Bev Moser
Country Hall Announces Staff Promotions
/by contributorIn the sales and marketing area, Director of Communications Kerry Cicero is promoted to Senior Director of Marketing; Production Manager Warren Denny is promoted to Creative Cirector; Director of Events Jo Ellen Drennon is promoted to Senior Director of Events Management; Senior Graphic Designer Emily Marlow is promoted to Creative Manager; and Event Sales Coordinator Jessica Pfranger is promoted to Event Sales Executive.
In Museum Services, Collections Curator Mick Buck is promoted to Curatorial Director.
Facilities Manager David Roark is promoted to Facilities Director.
In Public Relations, Media Relations Coordinator Jeremy Rush is promoted to Media Relations Manager.
CRB Announces Humanitarian Award Winners
/by contributorThis year’s CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was presented to Trace Adkins. Since 2002, Adkins has worked closely with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to educating others about potentially life-threatening food allergies. Adkins’ daughter, Brianna, was diagnosed with severe food allergies when she was nine months old. Adkins became a National Spokesperson for FAAN in 2005 and has also served as the organization’s National Honorary Chair of FAAN’s Walk for Food Allergy. The country star appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2008 in an effort to raise money for the foundation and supported legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker that would help schools protect the more than 2.2 million children nationwide who suffer from food allergies.
In 1990, CRB instituted the Artist Humanitarian Award, which was first presented during CRS-21. Past Artist Humanitarian Awards winners include Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels and Kenny Rogers. Last year’s recipient, Randy Owen, presented Adkins with the award on Wednesday morning at the Artist and Radio Humanitarian Awards Presentation during CRS.
The CRB Radio Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by Radio Ink, are presented to full-time country radio stations for their efforts to improve the quality of life for communities they serve. The 2010 awards are presented to stations in three categories: Large (markets 1-50), Medium (markets 51-130), and Small (markets 131+) for public service performed November 1, 2008 – December 31, 2009.
Large Market Winner: 97.3 WGH, Norfolk-Hampton Roads, Va.
Eagle 97.3 has been a part of the Country Cares For St. Jude Kids program for the past 18 years. Each year, the station partners with the Center for Child and Family Services to raise funding with the Country for Kids Concert and also serves as an integral part in many local homecoming celebrations for troops returning from deployment around the world. The station is also involved with the Susan G. Komen programs, Feed the Hungry Union Mission, March of Dimes, Hampton Roads Crimeline and countless other community service programs to benefit their community.
Medium Market Winner: 103.7 KXKT, Omaha, Neb.
KXKT KAT 103.7 has been an integral part of the Omaha community for more than 16 years. With the help of their loyal listeners, they raised more than 1.3 million dollars for more than 50 different charities. Their involvement provides major funding for Children’s Hospital of Omaha, The Salvation Army, The Foodbank for the Heartland, Nebraska Organ Recovery Program, YMCA, Toys for Tots, Heart Association, The Nebraska Children’s home and many more.
Small Market Winner: 99.9 WKSF, Asheville, NC
99.9 WKSF Kiss Country gives back to their listeners and local charities by raising funds for Mission Children’s Hospital, Toys For Tots, Western Carolina Rescue Mission, Local Hospice, The Tye Blanton Foundation, Humane Society, The First Life Organization, March of Dimes, and many more. In 2009, they contributed to more than 70 charities, raising more than 1 million dollars.
This year’s Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award went to George G. Beasley, noted radio broadcaster, educator and founder of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. Located in Naples, Fla., Beasley Broadcast Group owns and operates 42 radio stations in 11 large- and mid-sized markets, including five markets with Country-formatted stations. Beasley was inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998 after receiving the prestigious Distinguished Broadcaster of North Carolina Award. In 2003, he received the Broadcast Pioneer Award from the Broadcasters Foundation and was recently honored with the addition of the George G. Beasley Broadcasting Complex to the Appalachian State University campus in Boone, NC.
Buenahora Joins ole
/by contributor“Arthur has had a huge impact on Nashville, signing Dierks Bentley and Taylor Swift among others, to their first publishing deals,” says ole Chief Creative Officer, Gilles Godard. “Having worked both in publishing and on the record side offers him a unique perspective on the ever-changing music business, and I look forward to adding him to our team at ole.”
“I’m really pumped about joining ole,” enthuses Buenahora. “They’re a growth company and I’m looking forward to helping maximize the potential of the catalog there and making sure that the songs get the best opportunity to shine.”