Shelton Promotes Six Pak With Bundle, Web Series

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Image of Hillbilly Bone Premiere Pak, www.blakeshelton.com

As the March 2 release date for Blake Shelton’s new Hillbilly Bone Six Pak draws near, Warner Music is offering special bundles for those who pre-order between Feb. 16 and March 1. The packages range in price from $18.99 to $34.99 and include items such as an autographed copy of the album, fan club membership, and T-shirt.

Shelton has also been posting short Take 6 Tuesday videos on his web site as a lead-in to the Six Pak. The latest installment in the series offers his take on the top six worst Valentine’s Day cards. The weekly series began on Dec. 31 and will continue through the March 2 release. See the videos here.

Stoney Creek Grabs Durham For Northeast Region

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Abi Durham

April Rider, General Manager of Operations for Stoney Creek has announced the addition of Abi Durham to the label’s promotion staff as Manager Regional Promotion, Northeast. Durham will report directly to Rider. Stoney Creek, a Broken Bow Records imprint, has an artist roster which inlcudes Ash Bowers, Megan Mullins and Crossin Dixon.

“Abi is a dedicated, passionate worker and had much success working the Midwest region on my team in the past,” says Rider. “I am so happy to have her added to the great staff at Stoney Creek Records and confident she will take over the Northeast region with ease.”

“Carson James [Broken Bow Sr. VP Promotion] gave me my first break into the industry so this new opportunity is a natural fit,” explains Durham. “I am thrilled to work with April and Carson again and so thankful for the relationships I have built in the Midwest. Now I’m excited to get out and make new friends in the Northeast.” Durham can be reached at abi@stoneycreekrecords.com

Morris Stations To Broadcast Live From CRS

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The Morris Radio Group of Morris Communications will send crews from six of its country format stations to broadcast live from Country Radio Seminar 2010. The stations will set up in the exhibit hall beginning Wed. Feb. 24 and continue through Friday, Feb. 26. The six stations inlcude KGNC (Amarillo, TX), KBRJ (Anchorage, AK), KYEZ (Salina, KS), WIBW (Topeka, KS), KAYO (Wasilla, AK) and KKRV (Wenatchee, WA).

John Windus, from KKRV in Wenatchee, WA, will facilitate interview requests for each of the stations. “Nashville and CRS are so special because it’s the only time during the year that we can connect our listeners with so many of their favorite artists,” says Windus.  “The accessibility to artists that the labels provide remains unique to our format and is one of our ‘secret weapons.’  What the Morris Group is doing is special too, because we’re not just attending seminars, we’re also bringing listeners to the party.”

Radio consultant Jaye Albright, commented,  “These broadcasts will give listeners the ability to experience some of the entertaining and educational aspects of CRS and hopefully set a trend, as more stations take advantage of this opportunity at future Country Radio Seminars.”

Exhibitors already announced for CRS-2010 include Avid Path, Ad Mall, Country Fastball, Operation Troop Aid, Moby in the Morning and Radiolicious.

Loretta Lynn Celebrates 50-Year Career

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In 1960 Loretta Lynn charted her first single, “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl,” and launched a career that has endured five decades. During 2010, a number of events are planned to celebrate her long and prosperous journey, including the release of an all-star tribute album this fall. Sony Music Nashville is behind the project which will feature artists from a variety of genres.

Lynn shot 16 songs to the top of the charts, and 51 singles into the Top 10. Among the classic country tunes that helped her build a legacy are “One’s on the Way,” “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (with Lovin’ on Your Mind),” and her signature, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Lynn is a three-time Grammy winner who was honored in late January with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at a special invitation-only ceremony in Los Angeles. She is member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1972, Lynn was also the first woman named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year.

Also coming in 2010 is the reissue of Lynn’s 1976 bestselling autobiography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, as well as the 30th anniversary of the classic film of the same name. It tells the story of the Butcher Holler, Kentucky native who had four of her six children before age 18, and went on to become a country music icon.

Special thanks to historian and critic Robert K. Oermann for his assistance with this story.

Luke Bryan Debuts Video, iheartradio Performance

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Luke Bryan premiered his new video “Rain Is A Good Thing” on iTunes last week. Directed by award-winner Shaun Silva, the video was shot back in October at Bryan’s inaugural Farm Tour show where over 3,500 rain-soaked fans stuck out the mud and wet weather to see the Capitol Nashville star’s high-energy live show. “Rain Is A Good Thing,” is the follow-up single to his recent No. 1, “Do I.”

Bryan was also in Los Angeles recently where he performed a three song set for iheartradio which debuts today (2/15) on the web site. It features “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” and a cover of the One Republic hit “Apologize.” All three songs are from his sophomore album Doin’ My Thing, which debuted with 57,000 albums its first week, more than doubling the first week sales of his 2007 debut album I’ll Stay Me.

Bryan is currently on the road opening Jason Aldean’s Wide Open Arena Tour. Bryan is nominated for Top New Vocal Soloist at the upcoming ACM Awards.

Adkins’ Bus In Fatal Crash

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Official statement from Trace Adkins’ publicist Schatzi Hageman:

February 13, 2010… Earlier today in Caddo Parrish, Louisiana, a pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed head-on into the tour bus carrying the band of country music singer Trace Adkins. Both men in the truck were killed upon impact. None of Adkins’ band received serious injuries, however, five were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries and observation.

Adkins, who was not on the bus, had already arrived at the venue when he heard the news. He went to the scene in a van where he picked up the uninjured band members, then went to the hospital to check on the others.

“This is a real tragedy,” says Adkins. “Two people have been killed and I don’t even know their names. So out of respect for their families, I prefer not to comment too much at this time.”

Adkins, who is a native of Sarepta , Louisiana is still planning to perform a scaled-down acoustic set at tonight’s show with Martina McBride at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. He will not perform at tomorrow night’s concert (2/14) in Pensacola, Florida , however Martina McBride and Sarah Buxton will go on as scheduled.

Tube Time W/ Turner, Jewel, Lady A, Nail, Paisley, Pickler

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Photo credit: Nick D./The Martha Stewart Show

Josh Turner made a guest appearance on Martha Stewart’s “Valentine’s Day Show” airing, Feb. 12. In addition, Turner was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition airing Saturday, February 13. Turner’s new CD Haywire was released last week.

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David Nail will perform his Top 10 song “Red Light” on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson Monday (2/15) at 12:35am ET/PT on CBS.

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Kellie Pickler will be spending Fat Tuesday (2/16) with one of her favorite people, New Orleans native Ellen DeGeneres, as part of Ellen’s upcoming Mardi Gras special.
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Jewel visited with George Lopez and performed her new single, “Stay Here Forever,” on Lopez Tonight on February 9. The single is currently at country radio and is featured on the soundtrack for the major motion picture Valentine’s Day.

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While on the West Coast with his American Saturday Night tour, Brad Paisley will visit Jimmy Kimmel Live! for an interview and performance on the Bud Light Golden Wheat Outdoor Stage, Wednesday, February 17.  The late-night show airs on  ABC 12:05am ET/PT.

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Last week in Los Angeles (Feb. 2), Lady Antebellum caught up with tennis superstar Serena Williams backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! before they performed their No. one smash “Need You Now” and new single “American Honey.”

L-R: Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Serena Williams and Dave Haywood

Wal Mart To Sell For Ticketmaster

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Mega-retailer Wal-Mart has reached an agreement with Live Nation’s Ticketmaster to sell tickets to concerts and other events at about 500 stores in select U.S. markets, including Chicago and Los Angeles. The service will be introduced in the next few months, according to Live Nation Executive Chairman Irving Azoff, who made the announcement during a panel discussion at the NBA Technology Summit in Dallas today (2/12).

The new agreement will allow Wal-Mart customers to purchase tickets for concerts, sports and other events in the retailer’s entertainment department. Live Nation also sells tickets at Blockbuster stores.

Ticketmaster lost retail outlets for event sales with the closing of big-box music retailers like Tower Records. There are no details regarding what ticket fees will be charged for in-store sales.

Underwood Partners With Pedigree

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Pedigree Brand pet products is teaming up with reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood to rally dog lovers nationwide. With Pedigree’s belief that all dogs deserve a loving home and Underwood’s outstanding advocacy for adoptable dogs, Pedigree is serving as a sponsor of Underwood’s Play On Tour, offering an ideal way to highlight the cause that’s close to Underwood’s heart: dog adoption.

“I can’t imagine life without my dog, Ace,” said Underwood. “I’ve had a passion for animals my entire life. They’re such sweet and gentle souls that love you just because you love them back. That’s why I’m really excited about the opportunity to partner with The Pedrigee Adoption Drive to help get other people involved in this important cause. Showing your support is easy, just become a fan, help a dog.”

Every year nearly four million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations, and Pedigree is launching its sixth annual Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs in America. The program focuses on helping dogs in need through a variety of efforts that help generate awareness, food and funding.

Dog lovers who want to do their part to help can become a fan of The Pedigree Adoption Drive on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pedigree). For each new fan, Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to help feed shelter dogs nationwide. While on the Facebook page, dog lovers can also show their support by donating money to help find dogs loving homes, a portion of which will be matched by Pedigree up to $500,000. All donations go to The Pedigree Foundation, a non-profit, organization benefiting animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide.

Keith, Adkins Ready “American Ride” Tour

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Toby Keith’s 2009 America’s Toughest tour was a big success on all fronts, leaving special guest Trace Adkins so impressed he has signed on for another hitch. Keith, with Adkins, will kick-off the American Ride tour June 19 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Thirty-nine dates are already on the books through late September. Longtime Keith tour sponsor Ford F-Series is back again as well.

Universal Records South recently merged with Keith’s record label Show Dog to create Show Dog-Universal Music. The label’s first new signing was Adkins, who cited his experience on the America’s Toughest tour as the inspiration behind his decision to join the label. A new single and album is being planned and will be announced soon.

In other Keith news, “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” the second single from his American Ride album, recently hit No. 1 on the Music Row chart. It joins the album title track on Keith’s long list of chart toppers and is his 28th career No. 1.

American Ride Tour dates (subject to change):
June 19 – Holmdel, NJ
June 20 – Cleveland, OH
July 10 – Raleigh, NC
July 11 – Charlotte, NC
July 15 – Sioux Falls, SD
July 16 – Minneapolis, MN
July 17 – St. Louis, MO
July 18 – Des Moines, IA
July 22 – Boise, ID
July 23 – Portland, OR
July 24 – Seattle, WA
July 25 – Vancouver, BC
July 29 – Sacramento, CA
Aug. 1 – Fresno, CA
Aug. 6 – Mountain View, CA
Aug. 7 – San Diego, CA
Aug. 8 – Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 12 – Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 13 – Denver, CO
Aug. 14 – Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 20 – Scranton, PA
Aug. 21 – Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 22 – Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 26 – Moline, IL
Aug. 27- Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 28 – Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 29 – Detroit, MI
Sept. 2 – Atlanta, GA
Sept. 3 – Tampa, FL
Sept. 4 – West Palm Beach, FL
Sept. 9 – Toronto, Ontario
Sept. 10 – Darien Lake, NY
Sept. 11 – Washington, DC
Sept. 16 – Kansas City, MO
Sept. 17 – Omaha, NE
Sept. 18 – Chicago, IL
Sept. 23 – Albany, NY
Sept. 24 – Hartford, CT
Sept. 25 – Boston, MA