Toby Keith, Mark Wright
Toby Keith‘s Show Dog Nashville is merging with Universal Records South to become Show Dog-Universal Music. Keith will serve as a Principle of the new label and previous Universal South Pres. Wright is on board as President of the newly combined entity.
More announcements are expected in January.
“Show Dog-Universal will still have the feeling of being an independent label with strong and personal relationships with all our artists. That is what Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have always been about, but combine the two labels and you have a powerhouse with more staff and better opportunities for our artists. I look forward to working closely with my friend and partner Mark Wright,” said Toby.
“The launch of this new company creates even more value for our combined artists, employees and business partners,” stated Wright. “Together, our best-in-class team will create even more opportunities for our artists, while expanding the services we offer. This is truly one-plus-one equaling three. Moreover, I am delighted to be partnering with Toby, with whom I have shared a close friendship for many years. His remarkable achievements as an artist and businessman define creative leadership at its very best. He will be invaluable to taking this company to even greater heights.”
Toby Keith has been among the top musical performers in any genre throughout this decade, and is ranked among the top selling artists in all-genres at #3 on Billboard‘s Top 200 Artists of the Decade. He was also named Billboard‘s #1 Country Artist of the Decade and #1 Country Songwriter of the Decade, and was honored by NSAI with its prestigious Songwriter/Artist of the Decade Award.
Keith’s business empire encompasses restaurants, movies, and a clothing line. In 2009, his U.S. America’s Toughest Tour played to more than a million people.
Some restructuring is expected following today’s announcement. Here are the label teams prior to the merger: Show Dog—GM George Nunes, VP Promotion Rick Moxley, and Head of Sales & Marketing Bill Kennedy. Roster—Carter’s Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir.
Universal Records South—Pres. Mark Wright, Sr. VP/GM Fletcher Foster, Sr. VP Sales & Operations Van Fletcher, VP National Promotion Teddi Bonadies, and VP A&R Arturo Buenahora. Roster—Baylie Brown, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Eli Young Band, Andy Gibson, Jennifer Hanson, Randy Houser, Shooter Jennings, Joe Nichols, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove, Ashley Ray, Phil Vassar, Angela Wolff, and Kevin Costner & Modern West.
Rimes To Host Colgate Country Showdown
/by Sarah SkatesThe finalists have competed in numerous local and regional events to make it to the National Final. Representing their hometown radio stations are Karla Davis (Southeast Region), Kendall Phillips (Midwest Region), Terry Lee Spencer (Northeast Region), Whisky Row (West Region), and Casey Lee Smith (Southwest Region).
The one-hour special will be taped for television and nationally syndicated to air in spring 2010. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the Showdown starts at 7:30 p.m. For free tickets, call the Ryman Box Office at 615-889-3060.
CRS Offers Special Rate For Unemployed
/by Sarah SkatesThe Unemployment Rate provides attendees access to educational events only, including more than 20 seminars, panels and exhibits. Notable agenda item highlights included in the discounted rate are the CMA Research Presentation, Dave Ramsey’s Keynote Address, Bob Rosner’s Workplace 911 panel and the current-events Hot Topic panel. Tickets to the Music City Jam™, New Faces of Country Music Show® and daily luncheons must be purchased separately.
CRB President Becky Brenner says of the discount, “First, it gives those without work a financial break so that they can still afford to attend CRS 2010, and second, it provides them with the tools and networking opportunities to help them in their job search.”
The Unemployment Rate is available through Jan. 31, 2010. Contact Kristen McCrary at 615-327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org for registration materials. Proof of unemployment will be subject to verification by CRB, Inc.
The Regular Rate of $599 is in effect through Jan. 31, 2010. For more information, a detailed schedule and descriptions of CRS 2010’s panels and confirmed panelists can be viewed at the Country Radio Broadcasters website: www.CRB.org.
On The Cover: Blake Shelton
/by contributorCurrent Album: Startin’ Fires
Current Single/Video: “Hillbilly Bone,” from an upcoming album
Current Producer: Scott Hendricks
Hometown: Ada, Oklahoma
Management: Starstruck Mgmt. Group
Booking: William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
Recent Hits: “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” “Home”
Special TV/Film Appearances: NBC’s Clash of the Choirs show; judge on Nashville Star; Shelton was named one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2008.
Interesting Fact: Shelton heard about producer Scott Hendricks early on in Oklahoma. “I remember seeing a story on an Oklahoma City TV station about Scott Hendricks,” he says. “They said he was an Oklahoma guy who had moved to Nashville and made good, making these huge albums on big artists. I used to think, ‘It would be so cool to meet him some day. Maybe he’d give me a shot.’ Then, not long ago, he fell in my lap when he became A&R chief at Warner Bros. We decided we wanted to make this record together, and I’m really glad we did.”
Twitter: @BlakeShelton
Four more albums produced a string of hits, leading up to his fifth and most recent studio effort, Startin’ Fires. One of the project’s signature songs, “Home,” took Shelton into new musical territory, both vocally and stylistically. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do,” he says, “exploring richer melodies and challenging myself as a singer. I think this album is probably more autobiographical than anything I’ve ever done. While Pure BS was a kind of reflection of what I was going through at the time, this album is a reflection of who I am and the things I love and always have—driving back roads, drinking beer, being outdoors. People know these things about me, but I’ve never really had that in my music, and I’m finally dumping myself onto my album. It’s about who I am personally, and I hope other people can relate to it.”
His upcoming project is sure to have plenty of the elements that make Shelton the multidimensional artist he is—soaring melodies, passionate lyrics, a bit of romance, and songs that celebrate the country life. Shelton’s hot new single, “Hillbilly Bone,” is a duet featuring Trace Adkins and is the title track from his forthcoming Warner Music Nashville album.
Lifenotes: Ralph Meacham, Kim Markovchick’s Husband
/by Sarah SkatesRalph Meacham, husband to longtime music industry executive Kim Markovchick, has died. He passed away at home in Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. after a battle with Lou Gehrig Disease. Loved ones say he was a “farmer, photographer, and storyteller.” Meacham was a veteran of the United States Navy and was an active volunteer in the local agriculture community. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Kim Markovchick; daughters, Mary Katherine and Hannah; and many others.
Visitation is tonight (12/21) 4-8 p.m. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, at St. Matthew Church, 535 Sneed Road, Franklin, TN. Interment at Leiper’s Fork Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Williamson County 4-H, c/o Williamson County Extension, 4215 Long Lane, S-200, Franklin, TN 37064; ALS Association (Nashville Chapter), PO Box 40244, Nashville, TN 37204; or MDA, 3343 Perimeter Hills Drive, Suite 118, Nashville, TN 37211.
CMA Assembles Exec. Dir. Search Team
/by Sarah SkatesThe committee will convene and the search will begin in January, according to Randy Goodman, Chairman of CMA’s Board of Directors. The search committee consists of current members of the CMA Board of Directors who have served as Chairman.
The collective experience of the group dates back to 1975. The group is charged with defining the duties and establishing the necessary qualifications for potential applicants. The committee is also charged with hiring a national search firm to identify and vet qualified applicants. A process for submitting applications will be announced at a later date. At this time, no applications are being accepted. Search firms should contact Anderson at ExecutiveSearch@CMAworld.com.
Lifenotes: Chris Feinstein; Bill Burnette Undergoes Surgery
/by Sarah SkatesChris Feinstein
Musician Chris Feinstein, a Nashville native who was most recently bassist for Ryan Adams & the Cardinals died Monday in New York. He was 42.
Feinstein had been playing with the Cardinals since 2006 and had recorded three albums as a Cardinal: Easy Tiger, Follow the Lights, and Cardinology. He was also a well-known producer whose work included hits by Moby, the I Am Sam soundtrack, and more.
Services will be held in Nashville. Visitation is Sunday, December 20, from 4 – 8 p.m., at Woodbine Funeral Home, Inc.. Graveside service and burial will be Monday, December 21, at 10 a.m., at Woodlawn Memorial Park. There will be a memorial celebration Monday, December 21st at 11 a.m., at the Belcourt Theatre. The family has set up a memorial fund to help defray funeral expenses. If you’d like to contribute, contact feinstein.memorial@gmail.com or the Facebook group.
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Guitarist, artist, and hit songwriter Billy Burnette underwent a quintuple bypass surgery on Dec. 16 and is recovering at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Burnette is the one-time guitarist for Fleetwood Mac, and more recently toured with John Fogerty.
As a songwriter Burnette had cuts on Fleetwood Mac, Faith Hill, Josh Turner, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Greg Allman, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers, Cher, Tammy Wynette, and most recently had the George Strait single “River Of Love.”
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Jean-Luc, the brother of French music promoter Jocelyn Carrier, died last week. Carrier and her husband Georges have been promoters of the Craponne country music festival in France for 23 years. Jean-Luc was a longtime volunteer at the festival and knew many country artists through his work there.
Film-Com Debuts In Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesLocal organization FilmNashville is hosting the first annual Film-Com event in Nashville next year. Running April 13-16 at the Hilton Nashville Downtown, Film-Com is designed to connect filmmakers and their new projects to distribution companies, financial backers, co-production partners, packaging agents and others in the industry. Organizer Andy vanRoon designed this event to help films find partners before they are complete.
Screenings will be held on the 28th floor of the new Pinnacle Tower at the Bass Berry and Sims offices, where 24 of the most marketable films will be shown to industry executives.
VanRoon, who started FilmNashville, also says a special event with the Nashville Symphony is in the works for Film-Com attendees.
Companies scheduled to attend include:
The Weinstein Company
John Hadity, United Atlantic Capital
The Film Department
Nu Image / Millennium
Newmarket Films
Tom Ortenberg, formerly of Lionsgate and TWC
The Panda Fund [P&A capital]
William Morris Endeavor Global — film packaging
Stone Management — product placement/integration
“Country Weekly” Marks 15 Years
/by Sarah SkatesThe issue, dated Dec. 28, 2009 takes a look back at the magazine’s changes since its launch. It includes a timeline of major industry happenings over the past 15 years, plus photos, memorable covers and more.
“It’s hard to believe 15 years have passed since Country Weekly was launched,” says Editor in Chief Larry Holden. “Covering the industry and the music we love has been a labor of love for all of us on staff, and we couldn’t be more grateful to our loyal readers and to the artists who’ve been so cooperative through the years as we’ve endeavored to tell their stories.”
Photo Friday: Gretchen, CRB, Angela Kaset
/by Sarah SkatesGretchen Wilson began her final weekend on the road for 2009 with a packed-house appearance at Knoxville’s massive Cotton Eyed Joe night club last night. The WIVK-sponsored event benefited the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
Pictured prior to Gretchen’s performance are: (l to r) – WIVK on-air personality Josh Blanchard; Catherine Howell – PD WNOX/News Director; Wilson; WIVK on-air personality Jack Ryan; WIVK OM/PD Mike Hammond. Photo: Cindy Arnold
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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® hosted their annual Christmas party this past Wednesday night, Dec. 16. In addition to the holiday season, staff and partygoers also celebrated the recent renovation of the CRB offices, which were damaged earlier this year after a water pipe ruptured and flooded the building.
Pictured below (l to r) are CRB Board members, except where noted: Keith Kaufman (WSIX), Bill Mayne (Mayne Street Consulting), Jeff Walker (The AristoMedia Group), Tom English (Clear Channel; not a CRB Board member), Tom Baldrica (Sony Music Nashville) and David Haley (Edgehill Music and Media).
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Ten Ten Music Group, Inc. artist/writer Angela Kaset stopped by “Better Nashville” to talk about her new CD Underneath A Vincet Van Gogh sky. She performed her new Holiday song, “Christmas In New York.”
Show Dog-Universal Music Launches
/by Sarah SkatesToby Keith, Mark Wright
Toby Keith‘s Show Dog Nashville is merging with Universal Records South to become Show Dog-Universal Music. Keith will serve as a Principle of the new label and previous Universal South Pres. Wright is on board as President of the newly combined entity.
More announcements are expected in January.
“Show Dog-Universal will still have the feeling of being an independent label with strong and personal relationships with all our artists. That is what Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have always been about, but combine the two labels and you have a powerhouse with more staff and better opportunities for our artists. I look forward to working closely with my friend and partner Mark Wright,” said Toby.
“The launch of this new company creates even more value for our combined artists, employees and business partners,” stated Wright. “Together, our best-in-class team will create even more opportunities for our artists, while expanding the services we offer. This is truly one-plus-one equaling three. Moreover, I am delighted to be partnering with Toby, with whom I have shared a close friendship for many years. His remarkable achievements as an artist and businessman define creative leadership at its very best. He will be invaluable to taking this company to even greater heights.”
Toby Keith has been among the top musical performers in any genre throughout this decade, and is ranked among the top selling artists in all-genres at #3 on Billboard‘s Top 200 Artists of the Decade. He was also named Billboard‘s #1 Country Artist of the Decade and #1 Country Songwriter of the Decade, and was honored by NSAI with its prestigious Songwriter/Artist of the Decade Award.
Keith’s business empire encompasses restaurants, movies, and a clothing line. In 2009, his U.S. America’s Toughest Tour played to more than a million people.
Some restructuring is expected following today’s announcement. Here are the label teams prior to the merger: Show Dog—GM George Nunes, VP Promotion Rick Moxley, and Head of Sales & Marketing Bill Kennedy. Roster—Carter’s Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir.
Universal Records South—Pres. Mark Wright, Sr. VP/GM Fletcher Foster, Sr. VP Sales & Operations Van Fletcher, VP National Promotion Teddi Bonadies, and VP A&R Arturo Buenahora. Roster—Baylie Brown, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Eli Young Band, Andy Gibson, Jennifer Hanson, Randy Houser, Shooter Jennings, Joe Nichols, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove, Ashley Ray, Phil Vassar, Angela Wolff, and Kevin Costner & Modern West.