As the 2000s come to a close, publications are reflecting on the decade gone by. Here are some highlights:
Faith Hill is the only artist, in any musical genre, to have two of the Top 10 most played songs of the decade (according to Nielsen BDS). Released in November 1999, “Breathe” stands at No. 4 on the chart, while “The Way You Love Me,” released on February 29th, 2000, comes in at No. 6. Both songs are from Breathe, which has sold more than 8 million copies in the US.
Rolling Stone has many decade-end lists in its magazine and online. It ranks Kenny Chesney as the No. 3 biggest touring act of the decade behind Dave Matthews and Celine Dion. He comes in ahead of the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Madonna and more.
RS also surveyed artists, critics, and others in the industry to compile the 100 Best Albums of the Decade list, and several projects with Nashville ties made the cut (see below). Among the judges were Miranda Lambert and the Followills of Kings of Leon fame. Coming in at No. 1: Kid A by Radiohead (Capitol, 2000).
93. Johnny Cash, Unearthed, Lost Highway, 2003
81. Ryan Adams, Gold, Lost Highway, 2001
80. Kings Of Leon, Youth And Young Manhood, RCA, 2003
64. Gillian Welch, Time The Revelator, Acony Records, 2001
62. Johnny Cash, American III: Solitary Man, American Recordings, 2000
55. Robert Plant And Alison Krauss, Raising Sand, Rounder, 2007
53. Kings Of Leon, Only By The Night, RCA, 2008
39. Kings Of Leon, Aha Shake Heartbreak, RCA, 2005
38. Ryan Adams, Heartbreaker, Bloodshot, 2000
19. The White Stripes, White Blood Cells, Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2001
5. The White Stripes, Elephant, V2/Third Man, 2003
Cracked House Foundation
/by Sarah SkatesThe House Foundation, Front row (L-R) Richard Falklen, Duncan Stewart. Back row (L-R): Mike Bohan, Gerry House and Al Voecks. Photo: Dean Dixon
After 28 years, Gerry House’s radio team the House Foundation is splitting up. Blaming budget cuts at the Clear Channel owned station, ringleader House told The Tennessean that Dec. 23 will be the last day on the WSIX morning show for newsman Al Voecks and sportscaster Duncan Stewart. Remaining on-air will be Country Music DJ Hall of Fame inductee House, sidekick Mike Bohan, and producer Richard Falklen.
House told the newspaper that he fought the changes, explaining, “I’ve been to the point where I’ve quit and renegotiated and come back…These are tough times economically. I hate this, but we have to step forward.”
He also said the station is considering hiring a new person to do both news and sports for the show.
Big D And Bubba Re-up With Premiere
/by Sarah SkatesPremiere Radio Networks assumed distribution rights to the Nashville based show in October 2005. Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, syndicates 90 radio programs and services to more than 5,000 radio affiliations and reaches over 190 million listeners weekly. It is home to Rush Limbaugh, Jim Rome, Ryan Seacrest, Glenn Beck, Bob & Tom, Delilah, Steve Harvey, Blair Garner, John Boy and Billy and many more.
Rucker, Wilson, and Opry Special On TV
/by Michelle••••
Pictured: Smith (L) and Wilson (R) during the taping of CMT's "Southern Fried Flicks with Hazel Smith." Credit: Jimmy Corn
Gretchen Wilson recently taped an episode of CMT’s Southern Fried Flicks television show with host Hazel Smith. The two enjoyed pork chops, corn casserole, and dreamsicle cake while catching up about Wilson’s single “Work Hard, Play Harder” and upcoming album on her own label. The episode will air on CMT Sunday, December 20.
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Martina McBride
A special episode of Opry Live featuring Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Jake Owen, and Rodney Atkins is set to air on GAC: Great American Country this Sat., Dec. 19 at 8:00 p.m. CT. The special was taped last month at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Meanwhile, the Opry is set to round out 2009 at the Ryman with performances by a bevy of new stars and all-time favorites. Among those scheduled to appear: Jamey Johnson, Jimmy Wayne, Darryl Worley, Chris Young, Terri Clark (Dec. 15); Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Ralph Stanley (Dec. 18 & 19); Ronnie Milsap (Dec. 19); Blaine Larsen, Dailey & Vincent (Christmas Day); and Restless Heart, Dailey & Vincent (Dec. 26).
Faith, Chesney, Make End-of-Decade Lists
/by Sarah SkatesFaith Hill is the only artist, in any musical genre, to have two of the Top 10 most played songs of the decade (according to Nielsen BDS). Released in November 1999, “Breathe” stands at No. 4 on the chart, while “The Way You Love Me,” released on February 29th, 2000, comes in at No. 6. Both songs are from Breathe, which has sold more than 8 million copies in the US.
Rolling Stone has many decade-end lists in its magazine and online. It ranks Kenny Chesney as the No. 3 biggest touring act of the decade behind Dave Matthews and Celine Dion. He comes in ahead of the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Madonna and more.
RS also surveyed artists, critics, and others in the industry to compile the 100 Best Albums of the Decade list, and several projects with Nashville ties made the cut (see below). Among the judges were Miranda Lambert and the Followills of Kings of Leon fame. Coming in at No. 1: Kid A by Radiohead (Capitol, 2000).
93. Johnny Cash, Unearthed, Lost Highway, 2003
81. Ryan Adams, Gold, Lost Highway, 2001
80. Kings Of Leon, Youth And Young Manhood, RCA, 2003
64. Gillian Welch, Time The Revelator, Acony Records, 2001
62. Johnny Cash, American III: Solitary Man, American Recordings, 2000
55. Robert Plant And Alison Krauss, Raising Sand, Rounder, 2007
53. Kings Of Leon, Only By The Night, RCA, 2008
39. Kings Of Leon, Aha Shake Heartbreak, RCA, 2005
38. Ryan Adams, Heartbreaker, Bloodshot, 2000
19. The White Stripes, White Blood Cells, Sympathy For The Record Industry, 2001
5. The White Stripes, Elephant, V2/Third Man, 2003
Phil Vassar Releases New Album Today
/by Sarah SkatesHe wrote the current single “Everywhere I Go,” with Jeffrey Steele. The video has been added to rotation on CMT and GAC.
Universal Records South had originally planned the project for a February release, but moved up the street date in November.
Vassar is also giving a Christmas gift to his fans in the form of a free holiday download of Phil Vassar An Acoustic Christmas.
Books With Songwriter Ties: “Chicken Soup,” “Have Her Over For Dinner”
/by Sarah Skates——————————-
CRS New Faces Line-Up Revealed
/by Sarah SkatesRandy Houser
On Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 the popular New Faces of Country Music® show and dinner will officially close CRS 41. Set to perform are Gloriana (Emblem Records), Randy Houser (Universal South), Love and Theft (Lyric Street), Justin Moore (Valory Music Co.), and Chris Young (RCA).
Gloriana
Country Radio Seminar runs Feb. 24-26, 2010 at the Nashville Convention Center. The New Faces of Country Music Show (co-sponsored by the Country Music Association) is one of the most anticipated events of the annual Country Radio Seminar. Five emerging artists that have achieved significant success at Country radio during the qualification period are selected to perform at the event, held in the CMA Performance Hall. Each act plays a 20-minute set during the show, which officially closes CRS every year.
Love And Theft
“The CRS New Faces show is a great way to stay ahead of the curve and see tomorrow’s stars today,” says CRB President Becky Brenner. “Artists like Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban were all New Faces performers at one time, and that’s only in the last decade!”
Justin Moore
Country radio registrants who attended the previous year’s Country Radio Seminar select the New Faces of Country Music Show artists. The Nashville-based firm of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. validates the voting process.
Chris Young
The opportunity to register for Country Radio Seminar 2010 at the $549 Advance Rate expires this Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.
Wilson Rejoins Columbia Promo, Friedman Gets New Role
/by Sarah SkatesMike Wilson
Jimmy Rector, Vice President, National Promotion, for Columbia Nashville today announces the return of Mike Wilson to the Sony Music Nashville family as Director, National Promotion, for Columbia Nashville. Most recently National Director of Promotion for Universal Records South, Wilson had previously worked in promotion for Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Nashville imprint for more than 17 years. Based in Nashville, Wilson will report directly to Rector. Wilson will be on the job in January.
Concurrently, David Friedman segues from Director, National Promotion, to the newly created role of Director of Field Promotion, Columbia Nashville, where he will also assume responsibility for a regional territory. Friedman will officially begin his new role on December 15.
David Friedman
With the announcement, Rector commented, “I am excited about someone of Mike’s experience and pedigree joining our team. His experience, enthusiasm and love for music will be a great addition to Big Red. Mike, welcome home, we have missed you.”
On joining the Columbia Nashville team, Wilson remarked, “It’s very exciting to me to be going home! This is the place where I cut my teeth in promotion and enjoyed several years of success with the great artists and people there. I look forward to joining Joe Galante and being a part of this winning team.”