CMA Awards Billboard’s Jessica Nicholson With 2024 Media Achievement Award

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Billboard staff writer Jessica Nicholson is surprised with news of her 2024 CMA Media Achievement Award win by Thomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA

The CMA has awarded Billboard staff writer Jessica Nicholson with the 2024 Media Achievement Award.

Nicholson, who was formerly MusicRow‘s managing editor, was surprised with news of her win yesterday (Nov. 19.) backstage at Bridgestone Arena during CMA Awards rehearsals by Thomas Rhett, who will take the CMA Awards stage with Teddy Swims on Wednesday to perform a mash-up of both of their hits, “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” and “Lose Control.”

The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers and syndicated radio reporters in the media as they relate to country music. The award is voted on by publicist members of CMA.

Nicholson joined Billboard full time in 2021. Prior to joining Billboard, she also wrote for various publications including American Songwriter, CMT, Forbes, Country Weekly and more.

The 58th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson, airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Nov. 20) on ABC and next day on Hulu.

Parmalee To Kick Off ‘Fell In Love With A Cowgirl Tour’ In February

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Parmalee will kick off their “Fell In Love With A Cowgirl Tour,” featuring special guest Avery Anna, on Feb. 13 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The group will visit cities in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and more before heading to Canada for several dates, wrapping on March 22 in Edmonton, Alberta. The announcement follows Parmalee’s time on the road supporting Kane Brown’s “In The Air Tour.”

“With new music coming early next year, there is energy and excitement around us and our whole team,” says lead singer Matt Thomas. “We wanted to bring that energy to our fans as soon as we could, so we decided to do a headline tour starting in Feb. 2025. We’ll be bringing the party back to some of the cities we played on the Kane Brown tour as well as some cities we’ve never been to. Can’t wait to kick off 2025 with the ‘Parmalee Famalee.'”

A ticket presale starts today (Nov. 20) at 10 a.m. local time, and will run until tomorrow (Nov. 21) at 11:59 p.m. local time. General sales will follow this Friday (Nov. 22) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.

Music Industry Vet Mike Martinovich Passes

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Mike Martinovich. Photo: Courtesy of family

Longtime Music Row executive Mike Martinovich passed away on Monday (Nov. 18) at age 81.

Martinovich is best known for the three decades he spent at CBS/Sony Records. He worked in sales, marketing, promotion and management during his extensive music-industry career.

He joined the label in 1969 as a sales representative in St. Louis. In 1970, he moved to the CBS Atlanta office as sales manager. A year later, he became the branch manager of the company’s office in Cincinnati.

In 1979, he was named a Vice President of Merchandizing for CBS nationally, responsible for advertising, marketing and promotion of all music on Columbia, Epic, Portrait, CBS Masterworks and other labels associated with the company. In this role, he was instrumental in the marketing of such artists as Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Journey and James Taylor.

Mike Martinovich was named Vice President of Marketing at Sony Records in Nashville in 1989. In this role, he was placed in charge of advertising, overseeing the national country-music sales staff, supervising LP jacket designs, directing promotional materials and steering the exposure of the company’s country music to consumers. He designed and directed the marketing of artists including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette (his favorite), Rosanne Cash, Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Charlie Daniels and Joe Diffie.

He left the label and formed a partnership with manager Joe Mansfield to form Mansfield-Martinovich Associates in 1994-2002. There, he became a consultant to Anderson Merchandisers, which supplied music to Walmart. He planned and oversaw Walmart’s “Country Music Across America Parking Lot Tour.” Over three touring seasons, this featured over 50 developing country artists performing for tens of thousands of fans in 60+ cities and towns.

He next became a partner in the management group The Consortium in 2002-2017. In this capacity, he co-managed future Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and worked on the careers of country stars Marie Osmond, Jason Aldean and Emerson Drive. He was a consultant to the successful independent label Broken Bow Records. He also led The Weather Channel’s licensing and branding.

His sons followed in his footsteps. Michael Dimitry Martinovich, is a manager who has worked with such bands as Good Charlotte, My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf, The Conchords and Shivaree. Bo Martinovich is Sr. Director National Promotion & Artist Development at Sony Music Nashville.

Mike Martinovich was an alumnus of Leadership Music. He also served as president of the board of the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church. Its beautiful sanctuary is located at 1712 Fifth Ave. N. in Germantown.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 at 3:30-6:00 p.m. at Eastland Funeral Home, 904 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 23 at 12:00 noon at Svetka Petka Serbian Orthodox Church, 1712 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to Svetka Petka Serbian Orthodox Church, 1712 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

Russell Dickerson & Concord Raise $35K For Charity With Inaugural ‘RussellMania’

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Russell Dickerson with Concord Music Publishing A&R team members. Photo: Emma Delevante

Russell Dickerson and Concord hosted their first annual Country Awards Week Challenge, dubbed “RussellMania,” yesterday (Nov. 18).

The event brought artists and industry professionals together for some friendly competition in support of nonprofit partners ACM Lifting Lives and Cul2vate. Teams competed in axe throwing, darts and a giant cup ball toss ,while spectators played giant Jenga, old school arcade games and air hockey.

Russell Dickerson with Cul2vate team members. Photo: Emma Delevante

Alongside Dickerson’s team and Concord’s group, Range Media Partners, Triple Tigers, Cul2vate, ACM Lifting Lives, FBMM, CAA, Warner Chappell Music, and Sony Music Publishing assembled teams, with the Cul2vate crew winning the competition and taking home the coveted “RussellMania” Championship Belt. The event raised $35,000 in total, which will directly benefit the two Nashville-based nonprofits.

“RussellMania was a blast, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to give back in a way that only country music can,” says Dickerson. “We came together to have fun, but we also raised some serious support for ACM Lifting Lives and Cul2vate—two organizations that do incredible work. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who came out to show their love, support and competitive spirit. I’m already counting down to next year!”

“It was an absolute pleasure to partner with Russell and his team to raise money for these two incredible organizations,” says Concord CEO Bob Valentine. “I look forward to doing it again next year—and hopefully bringing the belt home to Concord.”

62nd ASCAP Country Music Awards Honors Talented Songwriters & Publishers

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chris Stapleton and ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Country music stars, songwriters and publishers ascended the steps of The Twelve Thirty Club on Monday night (Nov. 18) for the ASCAP Celebrates Nashville event, awarding the top performing ASCAP members of the past year.

ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

The upscale club featured multiple spaces for party-goers to mingle, with intimate seating areas thoughtfully placed beneath the soft, dim lighting. The drinks were flowing with multiple bar locations, and attendees noshed on The Twelve Thirty Club’s yummy sushi and sashimi, shrimp cocktail, hummus and crudités, pimento cheese and pita bread and more.

In addition to the red carpet, songwriters and publishers took photos in front of a large ASCAP step and repeat that listed the top performing songs.

Country duo Everette kicked off the evening’s program with a performance. ASCAP’s VP of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad then appeared to welcome everyone to the event, and shed light on some members’ recent success. He saluted Hillary Lindsey on her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, as well as David Bellamy into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and John Anderson into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Sistad then welcomed up ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews to the podium. Matthews shared meaningful words about former EVP and and Chief Creative Officer, John Titta, who passed away a few weeks ago.

Sony Music Publishing CEO Nashville Rusty Gaston (front row, third from left) with the staff of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

For the first award of the night, Matthews shared that 80-time chart-topper Ashley Gorley was the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year for an 11th time, extending his record as the winningest ASCAP songwriter in the country format.

“It’s a privilege to be a country music fan in the era of Ashley Gorley,” Matthews said of the hitmaker who was recently nominated for induction to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Thank you ASCAP for all that you do for songwriters, ” Gorley said, highlighting Titta’s legacy. “It’s been really cool to see country music and country songs have a bright spotlight this past year, and to see songs move up some different charts. It’s not a secret anymore that the Nashville is special and one of a king. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Pictured (L-R): Co-writer of the Country Music Song of the Year Ashley Gorley, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and Country Music Song of the Year co-writer JKash. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Next it was time for the Publisher of the Year honor, which went to Sony Music Publishing. The company won for an 11th time with 24 of this year’s most-performed songs.

“At Sony Music Publishing in Nashville, we believe that every song has the power to change the world. They all take amazing songwriters,” shared Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “It is our greatest honor to get to walk alongside and champion the songwriters that we get to work with.”

Matthews welcomed up ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams to present the next awards. He also shared special words about the late Titta, speaking about his legacy as a friend to songwriters.

Chris Stapleton accepts the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Williams announced that Chris Stapleton was the ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year, with his “White Horse” (co-written by ASCAP member Dan Wilson) and “Think I’m in Love with You” are among ASCAP’s most-performed country songs of the year.

“I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. That was my dream and my whole plan,” Stapleton said. “I have so many friends and people who have encouraged me [in the room tonight]…I’m honored to be a songwriter tonight.

“Congratulations to all the winners tonight,” he continued. “If you’re in this room tonight, you should feel honored. If you’re wearing one of those things around your neck tonight, that’s what we all move to town to do. If you’re a songwriter, you’re always going to be a songwriter.”

The ASCAP Country Song of the Year went to “Last Night,” performed by Morgan Wallen. ASCAP members Gorley and JKash accepted the honor, giving Gorley his fourth ASCAP Country Song of the Year win. Sony Music Publishing, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Domain Capital Group, Poppy’s Picks, Prescription Songs and Rap Kingpin Music celebrated with them.

After the big awards had been presented, the ASCAP executives continued to honor the most-performed songs of the year, calling up ASCAP songwriters and playing their awarded hits over the speakers. The room cheered each recipient on, making for a joyous celebration.

Click here for a complete list of ASCAP Country Music Award winners.

Blake Shelton Notches Biggest Radio Add Day Of His Career

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Pictured (L–R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville General Manager Peter Strickland, BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld, Blake Shelton, BMG Americas President Jon Loba and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville EVP JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Kevin Grace

Country star Blake Shelton has notched the biggest radio add day of his career with his latest single, “Texas,” via Wheelhouse Records.

Tallying over 149 first-week Mediabase stations (156 overall), the track marks his debut release with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, whom he signed with in September. The label’s team surprised Shelton with a celebration for the milestone event yesterday (Nov. 18).

Released to streaming services last Friday (Nov. 15), “Texas” amassed high numbers across all platforms. Produced by Shelton’s longtime producer Scott Hendricks and written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman, the tune describes a man stranded in the dust of a carefree woman who has no idea where she’s headed, though he figures she’s somewhere in Texas.

“I moved to Nashville the month after I graduated from high school to sing country music and, hopefully, get to hear one of my songs on the radio,” shares Shelton. “After all these years, it’s still exciting. Thanks to fans for listening and coming out to shows. I can’t wait to play ‘Texas’ live!”

Additionally, he plans to perform “Texas” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! tomorrow (Nov. 20).

 

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Industry Ink: No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival, Kristin Wilkinson, Randy Rogers Band, More

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Inaugural No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival Lights Up South Maui

Pictured (L-R, seated): Jeffrey Steele, Jessi Alexander, Randy Houser, Kassi Ashton and Brad Warren; (L-R, standing): Storme Warren, Dan Goodfellow, Lukas Nelson, Claudia Goodfellow, Derick Sebastian, Jerry Flowers, Preston Cooper and Jared Keim

The inaugural No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival took place Nov. 7-9 in south Maui. The tropical event combined exclusive performances, business collaboration, and philanthropy, with proceeds benefiting LeLe Aloha and the Maui Family YMCA Music Program. Songwriters participating included Jeffrey Steele, Jessi Alexander, Randy Houser, Kassi Ashton, Brad Warren, Jared Keim and more.

 

Kristin Wilkinson Spotlighted in Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Nashville Cats Program

Kristin Wilkinson and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Jon Freeman at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured classically trained violist Kristin Wilkinson in its in-depth interview series Nashville Cats, which showcases musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in the studio or on  tour.

Wilkinson is one of Nashville’s most in-demand string arrangers and has hundreds of credits on country, rock and pop projects since the 1980s. As an arranger, Wilkinson has contributed to recordings with Kenny Chesney, Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood and Willie Nelson. She has worked with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Regina Spektor and Chris Stapleton on live shows. The program was moderated by museum Writer-Editor Jon Freeman, and following the interview, Jake Kiszka, Bill Miller and Larry Paxton joined Wilkinson onstage for a brief performance.

 

Randy Rogers Band Delivers Deliver Donation For Scholarship Fund During KASE 100.7’s Friendsgiving

Pictured (L-R): Jason Mellard, Director of the Center for Texas Music History; Anne Hudson, KASE; Kelly Damphousse, President – Texas State University; Randy Rogers and Alek Halverson, KASE. Photo: Justin Rice

The Randy Rogers Band took the stage during KASE 100.7’s Friendsgiving at the Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, Texas on Nov. 13 to present a check for The Kent Finlay Legacy Endowed Scholarship in Texas Music History and the Tommy Foote Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The star-studded event also included performances from Jon Pardi, William Beckmann, Tucker Wetmore, Priscilla Block and Austin Snell. The funds raised from Cheatham Street Warehouse’s 50th Anniversary Street Party (Oct. 20), brought in $37,500 for each fund for a total of $75,000 raised.

 

Bryana Cielo Joins National Independent Venue Association As Admin Manager

Bryana Cielo

Bryana Cielo recently joined the National Independent Venue Association as Administrative Manager. Cielo came to Nashville in 2021 as a Programming and Media Coordinator for Circle Network, the Grand Ole Opry’s TV network. Most recently, Cielo worked for CMT as Leslie Fram and Margaret Comeaux’s Executive Assistant, working across the talent and production teams.

In her new role reporting to NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker and working from Nashville, Cielo will support NIVA’s administrative operations and project manage NIVA’s efforts to support independent venues all over the country and NIVA’s advocacy at the federal, state and local levels.

 

Megan Danielle Inks With Provident Entertainment

Megan Danielle Signs with Provident Entertainment, Managed by Hsquared Management and booking with Jeff Roberts Agency

Singer-songwriter Megan Danielle has signed with Provident Entertainment. The 2023 American Idol runner-up has released her first label debut single “When I Found You.” She has also been featured on songs with Ben Fuller (“If I Got Jesus”) and Sidewalk Prophets (“Looking Up”).

“We are thrilled to have Megan join the family of creators at Provident Entertainment,” says Provident Entertainment’s President Holly Zabka. “The moment I heard her on American Idol, I fell in love with her sweet spirit and the way her voice draws you into the emotion of a song.”

 

Visionary Media Group, The Pack Shack, Lipscomb & Convoy of Hope Team To Pack 200,000 Meals for Hurricane Victims

Representatives of Visionary Media Group, The Pack Shack, Convoy of Hope and Lipscomb University; including Candice McQueen, Lipscomb University President and Brent Roe-Hall, Dean of Student Life for Spiritual Formation

Over 400 volunteers gathered at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena to pack 200,000 meals sponsored by Visionary Media Group and set up by The Pack Shack. The meals, delivered overnight by Convoy of Hope, will serve people in areas impacted by recent hurricanes. The event started with country duo O.N.E The Duo ringing the opening gong to kick off the pack and ended with a loaded Convoy of Hope semi-truck driving to East Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida.

Jordan Davis To Headline Boots In The Park Festival

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Jordan Davis is headlining the Boots In The Park Festival this spring in Fresno, California on April 12.

Also taking the Boots In The Park stage will be Nate Smith, Parmalee, Presley Tennant and more. The traveling festival will include all-day country parties featuring multiple artists, line dancing, craft food from local vendors, beverages including craft beer and handmade cocktails, as well as art installations. Tickets for the one-day festival will go on sale Nov. 22.

“Boots In The Park is a celebration of music, community, and country culture,” says Steve Thacher, President of Activated Events. “We’re proud to return to Fresno each year, the city where it all began, and grateful for the ongoing support from fans who make this event so special.”

Tyler Childers, The Red Clay Strays, More To Headline Under The Big Sky Festival

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Tyler Childers, Mumford & Sons and The Red Clay Strays will headline Under The Big Sky Festival, taking place July 18–20 at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana.

Wyonna Judd, Dylan Gossett, Wyatt Flores and Luke Grimes are also set to perform along with 11 local acts, including Hannah King, North Fork Crossing, The Bridger Creek Boys, Helnore Highwater Band and Give It To ‘Em, Florabelle.

In addition to live music, Under The Big Sky will deliver a full three-day roughstock rodeo, featuring bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc, team roping and barrel racing.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will be able to sample Western cuisine, from both local and handpicked national food vendors, shop vintage Western wear on mercantile row, explore the ranch on family-focused horse rides and interact with a petting zoo.

Under The Big Sky is open to all ages, and offers children ages six and under free entry. Presale tickets will be available this Thursday (Nov. 21), starting at 1 p.m. CT, with general sales beginning this Friday (Nov. 22) at the same time. For more information, click here.

Luke Grimes Makes Grand Ole Opry & Ryman Headline Debut

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Luke Grimes performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Hank Chafin

Mercury/Range recording artist Luke Grimes recently celebrated two milestones, performing his first headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 14 and making his Grand Ole Opry debut the next night.

Pictured (L-R): Jenn Tressler (Opry Entertainment), Cameron Lutz (Range Media Partners), Rob Femia (UMGN), Luke Grimes, Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Matt Graham (Range Media Partners), Lori Christian (UMGN) and Nicole Judd (Opry Entertainment). Photo: Chris Hollo for Opry

Grimes’ Ryman show was part of his “Playin’ On The Tracks Tour,” which runs through the end of the year. The tour continues on Nov. 21 in Cleveland, Ohio.

During his Opry debut, Grimes performed “Hold On” and “No Horse To Ride” in the iconic circle. He brought his wife and newborn son on stage for the special experience.

The singer-songwriter and actor released his self-titled debut album earlier this year. Produced by Dave Cobb, the project features 13 tracks including “No Horse to Ride,” which debuted at No. 7 on the Country Songs sales chart in 2022 and accumulated 59.2 million release-to-date global on-demand streams, and “Hold On,” which has amassed 39.9 million global streams.

Grimes is widely known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit drama Yellowstone, which returned to television on Nov. 10 for its fifth season.