Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, CMHOFM, Big Spring Entertainment

/by

Lainey Wilson Celebrates ‘Whirlwind’ At Audacy Release Party

Pictured (L–R): BMG’s Dan Gill, Regan Donato, Shelley Hargis, JoJamie Hahr, Lainey Wilson, BMG’s Jon Loba, Layna Bunt, Lee Adams, Brian Meiler and Celine Joshua. Photo: Kelly Hammond

Lainey Wilson celebrated her new album, Whirlwind, with her BBR Music Group/BMG team at an Audacy release party in San Diego, California last week. She arrived via helicopter to the event, which was hosted by 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM).

 

CMHOFM Hosts Honor Society Event

Pictured (L–R): Ken Levitan, Gloria Dumas, Kyle Young, Molly Tuttle, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Jody Williams. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a special event for its Honor Society members last week at the home of Board member Ken Levitan and Gloria Dumas. The evening featured a performance by Grammy-winning artist Molly Tuttle, who was accompanied by fiddle player Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show also made an appearance.

Honor Society members are donors who give $1,000 or more annually to the museum to support its exhibitions, education programs and the preservation of its collection.

 

Big Spring Entertainment Adds Vickie Gordon & Promotes Cameron Moss

Vickie Gordon & Cameron Moss

Big Spring Entertainment has added Vickie Gordon to its Talent Buying team and promoted Cameron Moss to Vice President of Talent Buying & Business Development. Gordon will spearhead the company’s club department, programming Druid City Music Hall along with other college markets, while cultivating strategic national partnerships with venues and promoters. Since joining Big Spring Entertainment in 2019, Moss has helped to exponentially grow both the events and number of venues in new markets both regionally and nationally.

“We are so excited to welcome Vickie to the team. She has an impressive background in the live entertainment industry with over a decade of experience working for venues, agencies and talent buyers,” says Jason Oschwald, Big Spring Entertainment Co-Owner. “Additionally, Cameron Moss has had a significant impact on the overall business during his tenure and this is a well-deserved recognition to lead the department.”

Joe Nichols To Celebrate ‘Honky Tonks & Country Songs’ On New Album

/by

Joe Nichols will release his 11th studio album, Honky Tonks & Country Songs, on Oct. 25 via Quartz Hill Records.

Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, the 11-track project showcases Nichols’ commitment to country music that has made him one of Nashville’s most honest voices. Writers featured on the track listing include Tyler Hubbard, Josh Kear, Jared Keim and more. It also features collaborations with Stevie Woodward and Annie Bosko.

“I’ve been in a lot of honky tonks,” shares Nichols. “They’re the only places I could play for a long time, and you learn a lot about being an entertainer there, because people come wanting to hear a good song and have a good time. Country songs speak not just to those people, but to all people.

“My job is to make people feel good,” he continues. “And sometimes that means with fun and happy songs, and other times with sad and sorrowful truths. But the goal is always to make them feel good. This album is meant to do exactly that. Everyone can find a good time in a honky tonk and a country song.”

Following the lead singe “Bottle It Up,” Nichols will release another taste of the album on Sept. 6 with “Doin’ Life With You.” Solo-penned by Jimmy Yeary, the love song is sung through a father and husband’s lens and is a vow to one’s partner that you’ll be by their side through thick and thin.

Honky Tonks & Country Songs Track Listing:
1. “Honky Tonks and Country Songs” (Tyler Hubbard/Matt Jenkins/Travis Wood/Casey Brown)
2. “Bottle It Up” (Josh Kear/Dan Isbell/Paul Sikes)
3. “People Still Doin’ That” (Justin Lantz/Clint Daniels)
4. “Helpless in a Honky Tonk” (Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Neil Medley/Dan Alley)
5. “Country Boy Can Survive” (Hank Williams Jr)
6. “Hard Fires (featuring Stevie Woodward)” (Michael Carter/Adam Craig/Matt Rogers)
7. “Doin’ Life with You” (Jimmy Yeary)
8. “Y’all Do” (Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy/Mike Walker)
9. “On and On” (Jason Sellers Terri Jo Box/Dan Smalley)
10. “Better Than You (Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko)” (Derek George/John Pierce)
11. “Amazing Ways” (Dan Isbell/Jordan Minton/Jonathan Smith)

CRB Unveils 2024-2025 Board Of Directors

/by

Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled its 2024-2025 Board of Directors, which is comprised of industry professionals who will work together ensure the success of Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) will return as President alongside John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach), who will once again serve as Vice President, and Beverlee Brannigan (Beverlee Brannigan, LLC), who plans to return as Secretary.

The Board of Directors features both elected and appointed members. Others set to serve include Emily Cohen Belote (Amazon Music), Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group), Mike Harris (UMG Nashville), Debra Herman (Apple/Shazam), Jennifer Johnson (Riser House Records), Ashley Morrison (iHeartMedia/WFUS), Jordan Pettit (Opry Entertainment Group), Greg Strassell (Hubbard), Allison Warren (Cumulus Nashville) and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).

In addition to Shomby and Brannigan, those continuing their terms this year are Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Gator Harrison (iHeart Country), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Clay Hunnicut (BMLG), Kenny Jay (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jon Loba (BMG North America), Mike McVay (McVay Media), RJ Meacham (Curb Records), Brent Michaels (KUZZ), Charlie Morgan (Apple Music), Rod Phillips (iHeart Country), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Royce Risser (The Familie), Tim Roberts (Audacy/WYCD) and Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy).

CRS 2025 will take place Feb. 19–21.

Toby Keith’s Legacy To Be Honored With NBC Special & Forthcoming Albums

/by

Toby Keith

Toby Keith: American Icon will air tomorrow (Aug. 28) at 8 p.m. CT on NBC. The celebration of the country star’s life and legacy will continue with the forthcoming release of a new album containing his hits along with an expanded version of Christmas to Christmas.

The star-studded special features Luke Bryan, Tyler Hubbard, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and more performing Keith’s classic before a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Other performers and special guests include Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Leanne Morgan, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde and Clay Walker.

On Oct. 4, the new 13 Number Ones album will be available on CD and vinyl. It features some of Keith’s most iconic songs released between 1993–2005, almost all of which were performed during the television celebration. The remastered Christmas to Christmas collection will be available on CD, digital and vinyl for the first time on the same day. The vinyl version includes the bonus track of Roger Miller’s “Old Toy Trains,” which Keith previously recorded in 2000.

William Beckmann Signs With Warner Music Nashville

/by

Pictured (L–R): Triple 8 Management’s Matthew Miller, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, William Beckmann, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Stephanie Wright and Triple 8 Management’s George Couri. Photo: Maddie Ormond

Singer-songwriter William Beckmann has signed with Warner Music Nashville. The 28-year-old will release his new track, “Not That Strong,” this Friday (Aug. 30).

The Del Rio, Texas native sings in both English and Spanish and was raised on classic country as well as the mariachi and Norteño sounds of northern Mexico. Beckmann is drawn to things that have a story to tell, such as historic buildings, old guitars and the vintage typewriter on which he writes all of his lyrics.

In 2023, he released his album Here’s To You, Here’s To Me, which included “Tennessee Drinkin,'” his fifth consecutive song to hit top 20 on the Texas Regional Radio chart. Additionally, Beckmann has spent the last year touring with Parker McCollum, Hank Williams Jr., Charley Crockett and the Randy Rogers Band. He also sold out five of his own shows at the famous Gruene Hall and headlined Billy Bob’s Texas.

“William has a swagger that is both retro and youthful. Combine that with his rich, timeless vocal and the result is a modern-vintage sound that is quite unique not just to the country format, but to all genres of music,” says Stephanie Wright, SVP of A&R, Warner Music Nashville. “Whether he is serenading in English or in Spanish, you immediately recognize that William Beckmann is in the one of one category of artists.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the Warner family,” adds Beckmann. “From the very beginning they’ve had such a holistic understanding of both my journey to this point and vision for the future, I can’t wait to begin releasing music together.”

Tanya Tucker Presented With 2024 Susan G. Komen Promise Award

/by

Pictured (L–R): Ryan Davis, Joshua Daniel, Tanya Tucker, Shirley Burns, Amy Fish and Marcus Frisch. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Tanya Tucker was presented with the 2024 Susan G. Komen Promise Award on Saturday (Aug. 24) during Orville Peck‘s Sixth Annual Rodeo in Nashville.

The Promise Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in the fight to help end breast cancer through their philanthropy, advocacy and commitment to reaching those impacted by the disease. It was created in honor of the promise Susan G. Komen Founder Nancy Brinker made to end breast cancer forever.

A longtime supporter of the organization, Tucker headlined the annual “Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye” concert last year and raised over $30,000 for breast cancer research and patient services. She has also been a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, speaking out and dyeing her hair pink in support of her friend Shirley Burns‘ journey as well as actively supporting others impacted by the disease.

“Tanya Tucker not only captivates audiences with her extraordinary star power and compassion on stage, but she has also used her talents and platform to raise awareness for those affected by breast cancer,” said Paula Schneider, President & CEO, Susan G. Komen. “We are so grateful for Tanya lending her voice to several Komen initiatives over the years, and it is with great honor that we present her with the 2024 Promise Award as she continues to help us save lives.”

“Tanya is a prominent voice in the fight against breast cancer and we are excited to present her with the 2024 Promise Award,” added Joshua Daniel, Tennessee Executive Director, Susan G. Komen. “In presenting her with this award, we wanted to acknowledge her advocacy for this cause and express our appreciation for her ongoing support.”

Weekly Register: Post Malone Pulls Into Multiple Top-Five Spots With ‘F-1 Trillion’

/by

Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion debuts at the top of both the country albums and all-genre chart this week with 250K in total consumption (80K album only/207 million song streams), and parks three tracks in the top five on the country streaming songs chart, according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time tumbles to No. 2 with 60K (1.5K album only/76 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s The Great American Bar Scene shifts down to No. 3 with 44K (478 album only/56 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album drops to No. 4 with 36K (464 album only/46 million song streams), moving Bryan’s self-titled collection to No. 5 with 33K (3.3K album only/39 million song streams).

On the country streaming songs chart, Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” rises to No. 1 with 30 million new streams, adding to 564 million ATD. Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” shuffles down to No. 2 with 26 million streams, adding to 629 million ATD, while Bryan’s “Pink Skies” remains at No. 3 with 16 million new streams, adding to 273 million ATD. Post Malone and Luke Combs‘ “Guy For That” takes No. 4 with 15.5 million streams, adding to 51 million ATD, and Post Malone and Blake Shelton‘s “Pour Me A Drink” secures No. 5 with 15 million new streams, adding to 107 million ATD.

Additionally, Post Malone’s “Wrong Ones” claims the title of top debut at No. 10 with 12 million streams.

BREAKING: 2024 MusicRow Awards Winners [Full List]

/by

MusicRow Magazine has revealed the winners of the 36th annual MusicRow Awards today (Aug. 27) on all of its online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X.

City National Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 MusicRow Awards.

Now in its 36th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest-running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more. Winners are voted on by MusicRow’s subscribers.

All the MusicRow Award nominees are profiled in the recently-released MusicRow Awards print issue.

The winners for the 36th annual MusicRow Awards (winners marked in red):

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
Dave Cobb
Zach Crowell
Dann Huff
Jay Joyce – WINNER
Joey Moi
Alysa Vanderheym

LABEL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
BBR Music Group
Big Loud Records – WINNER
Big Machine Label Group
Sony Music Nashville
UMG Nashville
Warner Music Nashville

TALENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR:
CAA
Reliant Talent
The Neal Agency
UTA
Wasserman
WME – WINNER

BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Zach Abend
Ryan Beaver
Gabe Foust
Pete Good
Jared Keim
Ryan Larkins – WINNER
Josh Melton
Patrick Murphy
Austin Nivarel
Joe Ragosta
Rob Ragosta
Jonathan Sherwood
Chandler Walters
Micah Wilshire
Travis Wood

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
Chayce Beckham
George Birge
Ashley Cooke – WINNER
Bryan Martin
Conner Smith
Warren Zeiders

MALE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
John Byron
Ashley Gorley – WINNER
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Hunter Phelps
Taylor Phillips

FEMALE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Jessi Alexander – WINNER
Kat Higgins
Jessie Jo Dillon
Hillary Lindsey
Liz Rose
Emily Weisband

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Bigger Houses” – Songwriters: Andy Albert, Dan Smyers, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds
“Dirt Cheap” – Songwriter: Josh Phillips – WINNER
“Good News Sold” – Songwriters: Cole Taylor, Jacob Davis, Jordan Rowe
“No Caller ID” – Songwriters: Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Megan Moroney
“Where The Wild Things Are” – Songwriters: Dave Turnbull, Randy Montana
“Your Place” – Songwriters: Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell

DISCOVERY ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Tanner Adell
Avery Anna
Ella Langley
Zach Top – WINNER
Lauren Watkins
Tucker Wetmore

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ashley Cooke
Dasha
Kameron Marlowe
Bryan Martin
Shaboozey – WINNER
Conner Smith

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Carly Pearce
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kane Brown
Zach Bryan
Luke Combs
Jordan Davis
Jelly Roll – WINNER
Morgan Wallen

GROUP/DUO ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Old Dominion – WINNER
Parmalee
The War And Treaty
Tigirlily Gold

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MusicRow also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians at the 2024 MusicRow Awards, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period. The honorees are:

Bass:
Jimmie Lee Sloas

Drums:
Jerry Roe

Engineer:
Jim Cooley

Fiddle:
Jenee Fleenor

Guitar:
Derek Wells

Keyboards:
Dave Cohen

Steel:
TIE – Justin Schipper & Paul Franklin

Vocals:
TIE – Caitlin Evanson, Mike Meadows & Wes Hightower

Riley Green Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Riley Green. Photo: Harper Smith

Riley Green has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Damn Good Day To Leave,” “Worst Way” and “You Look Like You Love Me” all pushed Green into the No. 8 spot.

Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights,” “Bass Boat,” “Better Days,” “Nine Ball,” “Oak Island” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.” 

Josh Phillips (No. 3), Chris Stapleton (No. 4) and Jessi Alexander (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Marcus King Family Reunion Wraps Talent-Packed Two-Day Event

/by

Marcus King Band. Photo: Fletcher Moore

The Marcus King Family Reunion wrapped Sunday night (Aug. 25) at CCNB Amphitheater in Simpsonville, South Carolina, capping a successful two-day event.

Sierra Farrell. Photo: Fletcher Moore

The two-day event made its return for the first time since the pandemic and it was the first time it has been based in South Carolina, near King’s hometown of Greenville. The first day featured a lineup including Band of Horses, Nikki Lane, Ethan Regan, Darby Wilcox, Britti and a headline performance from King with the Marcus King Band.

The final day featured performances from The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell, Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners, Kashus Culpepper, Barrett and an all-star Marshall Tucker Band-themed set with Marcus King & Friends. The band performed with original Marshall Tucker Band member Paul T Riddle on drums, and his father Marvin King, with songs including “Searchin’ for a Rainbow” featuring Kashus Culpepper, “Fire on the Mountain” featuring Lane, “Take the Highway” with Ferrell and a rousing closing ensemble performance of “Can’t You See,” featuring Culpepper, Regan, Lane, Wilcox and Ferrell.

Marcus King Band & Kashus Culpepper during Marshall Tucker Band tribute set. Photo: Fletcher Moore

“When I was growing up in South Carolina, once a year we’d pack the family car up and head up to my great grandparents home for some front porch pickin,’ covered dishes, lots of love and plenty of leftovers,” King recalled. “This is where I learned about the joy music could bring and how it’s a powerful force that brings us together! Want to bring that same joy to you folks this year with the return of The annual Marcus King Band family reunion. We are back and bigger than ever!”