Anna Lemme Promoted To Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager
Anna Lemme. Photo: Chris Hollo
Opry Entertainment Group has promoted Anna Lemme to Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager. Lemme, who previously served as Artist & Label Strategy Manager for OEG, will now oversee marketing and promotional strategies for the Grand Ole Opry.
The Blandford, Massachusetts native earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Music Business from Belmont University. With five years at OEG, Lemme began as an intern at Starstruck Entertainment before joining the company as Marketing Partnership Coordinator and rising to Artist & Label Strategy Manager. During her tenure, Lemme has helped discover and engage new talent for the Opry and led the planning of the Opry NextStage program.
LoCash Kicks Off Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival
LoCash. Photo: Courtesy of BMI
The third annual Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival, a collaboration between iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7 and BMI, recently drew country music fans from across Florida for more than 50 songwriter performances at the Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida.
The four-day festival kicked off with a performance by LoCash and was followed by 12 BMI songwriters, including Aaron Barker, Dave Gibson, James Slater, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Dean Alexander, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Bridgette Tatum, Kristen Kelly, Brian Sutherland and Sonia Leigh, who all shared the stories behind their biggest songs.
Heartland Presented With Platinum Plaques For “I Loved Her First”
Pictured (L-R): Keith West, Herb Graham, Jason Albert and Chuck Crawford. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media
In 2006, Lofton Creek Records, owned and operated by Mike and Martha Borchetta, pushed Heartland’s debut single, “I Loved Her First,” to No. 1 in only 17 weeks. Nearly 20 years later, Herb Graham of Graham Artist Management has presented the band with Platinum plaques for the same song.
“It’s remarkable that our song continues to be the wedding song for so many families. What we created as a band and what Mike and Herb did as a team was just undeniable,” says Jason Albert, lead singer for Heartland. “We are back and making new music, so who knows what the next chapter will bring, however, we shall celebrate this victory with pride.”
“Incredible is all I know to say!” says Mike. “Every year, we re-release the song to radio, just in time for wedding season, and people still love it. It’s a song that will never fade away, and I am sure glad about that.”
CMA Foundation & ABC Donate $60,000 to Music Education Programs
During the American Idol finale on May 19, the CMA Foundation, together with ABC, donated a total of $60,000 to three music education programs. The funds were distributed by the three finalists in visits to their hometowns, each receiving $20,000
Jack Blocker, Abi Carter and Will Moseley surprised Texas Music Project in Dallas, Texas, Tools for Tomorrow in Indio, California and Pride of the Pinewoods Band in Hazlehurst, Georgia, respectively with the gifts.
“It truly warms my heart to know how passionate each of this year’s finalists are about the power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Abi, Jack and Will each have a personal connection to music education, and we are beyond grateful for each of them shining a light on the importance of music in children’s lives. We work every single day to ensure that our young people have access to participate in music education, and to do that, it takes partners across the country to prioritize what we consider an essential subject for students.”
Later this week, the CMA Foundation will debut a case study on arts and music education in Tennessee school districts. This study is part of ongoing efforts since 2011 to support music educators in creating programs. Additional initiatives include Music Teachers of Excellence grants, professional development, virtual field trips, digital series for students, and grants for music education organizations.
We Should Write Sometime Adds Three To Advisory Board
We Should Write Sometime, the app aimed at connecting songwriters globally, has added Craig Campbell, Randall Foster and Lance Goodman to its advisory board.
“As an artist and songwriter, I understand firsthand the importance of empowering creators in today’s music industry. WSWS’s dedication to connecting songwriters and fostering their success resonates with me,” explains Campbell. “It’s exactly what this industry needs, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute on that front. The entrepreneurial spirit behind WSWS aligns perfectly with my values, and I believe in their vision for the future of songwriting.”
“Having spent years in the music industry, I’m constantly drawn to innovation that empowers creators. WSWS, at the intersection of technology and music creators, is exactly that. My background makes me excited to contribute to WSWS’s vision. I can’t wait to collaborate with the team and be a part of something that fuels the success of songwriters and creatives Everywhere,” Foster adds.
Goodman shares, “I am thrilled to join the WSWS advisory board. My experience in the music tech and startup sectors has shown me the immense potential for technology to revolutionize the music industry. WSWS is at the forefront of this change, and I look forward to helping shape its future and support the incredible community of songwriters it serves.”
Industry Ink: Anna Lemme, LoCash, Heartland, CMA, We Should Write Sometime
/by John Nix ArledgeAnna Lemme Promoted To Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager
Anna Lemme. Photo: Chris Hollo
Opry Entertainment Group has promoted Anna Lemme to Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager. Lemme, who previously served as Artist & Label Strategy Manager for OEG, will now oversee marketing and promotional strategies for the Grand Ole Opry.
The Blandford, Massachusetts native earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Music Business from Belmont University. With five years at OEG, Lemme began as an intern at Starstruck Entertainment before joining the company as Marketing Partnership Coordinator and rising to Artist & Label Strategy Manager. During her tenure, Lemme has helped discover and engage new talent for the Opry and led the planning of the Opry NextStage program.
LoCash Kicks Off Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival
LoCash. Photo: Courtesy of BMI
The third annual Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival, a collaboration between iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7 and BMI, recently drew country music fans from across Florida for more than 50 songwriter performances at the Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida.
The four-day festival kicked off with a performance by LoCash and was followed by 12 BMI songwriters, including Aaron Barker, Dave Gibson, James Slater, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Dean Alexander, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Bridgette Tatum, Kristen Kelly, Brian Sutherland and Sonia Leigh, who all shared the stories behind their biggest songs.
Heartland Presented With Platinum Plaques For “I Loved Her First”
Pictured (L-R): Keith West, Herb Graham, Jason Albert and Chuck Crawford. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media
In 2006, Lofton Creek Records, owned and operated by Mike and Martha Borchetta, pushed Heartland’s debut single, “I Loved Her First,” to No. 1 in only 17 weeks. Nearly 20 years later, Herb Graham of Graham Artist Management has presented the band with Platinum plaques for the same song.
“It’s remarkable that our song continues to be the wedding song for so many families. What we created as a band and what Mike and Herb did as a team was just undeniable,” says Jason Albert, lead singer for Heartland. “We are back and making new music, so who knows what the next chapter will bring, however, we shall celebrate this victory with pride.”
“Incredible is all I know to say!” says Mike. “Every year, we re-release the song to radio, just in time for wedding season, and people still love it. It’s a song that will never fade away, and I am sure glad about that.”
CMA Foundation & ABC Donate $60,000 to Music Education Programs
During the American Idol finale on May 19, the CMA Foundation, together with ABC, donated a total of $60,000 to three music education programs. The funds were distributed by the three finalists in visits to their hometowns, each receiving $20,000
Jack Blocker, Abi Carter and Will Moseley surprised Texas Music Project in Dallas, Texas, Tools for Tomorrow in Indio, California and Pride of the Pinewoods Band in Hazlehurst, Georgia, respectively with the gifts.
“It truly warms my heart to know how passionate each of this year’s finalists are about the power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Abi, Jack and Will each have a personal connection to music education, and we are beyond grateful for each of them shining a light on the importance of music in children’s lives. We work every single day to ensure that our young people have access to participate in music education, and to do that, it takes partners across the country to prioritize what we consider an essential subject for students.”
Later this week, the CMA Foundation will debut a case study on arts and music education in Tennessee school districts. This study is part of ongoing efforts since 2011 to support music educators in creating programs. Additional initiatives include Music Teachers of Excellence grants, professional development, virtual field trips, digital series for students, and grants for music education organizations.
We Should Write Sometime Adds Three To Advisory Board
We Should Write Sometime, the app aimed at connecting songwriters globally, has added Craig Campbell, Randall Foster and Lance Goodman to its advisory board.
“As an artist and songwriter, I understand firsthand the importance of empowering creators in today’s music industry. WSWS’s dedication to connecting songwriters and fostering their success resonates with me,” explains Campbell. “It’s exactly what this industry needs, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute on that front. The entrepreneurial spirit behind WSWS aligns perfectly with my values, and I believe in their vision for the future of songwriting.”
“Having spent years in the music industry, I’m constantly drawn to innovation that empowers creators. WSWS, at the intersection of technology and music creators, is exactly that. My background makes me excited to contribute to WSWS’s vision. I can’t wait to collaborate with the team and be a part of something that fuels the success of songwriters and creatives Everywhere,” Foster adds.
Goodman shares, “I am thrilled to join the WSWS advisory board. My experience in the music tech and startup sectors has shown me the immense potential for technology to revolutionize the music industry. WSWS is at the forefront of this change, and I look forward to helping shape its future and support the incredible community of songwriters it serves.”
Billy Currington Celebrates RIAA Certifications, Slates New Album
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): John Dennis, Damon Moberly, Billy Currington, Rob Femia. Photo: Jeff Johnson
Multi-Platinum artist Billy Currington performed to a sold-out crowd at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville on Saturday, May 18.
Before he took the stage, the singer was presented with a plaque by his UMG Nashville/Mercury Nashville and Dennis Entertainment teams to commemorate his Doin’ Somethin’ Right album achieving a double-Platinum certification, along with his singles “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Good Directions” reaching four-times Platinum status.
Currington is set to release an 11-track album of his top-charting singles on July 5, titled #1’s Vol. 1. Additionally, he will continue his headlining tour through September with appearances in New York, Las Vegas, Gulf Coast Jam, Country Stampede and Windy City Smokeout.
#1’s Vol. 1 Track Listing:
Side A
1. Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right
2. Good Directions
3. People Are Crazy
4. That’s How Country Boys Roll
5. Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer
6. Let Me Down Easy
Side B
7. Hey Girl
8. We Are Tonight
9. Don’t It
10. It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To
11. Do I Make You Wanna
Hannah Kerr To Share Sophomore Project In August
/by Lorie HollabaughHannah Kerr plans to share her sophomore project, As I Am, on Aug. 30. The Curb Records artist recently gave listeners a taste of the album with the release of track “Church Hurt.”
As I Am marks the full-length follow-up to Kerr’s 2016 debut project, Overflow. This new body of work finds her wrestling with her insecurities in the light of grace and leaning on her faith in the wake of uncertainty. Kerr co-wrote each of the album’s 14 songs, including the lead single “Changed” as well as “If I Were You” and “Church Hurt.”
With “Church Hurt,” she pens a letter of apology filled with confessions and questions. Kerr penned the single alongside Tommy Iceland and Cindy Morgan.
Additionally, the singer-songwriter has been sharing the stage with Big Daddy Weave on their “Heaven Changes Everything Tour.”
As I Am Track Listing:
1. “As I Am”
2. “Jesus Is Why”
3. “If I Were You”
4. “Changed”
5. “Everything I Need”
6. “Fear Not”
7. “I Won’t”
8. “One Day Away”
9. “Church Hurt”
10. “No Conditions”
11. “The Things I Don’t Know”
12. “Pray On It”
13. “Same God”
14. “Your Love Is Everywhere”
Weekly Register: Post Malone & Morgan Wallen Score Top Country Streaming Songs Debut
/by Liza AndersonPost Malone & Morgan Wallen. Photo: Courtesy of Mercury Records/Republic/Big Loud Records
Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s history-making “I Had Some Help” debuts at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 70 million streams, according to Luminate data.
Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” shifts down to No. 2 with 36 million new streams, adding to 142 million ATD, followed by Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” at No. 3 with 16 million streams, adding to 739 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” moves to No. 4 with 13 million new streams, adding to 1.38 billion ATD, and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” secures No. 5 with 12 million streams, adding to 1.39 billion ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time persists at the top with 75K in total consumption (1.5K album only/95 million song streams), and his Dangerous: The Double Album remains at No. 2 with 44K (463 album only/57 million song streams). Zach Bryan rises to No. 3 with 38K (2.7K album only/45 million song streams), while Beyoncé‘s Cowboy Carter slides down to No. 4 with 35K (3.9K album only/39 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak stays at No. 5 with 31K (748 album only/40 million song streams).
Chris August Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery; (L–R, front row): Cornman Music’s Brett James, Chris August and Cornman Music’s Chris Owen. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music
Singer-songwriter Chris August has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.
Amassing more than 150 million streams with over 500,000 albums sold, the Dallas native’s work has ruled the Billboard Christian Songs chart, among others. His chart-toppers consist of “Starry Night,” “Restore” and “He Said” with Group 1 Crew. August’s credits also include “God Whispered Your Name,” “Battle” and more.
Having spent over two decades in the music industry, August has received various ASCAP honors, and took home multiple GMA Dove Awards—including Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year—in 2015. He has also collaborated with acts such as Keith Urban, Pentatonix, Tenille Arts, Meghan Patrick, Abbey Cone, Hootie & The Blowfish, Ryan Cabrera and Mandisa.
“I’m so excited to be joining the incredible team at Cornman and Warner Chappell,” shares August. “Getting to work with Brett James, Nate Lowery and Ben Vaughn and the entire team is a dang dream!”
“Brett and I are thrilled to be working with Chris alongside Ben and the incredible team at Warner Chappell. His talent and personality are top notch,” says Lowery, General Manager & VP, Cornman Music. “We’ve been fans of Chris for a while now, and we’re excited to see what the future holds. His experience across multiple genres will bring so much to our team.”
CAA Opens Applications For The Hubb Summit
/by Lorie HollabaughCreative Artists Agency (CAA) has opened applications for The Hubb, the networking and professional development summit designed to provide college students with the tools and resources needed to successfully enter the music business.
Hosted at CAA’s Nashville office on Oct. 13-15, selected applicants will have the opportunity to interact with seasoned music executives, engage in professional development workshops and gain further insight into how to jumpstart their careers within the industry.
Participants in The Hubb will have access to exclusive experiences, such as a Q&A with a top-selling music artist, visits to leading companies in music and the opportunity to meet with key industry veterans, as well as time with agents and executives from CAA. They will leave with a deeper understanding of varied sectors of the business, including label operations, business management, A&R, marketing, artist management, touring and live production. Recruiters will also host workshops, providing attendees with insights into the tools and skills needed in today’s job market.
The Hubb was first launched in 2018 and named in honor of industry icon Barbara “Mother” Hubbard, Executive Director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS), whose program provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in the performing arts, whether on-stage or behind the scenes. Applications for The Hubb must be submitted by May 31.
Emma Kiefer Joins Group Projects As Director, A&R
/by Lorie HollabaughEmma Keifer
Emma Kiefer has been named Director of A&R at Group Projects.
In her new position, Kiefer will lead the development of Group Projects Publishing, as well as integrate across core functions within the company’s established artist management business, working closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett.
“It is an honor to be on the team charged with launching Group Projects Publishing,” says Kiefer. “Thank you, Anthony, Cooper, Warner Chappell and Red Light Management for your investment in the future of Group Projects, and for your trust in me to tag-team this exciting new endeavor. Can’t wait to get to work!”
Kiefer most recently served as A&R Manager at Boom Music Group, working with songwriters Jacob Hackworth, Micah Carpenter, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Jimmy Robbins. She helped facilitate cuts with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore and more. Kiefer graduated with an honors dual degree from Boston College and Berklee College of Music, after which she moved to Nashville and held positions with Dave Cobb, Twelve6 and Boom before joining Group Projects in 2024.
“Emma’s connectivity in the songwriting community and her aptitude for recognizing and nurturing talent made it a no-brainer for us,” notes Manker. “We’re grateful to have her on the team, and looking forward to the success that we’ll share in the future.”
“Emma’s work ethic and passion are unmatched,” adds Anstett. “She’ll play an important role for the future of Group Projects.”
Kiefer can be reached at emma@thegroupprojects.co.
‘Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic’ To Celebrate 20th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic” will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, returning to Norman, Oklahoma May 31–June 1 in support of OK Kids Korral—the cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses.
Eli Young Band, who opened for Keith on tour and was signed to his record label Show Dog Nashville, will headline the denim and diamonds-themed dinner and auction on May 31 at Riverwind Casino with support from local band The Bottom of The Barrel.
Keith’s longtime friends Bob Stoops, University of Oklahoma’s former football Head Coach, and Jim West, business executive and Founder of NCAA golf’s Jim West Challenge, are set to emcee. Gene McKown will step in as the auctioneer. The shotgun start begins June 1 at Norman’s Belmar Golf Club.
To date, the event has raised a total of nearly $18 million, with the 19th installment raising a record $1.8 million. Late last year, Keith told KWTV News 9’s Robin Marsh, “[OK Kids Korral is] my best gift I’ve ever given to the world. One of the first things I thought of when I got cancer was who’s gonna take care of the Korral? Who will carry that torch?”
“The first ‘Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic’ was held under a tent and people recall the ‘mud pit’ being one of the best parts. Toby and his friends came together that year to raise money for children with cancer and they did it while having fun,” says Juliet Nees-Bright, Executive Director, The Toby Keith Foundation. “Now, 20 years later, we are getting ready to host our first event without Toby acting as the emcee, ribbing us to donate and entertaining us throughout the night. This year will be a balancing act as we remember him, but also honor his wishes to continue throwing one hell of a party. Let’s make Toby proud!”
For more information, click here.
Dolly Parton To Bring Iconic Songs To The Symphony
/by LB CantrellDolly Parton
Songs from Dolly Parton‘s legendary repertoire will be explored in a new way with “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” a concert project for orchestras. Attendees will hear the Hall of Famer’s life in song, with her illuminating stories behind them in a multimedia symphonic experience featuring Parton on screen.
Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, the concert project will feature new and innovative orchestrations of Parton’s hits—such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to her personal favorites. The premiere performance will take place on March 20, 2025 in Nashville with the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. Afterwards, the project will tour to orchestras throughout the world.
Of the concert experience, Parton says, “I’m just so excited to share my songs and the stories behind them in this beautiful new way. ‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’ is like a journey through the heartstrings of my life. I hope we can take it far and wide to symphony orchestras everywhere!”
“Threads: My Songs in Symphony” is co-produced by Parton together with Schirmer Theatrical and Sony Music Publishing.
“Bringing the genius, music, life and legacy of Dolly Parton to symphonic audiences is an honor for us,” says Robert Thompson, Schirmer Theatrical President. “Audiences will hear for the first time Dolly’s songs performed by orchestras worldwide in this innovative symphonic story-telling experience.”
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the popular and influential song catalog of Dolly Parton,” adds Todd Ellis, Sony Music Publishing’s Director, Licensing & Strategic Marketing. “We couldn’t be more excited for fans to immerse themselves in her music and experience her songs in such a new and imaginative way.”
Dylan Schneider To Embark On His ‘Bad Decisions’ Tour This Fall
/by Madison HahnenDylan Schneider. Photo: Spidey Smith
Dylan Schneider will hit the road this fall on his headlining “Bad Decisions” tour. MaRynn Taylor will serve as support on the run.
“I’m so excited to announce my ‘Bad Decisions’ Tour and that MaRynn Taylor will be joining me,” shares Schneider. “I’ve been hitting the road harder than ever this year. Starting the year off with Nate Smith, making my Stagecoach debut then going out with Kane Brown, I can’t wait to keep it going. I’m working on even more new music, and I can’t wait to see what you think!”
Schneider dropped his Bad Decisions EP last month to critical acclaim. The title track and namesake of the tour amassed over four million TikTok views and 10 million streams. In his career, he has amassed over 350 million streams and accumulated 1.8 million social media followers. The 24-year-old has toured with Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, Scotty McCreery and more.
Schneider’s 24-date “Bad Decisions” tour will kick off on Sept. 30 in Vancouver before making stops in Seattle, Houston, Chicago and more. The run will wrap up on Dec. 8 in Indianapolis. Tickets go on sale this Friday (May 24) at 10 a.m. local time.