Beth Hamilton
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Beth Hamilton is a seasoned veteran in the music industry and has been with WME since 2016. In her role as an agent, she manages the daily touring opportunities for multiple artists, including Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, The Cadillac Three, Caylee Hammack, Caitlyn Smith and others.
Prior to being an agent, Hamilton began her career working at music venues—notably the Lucas Theatre in Savannah, Georgia—before joining the former William Morris Agency as an assistant booking the Northeast territory. In 2008, she transitioned into artist management at Modern Management working with Josh Turner, Sara Evans and Diamond Rio before returning to the agency side of the business in 2016 to work alongside WME Nashville office Co-Head Jay Williams.
Outside of being a respected agent, she actively volunteers her time supporting the Women of Endeavor mentorship program and offering career guidance to young females aspiring to make an impact in the music business.
Hamilton will be honored as part of the current class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row on March 23.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in northeast Ohio on a 200-acre farm. My grandparents lived next door. My mom still lives in my childhood home.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What were your dreams then?
It was very much a small town life centered around church, family and farming, which was great in a lot of ways. But I always, from the time I was little, wanted to live in a big city. I now appreciate where I came from, but I had dreams outside of my hometown.
Were you musical as a kid?
I liked music and a lot of it was centered around church. When I was 12 or 13, I started playing piano in church. That was my musical start. I went to a few Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant concerts. I listened to a lot of rock music, but did not really get into country until college.
What did you do in college?
I got a degree in psychology, but I didn’t really know what I wanted my path to be. I just knew I wanted to do something different, something fun. I had a couple of friends who were moving to Nashville—some of them were trying to be artists and some of them were on the business side. I thought, “That actually sounds kind of fun. I’m just gonna go on a whim.” So I moved down here without a job and I didn’t really know anyone.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
How did you get your start?
I had a couple of temp jobs at first. I had a friend at the Dove Awards, so I worked for them for a couple of months to help with the show. I worked in the office at the Ryman as an assistant and I got to know people at the Ryman. I got a little disillusioned—I thought I would move here and would have this certain level of success really quickly and it was a little bit frustrating. I decided go back to grad school, so I actually went back to Virginia to James Madison University for a year. The second I got there, I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. [Laughs]
Near the end of my first year, my old boss at the Ryman—Paul Couch—called me and said, “I was just offered a job and took it. I’m going to be the Executive Director of this small performing arts theater in Savannah, Georgia. If you want to come work for me, move here and you can have whatever job you want.” My immediate response was, “Yes, I’m there.”
What was that time like?
It was an old, 1920s movie theater that was turned into a 1,200 seat theater. It had been under this huge restoration project for over 12 years and it was finally going to open. Paul and I were the ones laying the groundwork to get the theater operating. I was very young and very green, but was given a tremendous amount of responsibility. For example, I was just shown a blank space in the lobby and told, “That’s going to be your box office. Figure it out.” I was the Events Manager there, but we were a really small team, so I did a little bit of everything and I loved it.
I was there a couple of years. It was operating as a nonprofit and long story short, they gave it to the Savannah College of Art & Design who brought on their own staff to run it. I loved Savannah so much and I tried to stay there, but I knew returning to Nashville would give me more opportunities to work in music.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What was your next move?
Barry Jeffrey—who works at WME and has been responsible for so many hires—knew I was really interested in this side of the business. I came back to town and started as an assistant at WME, which was the William Morris Agency at the time, and was an assistant there for about three and a half years and got accepted into the agent trainee program.
Paradigm soon offered me an agent job. They were expanding their fair and festival department, so I went over there and was the first female agent in their Nashville office. After about a year, I joined Ted Greene and Modern Management to oversee touring for their clients including Sara Evans, Diamond Rio and Josh Turner. I already had great relationships with them from working with their team on the agency side.
What did you learn from your time in management that you bring into your role as an agent now?
As an agent, you are taking into account so many factors in touring. On the management side, you have a whole set of additional details to consider. You’re looking at budgets and every little expense that goes into being on the road. You are leasing buses, hiring band and crew, and you’re seeing some of the challenges we don’t see as much on this side. I was talking to production managers and tour managers all day long every day, and having to solve problems from that side of things, so coming back here I’ve gained another set of knowledge. I’m certainly not a production or technical expert, but I can talk that language.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What brought you back to WME?
I will say this: from the second I left, my inner circle was either still at the agency or they were people that I had met there. I missed the people and culture. I don’t have regrets because I think things happen the way they should, but I always missed it. Keith Miller—who I worked for here and is my biggest mentor—I was still talking to him multiple times a day. I went to lunch with him at least once a week.
I got a call from Becky Gardenhire and she said, “Hey, I have this idea that I wanna throw out to you and I think you’re going to say no, but I just want you to listen and think about it. Jay Williams is in need of a right-hand person, not just another assistant. With his roster and the amount of responsibility he has, I think that you would be perfect for it and it could be the next step that you’re looking for.” I respect her so much, so I told her I would think on it, but in my mind I was concerned I’d be taking a step back. I decided to go to lunch with Jay and just talk it over. We ended up having a two-hour lunch and I left so excited. It was an amazing opportunity. So I returned to WME to work alongside Jay and then in 2019, I was officially promoted to agent. I still work really closely with him on everything, which has been a great working relationship.
Now, with Jay, you work with Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and more. What was it like when you first came on?
When I started with Jay, Chris Stapleton‘s big shift was happening where he was becoming an arena and amphitheater headliner. That was really exciting to be a part of. At the time, Brothers Osborne was just in the middle of their first club tour. I’ve been able to have a big hand in their growing success as touring artists. I now also work closely with Ashley McBryde and I’ve seen her grow so much as an artist, and I’m excited to help take her headline touring to the next level.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What’s a day in the life like for you?
It’s a little bit of everything. We’re working with artists on the club and theatre level, all the way up to stadiums and everything in between. I’m constantly on the phone with managers and interacting with other agents in the office. A lot of days it is putting out fires.
As an agent, we cover more than just routing tours. It’s podcasts, television, film, brand partnerships, books and more. We’re having those bigger conversations and figuring out what other paths an artist wants to explore and how we can bring those opportunities to them.
Which part of your job is most fulfilling?
When a tour you’ve been working on for months gets announced, it’s fulfilling to see everything come full circle. Going to live shows is always fulfilling too, especially when I’m surrounded by my colleagues. Everyone contributes to the success of our clients and it’s rewarding to see our hard work come to life. I am also so lucky to work with artists whose talent and music I truly admire.
Who are your mentors?
Keith Miller is by far my biggest mentor. He retired a couple of years ago from WME. I was his assistant when I worked at the William Morris Agency. To be honest, I was a little scared of him at first. [Laughs] But he quickly became one of my closest friends. He is so smart about deals and numbers. He pays attention to the smallest detail and every dollar matters to him. He remains one of my closest confidants to this day and I still go to him for guidance.
Jay Williams is one of the best in the business. He’s genuine. His relationships with his clients are like nothing I have ever seen. He’s friends with them and he knows them well. He knows music. He treats people with a great amount of respect and I feel lucky to be able to work with him every day.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Have thick skin and the best advocate for you is you. Your family, your mentors and your coworkers all care about you, but you still have to advocate for yourself. You know in your gut if something is right or something is wrong. You also can’t assume that someone else knows you have a passion for something.
You will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row tomorrow. What has your experience been like as a woman in the industry?
I will say from the time I first became an agent at Paradigm to now, it’s significantly different. It’s significantly better. There are certainly still challenges, but we have so many more women working here now and in leadership positions. Becky is a Co-Head here in Nashville and Lucy Dickins is the Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring. I have spent a little time with her and she’s incredibly smart, a great person and a great advocate for women.
We have a mentorship program here where you’re paired with an assistant or a newer hire, and I think that’s really important, especially females supporting other females. You should always look out for the future leaders who are coming up behind you. It’s important to spend time with not only your peers in this industry, but also those aspiring to learn and grow in their careers.
Willie Nelson To Be Honored With The LBJ Liberty & Justice For All Award
/by Steven BoeroWillie Nelson. Photo: by Pamela Springsteen
The LBJ Foundation will present its most prestigious honor, the LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award, to Willie Nelson on Friday, May 12 at a gala dinner at the LBJ Presidential Library.
A lifelong advocate for farmers, alleviating food insecurity and support of rural communities, Nelson embodies President Lyndon Baines Johnson‘s commitment to public service, particularly in the areas of farming and food security.
Net proceeds from the gala tribute will benefit the newly established Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, a part of The University of Texas at Austin. The endowment will fund research and student fellowships focused on sustainable agriculture, eliminating hunger, resilient energy, sustainable water and natural disaster recovery to benefit rural and farm communities.
“Willie Nelson is a national treasure who gained fame through his sheer musical talent and won hearts as someone who truly cares about the lives of his fellow Americans,”says Larry Temple, Chairman of the LBJ Foundation Board of Trustees. “A product of rural Texas, Willie has never forgotten where he comes from. His longtime efforts to raise money and awareness for family farmers through Farm Aid and numerous other endeavors to help those in need throughout his career make him a true inspiration.”
President Johnson and Nelson share similar backgrounds as rural Texans, aware of the struggles of those who work in the agricultural industry. As President Johnson said in a 1965 Special Message to Congress on Agriculture, “The bounty of the earth is the foundation of our economy. Programs in every aspect of our nation’s life depend on the abundant harvests of our farms.” Nelson has long supported our nation’s farmers through Farm Aid, established in 1985, which has raised over $70 million for those who own and operate family farms throughout the United States. He has also helped raise millions around disaster relief, for families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and for veterans, as well as working toward environmental and animal advocacy, and voting rights.
Nelson has won multiple Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998, and was awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2015.
Lukas Nelson To Release New Album This Summer, Unveils First Single Video
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez
Lukas Nelson‘s latest album, Sticks and Stones, is slated for July 14 via 6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers. Nelson debuted the video for the first single, “More Than Friends” with Lainey Wilson today (March 22) on CMT.
“When I wrote ‘More Than Friends,’ I had always envisioned it as a duet,” he shares. “I am a big fan of Lainey and she was at the top of my list of artists I wanted to sing with me on this track. When we sent her the song, I was thrilled to hear back that she loved it and wanted to do it.”
“‘More Than Friends’ is a modern-day take on the musical, kindred spirits of icons like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers,” says Wilson. “I’m so honored to be able to work with someone as talented as Lukas. His artistry and storytelling within music is unlike any other.”
Across the twelve tracks on Sticks and Stones, Nelson explores the universal human experiences of love, celebration, longing and humor. Self-produced by Nelson and his longtime band, POTR, the collection captures the group’s musical power and the electric live performances they’re known for.
“This album is about celebrating the human connection, joy and excitement,” says Nelson. “We went from quiet and introspective on A Few Stars Apart to something big and fun to really showcase the band’s talent and performance. You can listen to the album Sticks and Stones from start to finish and get the songs to dance to and then the quiet, poignant songs. To me, this album is the perfect setlist.”
Additionally, Nelson and POTR will kick off their spring headline tour on April 1 in Charles Town, West Virginia. The band will visit 18 cities, with two nights in Wilmington, North Carolina as well as stops in New Orleans, Texas and four shows in Southern California, followed by a nine-show run across the U.K. and Ireland in June.
My Music Row Story: WME’s Beth Hamilton
/by LB CantrellBeth Hamilton
Beth Hamilton is a seasoned veteran in the music industry and has been with WME since 2016. In her role as an agent, she manages the daily touring opportunities for multiple artists, including Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, The Cadillac Three, Caylee Hammack, Caitlyn Smith and others.
Prior to being an agent, Hamilton began her career working at music venues—notably the Lucas Theatre in Savannah, Georgia—before joining the former William Morris Agency as an assistant booking the Northeast territory. In 2008, she transitioned into artist management at Modern Management working with Josh Turner, Sara Evans and Diamond Rio before returning to the agency side of the business in 2016 to work alongside WME Nashville office Co-Head Jay Williams.
Outside of being a respected agent, she actively volunteers her time supporting the Women of Endeavor mentorship program and offering career guidance to young females aspiring to make an impact in the music business.
Hamilton will be honored as part of the current class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row on March 23.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in northeast Ohio on a 200-acre farm. My grandparents lived next door. My mom still lives in my childhood home.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What were your dreams then?
It was very much a small town life centered around church, family and farming, which was great in a lot of ways. But I always, from the time I was little, wanted to live in a big city. I now appreciate where I came from, but I had dreams outside of my hometown.
Were you musical as a kid?
I liked music and a lot of it was centered around church. When I was 12 or 13, I started playing piano in church. That was my musical start. I went to a few Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant concerts. I listened to a lot of rock music, but did not really get into country until college.
What did you do in college?
I got a degree in psychology, but I didn’t really know what I wanted my path to be. I just knew I wanted to do something different, something fun. I had a couple of friends who were moving to Nashville—some of them were trying to be artists and some of them were on the business side. I thought, “That actually sounds kind of fun. I’m just gonna go on a whim.” So I moved down here without a job and I didn’t really know anyone.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
How did you get your start?
I had a couple of temp jobs at first. I had a friend at the Dove Awards, so I worked for them for a couple of months to help with the show. I worked in the office at the Ryman as an assistant and I got to know people at the Ryman. I got a little disillusioned—I thought I would move here and would have this certain level of success really quickly and it was a little bit frustrating. I decided go back to grad school, so I actually went back to Virginia to James Madison University for a year. The second I got there, I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. [Laughs]
Near the end of my first year, my old boss at the Ryman—Paul Couch—called me and said, “I was just offered a job and took it. I’m going to be the Executive Director of this small performing arts theater in Savannah, Georgia. If you want to come work for me, move here and you can have whatever job you want.” My immediate response was, “Yes, I’m there.”
What was that time like?
It was an old, 1920s movie theater that was turned into a 1,200 seat theater. It had been under this huge restoration project for over 12 years and it was finally going to open. Paul and I were the ones laying the groundwork to get the theater operating. I was very young and very green, but was given a tremendous amount of responsibility. For example, I was just shown a blank space in the lobby and told, “That’s going to be your box office. Figure it out.” I was the Events Manager there, but we were a really small team, so I did a little bit of everything and I loved it.
I was there a couple of years. It was operating as a nonprofit and long story short, they gave it to the Savannah College of Art & Design who brought on their own staff to run it. I loved Savannah so much and I tried to stay there, but I knew returning to Nashville would give me more opportunities to work in music.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What was your next move?
Barry Jeffrey—who works at WME and has been responsible for so many hires—knew I was really interested in this side of the business. I came back to town and started as an assistant at WME, which was the William Morris Agency at the time, and was an assistant there for about three and a half years and got accepted into the agent trainee program.
Paradigm soon offered me an agent job. They were expanding their fair and festival department, so I went over there and was the first female agent in their Nashville office. After about a year, I joined Ted Greene and Modern Management to oversee touring for their clients including Sara Evans, Diamond Rio and Josh Turner. I already had great relationships with them from working with their team on the agency side.
What did you learn from your time in management that you bring into your role as an agent now?
As an agent, you are taking into account so many factors in touring. On the management side, you have a whole set of additional details to consider. You’re looking at budgets and every little expense that goes into being on the road. You are leasing buses, hiring band and crew, and you’re seeing some of the challenges we don’t see as much on this side. I was talking to production managers and tour managers all day long every day, and having to solve problems from that side of things, so coming back here I’ve gained another set of knowledge. I’m certainly not a production or technical expert, but I can talk that language.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What brought you back to WME?
I will say this: from the second I left, my inner circle was either still at the agency or they were people that I had met there. I missed the people and culture. I don’t have regrets because I think things happen the way they should, but I always missed it. Keith Miller—who I worked for here and is my biggest mentor—I was still talking to him multiple times a day. I went to lunch with him at least once a week.
I got a call from Becky Gardenhire and she said, “Hey, I have this idea that I wanna throw out to you and I think you’re going to say no, but I just want you to listen and think about it. Jay Williams is in need of a right-hand person, not just another assistant. With his roster and the amount of responsibility he has, I think that you would be perfect for it and it could be the next step that you’re looking for.” I respect her so much, so I told her I would think on it, but in my mind I was concerned I’d be taking a step back. I decided to go to lunch with Jay and just talk it over. We ended up having a two-hour lunch and I left so excited. It was an amazing opportunity. So I returned to WME to work alongside Jay and then in 2019, I was officially promoted to agent. I still work really closely with him on everything, which has been a great working relationship.
Now, with Jay, you work with Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and more. What was it like when you first came on?
When I started with Jay, Chris Stapleton‘s big shift was happening where he was becoming an arena and amphitheater headliner. That was really exciting to be a part of. At the time, Brothers Osborne was just in the middle of their first club tour. I’ve been able to have a big hand in their growing success as touring artists. I now also work closely with Ashley McBryde and I’ve seen her grow so much as an artist, and I’m excited to help take her headline touring to the next level.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What’s a day in the life like for you?
It’s a little bit of everything. We’re working with artists on the club and theatre level, all the way up to stadiums and everything in between. I’m constantly on the phone with managers and interacting with other agents in the office. A lot of days it is putting out fires.
As an agent, we cover more than just routing tours. It’s podcasts, television, film, brand partnerships, books and more. We’re having those bigger conversations and figuring out what other paths an artist wants to explore and how we can bring those opportunities to them.
Which part of your job is most fulfilling?
When a tour you’ve been working on for months gets announced, it’s fulfilling to see everything come full circle. Going to live shows is always fulfilling too, especially when I’m surrounded by my colleagues. Everyone contributes to the success of our clients and it’s rewarding to see our hard work come to life. I am also so lucky to work with artists whose talent and music I truly admire.
Who are your mentors?
Keith Miller is by far my biggest mentor. He retired a couple of years ago from WME. I was his assistant when I worked at the William Morris Agency. To be honest, I was a little scared of him at first. [Laughs] But he quickly became one of my closest friends. He is so smart about deals and numbers. He pays attention to the smallest detail and every dollar matters to him. He remains one of my closest confidants to this day and I still go to him for guidance.
Jay Williams is one of the best in the business. He’s genuine. His relationships with his clients are like nothing I have ever seen. He’s friends with them and he knows them well. He knows music. He treats people with a great amount of respect and I feel lucky to be able to work with him every day.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Have thick skin and the best advocate for you is you. Your family, your mentors and your coworkers all care about you, but you still have to advocate for yourself. You know in your gut if something is right or something is wrong. You also can’t assume that someone else knows you have a passion for something.
You will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row tomorrow. What has your experience been like as a woman in the industry?
I will say from the time I first became an agent at Paradigm to now, it’s significantly different. It’s significantly better. There are certainly still challenges, but we have so many more women working here now and in leadership positions. Becky is a Co-Head here in Nashville and Lucy Dickins is the Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring. I have spent a little time with her and she’s incredibly smart, a great person and a great advocate for women.
We have a mentorship program here where you’re paired with an assistant or a newer hire, and I think that’s really important, especially females supporting other females. You should always look out for the future leaders who are coming up behind you. It’s important to spend time with not only your peers in this industry, but also those aspiring to learn and grow in their careers.
Ingrid Andress Performs On NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughIngrid Andress. Photo: Acacia Evans
Ingrid Andress appeared on the renowned NPR “Tiny Desk” concert series, sharing stripped-down, live versions of “Feel Like This,” “Yearbook” and her No. 1 debut single, “More Hearts Than Mine.”
Andress is currently on the road for her headlining “The Good Person Tour” and will continue the global trek tomorrow night in Grand Rapids, Michigan before heading overseas in May and wrapping up in Norway. She is also set to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Illinois this summer.
She recently released the deluxe version of her sophomore album Good Person (Deluxe) featuring three brand new tracks, including “Runnin” feat. JP Saxe. The album also includes her current single, “Feel Like This.” Andress also recently earned her second career No. 1 with the Platinum-certified hit “Wishful Drinking” feat. Sam Hunt.
Carly Pearce To Make 100th Grand Ole Opry Performance In April
/by Liza AndersonCarly Pearce at the Grand Ole Opry on March, 21 2023. Photo: Chris Hollo
Carly Pearce took the Grand Ole Opry stage last night (March 21), and announced that she will return to the iconic venue on Tuesday, April 11 to make her landmark 100th performance since her debut on May 30, 2015.
“When I made my Grand Ole Opry debut in 2015, I had hopes and dreams that I would be able to align with them in a much larger way as my career progressed,” said Pearce. “To now be at my 100th performance and to think about everything that has happened in the years that followed my debut, I am so proud to be a member of the Opry and know that they are a true partner of mine.”
Her 100th Opry show will feature special guests, such as fellow Opry members The Isaacs and Ricky Skaggs, and will air on WSM Radio, wsmonline.com, and SiriusXM, Willie’s Roadhouse on April 11 as well as on Circle Television as a special “Opry Live” on Saturday, April 22.
The Big Machine Records artist also shared that she and Opry Entertainment will launch a personally-curated, exclusive merchandise line including retro-inspired “music tour” graphic tees with mineral washes to look and feel just like vintage tees and more. The collection is available exclusively on Opry Entertainment websites and in Opry Entertainment retail stores in Nashville.
“I am also so excited to have a new merchandise line launching with the Grand Ole Opry. It will forever be a huge part of my story & a huge passion in my life to continue to keep the Opry at the forefront of our genre,” shared Pearce.
“As Carly steps into the circle for the 100th time, we are thrilled to partner with her to design this unique co-branded merchandise collection to celebrate the milestone performance. Our exclusive co-branded merchandise is specially created with the fans of Carly and the Grand Ole Opry in mind,” said Jim Decker, Opry Entertainment Vice President, Retail.
Pearce will release her latest project 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City), a live retelling of her album 29, this Friday, March 24.
People’s Choice Country Awards To Air In September
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood accepts The Country Artist of 2022 Award on stage during the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. Photo: Rich Polk/E! Entertainment/NBC via Getty Images
An airdate has been set for the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, which will broadcast live on Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The two-hour telecast from the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville will lean into the rich connection between country music and the Opry through musical performances, genre-crossing collaborations, legendary tributes and surprise moments that regularly take place at the iconic venue.
The awards will recognize the biggest and best in country, chosen entirely by fans across various categories. Several honorary awards will also be handed out during the ceremony.
The People’s Choice Country Awards will have a presence on socials as well with All-Access Live bringing fans at home behind the scenes while interactively connecting country’s most popular stars with their biggest fans.
The new show is an extension of the popular fan-driven People Choice Awards franchise. The 2022 People’s Choice Awards, which aired across NBC and E!, garnered year-over-year ratings growth on the broadcast network and delivered 173 million total engagements across linear, digital and social platforms.
ACM LEVel Up To Host Final Workshop Of Undergraduate Series
/by Lorie HollabaughPanelists from AristoPR, FBMM, Triple Tiger Records, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Music Nashville and the Academy of Country Music will discuss how artists and songs are found and pitched through A&R, the branding and promotional efforts that help propel artists and organizations to success, the business aspects of helping artists achieve their career and financial goals as well as the role that radio plays in getting a song in front of country’s most loyal listeners.
All participants must register to attend in-person or virtually, with sessions being filled first-come, first-served. The location for the workshop will be sent to those selected to attend in-person upon confirmed registration. Sign-ups for the workshop on March 30, can be found here. For more information about ACM LEVel Up, click here.
Panelists:
Rafaella Braun – National Director, Promotion, Triple Tiger Records
Duane Clark – Owner and Business Manager, FBMM
Mason Domke – Coordinator, Warner Music Nashville
Synnovea Halsel – Manager, A&R, Sony Music Publishing
Rory Levine – Vice President, Marketing and Digital Strategy & Engagement, Academy of Country Music
Christy Walker-Watkins – President, AristoPR; Co-Owner, The AristoMedia Group; Co-Founder, Nashville Meets London
Panel Moderators:
Mackenzie Cooper – Coordinator, Triple Tigers Records
Stephanie Davenport – Senior Director, A&R, Warner Music Nashville
Daniel Killian – Business Manager, FBMM
Kortney Toney – Co-Founder and Executive Director, Nashville Music Equality
Larry Fleet Extends Headline Tour Into Summer 2023
/by Caela GriffinBig Loud Records artist Larry Fleet has announced an extension to his second headline tour, the “Larry Fleet Live Tour,” with eight new dates nationwide.
“Well, we ain’t done yet! Excited to keep the show on the road and see some of y’all at our headline dates this summer,” Fleet says. “It’s been a great time so far this spring, and it’s only getting better from here. See you out there!”
Following the releases of “Daddy Don’t Drink” and “Try Texas,” Fleet’s initial stint on the road has already seen nine sold out nights across the South and Midwest.
Tickets for the newly added tour dates go on sale on Friday, March 24 at 10 A.M. local time, with official pre-sales this week.
ACM Announces 2023 Radio Awards Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Academy of Country Music has announced its ACM Radio Awards nominees for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11.
Those receiving double nominations include Elaina Smith; KILT-FM in Houston, TX; KUZZ-FM in Bakersfield, CA; KXKT-FM in Omaha, NE; WBYT-FM in South Bend, IN; WMIL-FM in Milwaukee, WI; WQDR-FM in Raleigh, NC; WSIX-FM in Nashville, TN; WXTU-FM in Philadelphia, PA; and WYCT-FM in Pensacola, FL.
MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart reporters WCOW and WXFL are among the nominees for Small Market Station of the Year.
Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be announced ahead of the 58th ACM Awards, with more information to follow in coming weeks. The awards will take place at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX and will stream live exclusively on Prime Video around the globe.
The full list of 58th ACM Awards nominations will be announced in the coming weeks, as well as hosts, performers, presenters, and opportunities for fans to come out and take part in ticketed and free and open-to-the-public programming.
The 58th ACM Radio Awards nominees are:
National Daily Personality:
Derek “Big D” Haskins, Sean “Bubba” Powell, Patrick Thomas and Jessica “Carsen” Humphreville; The Big D & Bubba Show
Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, “Producer Eddie” Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “SZN” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson, Pitts, Kevin and Lauren; The Bobby Bones Show
Ania Hammar; Nights With Ania
Elaina Smith; Nights With Elaina
Shawn Parr; Shawn Parr’s Across The Country
National Weekly Personality:
Kix Brooks; American Country Countdown
Loriane Crook and Charlie Chase; Crook And Chase Countdown
Michael Knox and Shalacy Griffin; Knox Country 360
Kelleigh Bannen; Today’s Country
Elaina Smith; With Elaina
Major Market Personality:
George Lindsay, Monica “Mo” Lunsford and Erik Scott Smith; The Morning Bullpen; KILT/Houston
Michael J; At Work Show; WPOC/Baltimore
JR Jaus, Launa Phillips and Kevin Ebel; Tampa Bay’s Morning Krew; WQYK/Tampa
Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, Donnie Black and Shannon Boyle; The Andie Summers Show; WXTU/Philadelphia
Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter and Steve Grunwald; Josh, Rachael & Grunwald In The Morning; WYCD/Detroit
Large Market Personality:
Tim Leary and Chelsea Taylor; Tim + Chelsea Morning Show; WIRK/West Palm Beach
“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin and Shannen Oesterreich; Ridder, Scott And Shannen; WMIL/Milwaukee
Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry; The Q Morning Crew; WQDR/Raleigh
“Wayne D” Danielson and Tay Hamilton; The Wayne D Show; WSIX/Nashville
“Big Dave” Chandler, Jason “Stattman” Statt and Ashley Dawn; The Big Dave Show; WUBE/Cincinnati
Medium Market Personality:
Brent Michaels; KUZZ/Bakersfield, CA
Cliff Dumas and Tanya Brakebill; Cliff & Tanya In The Morning; KUZZ/Bakersfield, CA
Steve Lundy and Gina Melton; Steve & Gina In The Morning; KXKT/Omaha, NE
Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods; New Country Mornings With Nancy And Woody; WHKO/Dayton, OH
Julie Kansy and Dale Sellers; Julie And DJ In The Morning; WPCV/Lakeland, FL
Small Market Personality:
Deb Miles; WBYT/South Bend, IN
Steve Waters and Tiffany Kay; Steve & Tiffany In The Morning; WFLS/Fredericksburg, VA
Sean Lamb and Dave Patrick; Kicks Morning Crew; WQLK/Richmond, IN
Steve Stroud, Ben Walker and Nikki Thomas; Morning Air Show; WXBQ/Bristol, VA
Brent Lane and Melissa “Mel” McCrae; Cat Pak Morning Show; WYCT/Pensacola, FL
Major Market Station:
KILT/Houston
KKBQ/Houston
KMLE/Phoenix
KSCS/Dallas
WXTU/Philadelphia
Large Market Station:
KFRG/Riverside
KSOP/Salt Lake City
WKDF/Nashville
WMIL/Milwaukee
WPGB/Pittsburgh
WQDR/Raleigh
WSIX/Nashville
Medium Market Station:
KIIM/Tucson, AZ
KSKS/Fresno, CA
KXKT/Omaha, NE
WIVK/Knoxville, TN
WQMX/Akron, OH
WUSY/Chattanooga, TN
Small Market Station:
WAYZ/Hagerstown, MD
WBYT/South Bend, IN
WCOW/Tomah-La Crosse, WI
WXFL/Florence, AL
WYCT/Pensacola, FL
Jimmie Allen, Drake Milligan, Jay Allen Join Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Lineup
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“We are honored to have the opportunity to bring together such an incredible lineup of talented artists for Live In The Vineyard Goes Country,” says Bobbii Jacobs, LITVGC Co-Founder and FF Entertainment President. “With the addition of Jay Allen, Jimmie Allen and Drake Milligan, our lineup represents an exciting mix of established and up-and-coming artists passionate about their craft. We can’t wait to showcase their raw talent and electrifying performances, and we look forward to seeing their impact on the music industry.”
The elite event gives attendees intimate access to artists, Napa Valley wineries and world-renowned chefs over three days, bringing together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups and more from around the country to hear new music by today’s most successful and emerging artists in a unique arrangement.
In addition to the newly announced artists, the 2023 LITVGC lineup also includes Jake Owen, Lauren Alaina, William Beckmann, Wade Bowen, Cody Belew, Brandy Clark, Jackson Dean, Dalton Dover, Dillon Carmichael, Hannah Ellis, Ian Flanigan, Lanco, Levi Hummon, James Barker Band, Kat & Alex, Kimberly Kelly, Tyra Madison, Megan Moroney, Chase McDaniel, Neon Union, Catie Offerman, Meghan Patrick, Kimberly Perry, MaRynn Taylor, Aaron Watson, Jake Worthington and Warren Zeiders.