Weekly Chart Report (7/16/10)

SPIN ZONE In an exciting chart day showdown, Blake Shelton’s “All About Tonight” manages the rare trick of ousting a newer single from the No. 1 position. Of course, it didn’t hurt Blake’s odds that his single picked up almost 200 spins in one chart cycle. The previous No. 1, “I’m In” by Keith Urban, […]

Tours: Judds’ Last Encore, Hank Jr’s Rowdy Friends

The Judds are offering a variety of special ticketing options for their upcoming The Last Encore tour, with arena dates scheduled between late November and mid Decemeber. The “Fan Package” features premium seating and parking, early access to the venue for crowd-free shopping, an exclusive pre-show reception, and a ‘Fan Experience’ t-shirt, not available for purchase. […]

Shelton Stages Online/Dance Club Contest

Blake Shelton fans now have a unique online/dance club contest which will offer them a chance to win free downloads and autographed Shelton memorabilia. Dubbed The “All About Tonight” Come-On Contest, to highlight Shelton’s debut single from his forthcoming Six Pak release, All About Tonight, due out Aug. 10, the challenge is about Shelton fans […]

Syncs Help Sony/ATV Fight Slump

In the changing environment, publishers like Sony/ATV are turning efforts to alternative income streams.

Diverse Pathways To Artist Success

The country music landscape continues to rotate like the sleeve on a kaleidoscope with each twist yielding unexpected consequences. Through it all artists, big and small, continue to find ways to establish and nourish their careers. And those journeys can take various shape and form based upon the goals of everyone involved. Indie and small […]

Documentary Delves Into Haggard Life

A new PBS documentary sheds light on the dark side of country music’s true outlaw, Merle Haggard.

Kennedy Exits Cherry Heart

It remains unofficial but MusicRow has learned that longtime industry executive Shelby Kennedy has exited his post as Senior VP/COO of Cherry Heart Music. Kennedy headed the company’s publishing and administration division, which features a catalog of more than 1,600 songs and No. 1 hits for artists including Garth Brooks, George Strait and Charley Pride, […]

Performers Named For Americana Awards

Organizers of the 9th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony have announced a stellar performance line-up for the Sept. 9 show at the Ryman Auditorium, including Emmylou Harris, the Avett Brothers, Rodney Crowell, Wanda Jackson, Rosanne Cash, Patty Griffin, Sam Bush, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ryan Bingham, Corb Lund, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Joe Pug, and Will Kimbrough. […]

Idol Hopefuls Gather In Nashville

Thousands of star-hopefuls braved the heat outside the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville this morning (7/15), as registration to audition for season 10 of American Idol got underway. Many of those waiting to register for a time to sing arrived the night before, sleeping on the sidewalk outside the arena to be the first in […]

Songwriting Legend Hank Cochran Passes

Hank Cochran, the songwriter who touched the world with classics like “I Fall To Pieces,” has passed away. He died peacefully at home in Hendersonville, Tenn., this morning (7/15) surrounded by family and friends. Earlier this year the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee underwent surgery for an aortic aneurysm; he had also been treated […]

Signings: James Wesley, Due West

Broken Bow Records artist James Wesley has signed an exclusive booking agreement with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. Joey Lee in the Nashville office will be the responsible agent. Wesley is currently traveling nationwide on his radio tour in support of the new single, “Real,” written by Neal Coty and Jimmy Melton. “Real” debuted on the […]

News From Swift, iPhone, And Sony

Those awaiting word of Taylor Swift’s upcoming third album will finally get to hear details when she hosts a live webcast July 20 at 4pm CT. “I’ve spent the last two years out on the Fearless tour and working on my new record,” says Swift. “I’ve gotten so many questions from fans — on Twitter, […]

Knox Peers Into The Future

Producer and music executive Michael Knox has joined peermusic as Senior Creative Director. Following his string of recent successes in the studio, Knox will maintain his role as a producer, in addition to his new publisher duties.

BMG Acquires Stage Three Music

Stage Three Music announced it has signed an agreement that will move its copyrights to Berlin-based BMG Rights Management. Stage Three is a leading independent publisher run by ex-Virgin and Chrysalis CEO, Steve Lewis. The business is headquartered in London, with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville run by Lionel Conway, former President of Island […]

Sam Bush Keynote To Open IBMA Conference

Renowned musician Sam Bush will deliver the keynote address at the International Bluegrass Music Association Business Conference on Monday, September 27, 2010. The acclaimed mandolin player and seminal newgrass star is expected to focus his speech on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, coming up on Sept. 13, 2011. […]

Clif Doyal Promoted; Martha Moore Signing

Updates from indie publicists Martha Moore and Clif Doyal. Longtime industry publicist, Martha “skates” Moore, President of so much MOORE media, has signed former Gaither singer Guy Penrod. Moore will handle all aspects of public relations efforts for Penrod’s new country disc, Breathe Deep (Servant Records/Gaither Music Group). Penrod is a 14-year veteran of the […]

Armiger Fans To Name Album

Katie Armiger is teaming with GACtv.com to let fans select the name of her new album. Through July 28 fans can go here and cast their votes for one of three possible album titles— Guitar Picks & Lipstick, Confessions Of A Nice Girl, or High Heels & No Expectations. Due out Oct. 5, it will […]

NPD Finds Interest In Cloud-Based Subscription

Recently much music industry talk and speculation has been devoted to the concept of digital retail music sales evolving into some type of cloud-based subscription model. Market researchers NPD Group conducted a study of iTunes, iPod, iPhone and iPod Touch users to gauge their interest and reactions to such a plan.

Country Crossovers: Train, Staind, Nickelback

Rock stars trying on cowboy boots is nothing new. But it’s worth noting the latest slew of artists—Train, Staind, and Nickelback—vying for love from country fans. Train is making a go of it with a country mix of its big hit “Hey, Soul Sister” and has the BNA team working the song at country radio. […]

Hotel Tax Revenue To Help Repair Opry House

From the City Paper: An ordinance drafted by Mayor Karl Dean and his administration would redirect a portion of revenue collected from the city’s hotel taxes to repair the $20 million worth of flood-related damages to the Grand Ole Opry House. “The operation of this Opry House has a very real and tangible impact on […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/14/10)

It’s Duo Day! All three of our top contenders this week are teams of two. If your taste runs to authentic, nostalgic country music I urge you to seek out Keeping Up Appearances by Texas-based label-mates Amber Digby and Justin Trevino. It does my heart good to hear that somebody is still making music this pure and fine.

Mulraine To Lead MTSU Recording Industry Dept.

MTSU has named longtime professor Dr. Loren Mulraine chairman of its acclaimed Recording Industry department. He moves into the role following the retirement of Chris Haseleu. Mulraine is an entertainment law attorney who has taught at MTSU since 1998, including serving two stints as interim associate dean of the College of Mass Communication. As chairman […]

Lambert Headed Out On CMT Tour

Miranda Lambert will headline this year’s CMT on Tour outing, kicking off Sept. 29 in New York City, according to CMT.com. She will be joined by special guest Eric Church and rising artist Josh Kelley for the 28-city run. CMT on Tour: Miranda Lambert Revolution will be produced by AEG Live. Lambert has been on […]

Steel Magnolia Sets Debut Date

Big Machine Records has set a Sept. 21 release date for Steel Magnolia’s self-titled debut album. The duo, made up of Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, has already had a major hit with the first single “Keep On Lovin’ You,” and are following that with “Just By Being You (Halos and Wings).” Linsey and […]

Opry.com Challenges Fans To Donate

The Grand Ole Opry has started an online Country Music Video Challenge to benefit flood relief at oprychallenge.com. The game features video clips of country stars followed by quiz questions. Throughout the Challenge, the artists invite players to donate to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s flood relief efforts. “Friends from around the world have […]

Songwriters Set For Benefit, NY Series

This Saturday’s (7/17) Songwriters Sing For Nashville flood relief benefit at The Woods at Fontanel has added more performers to the line-up, including (in order of appearance) Lari White, Chuck Cannon, James House, Danny Flowers, Rafe Van Hoy, Billy Burnette, Marc Beeson, James Slater and Danny Myrick. The newly-added group will play on the Gibson […]

New ZBB Album Coming In Sept.

Zac Brown Band has set a Sept. 21 release date for its much anticipated new album, You Get What You Give. The group won the all-genre Grammy for Best New Artist this year and has moved over 2 million units of its debut, The Foundation. After 85 weeks on the SoundScan sales chart, that project […]

RIAA Criticized Over Executive Salaries

The RIAA is under fire for paying top boss Mitch Bainwol over $2 million in 2008. A report published yesterday (7/12) in Digital Music News broke the story, questioning whether such an extravagant salary was justifiable for someone leading the trade group of a suffering industry. Now the RIAA has responded, saying that it is […]

Paisley Headlines Aquapalooza 2010

Brad Paisley took a short vacation from his H20 World Tour to party with fans at The Reserve at Lake Travis near Austin, TX on July 12 for Aquapalooza 2010. Official reports claim crowds of 65,000-70,000 plus over 7,000 boats that all arrived for the concert. Last year’s event was at Lake Martin, Alabama. Paisley’s […]

Stroudavarious/Treehouse Form Partnership

Stroudavarious Records CEO James Stroud has partnered with Dale Morris of Morris Management to form a joint venture uniting Stroudavarious and DMP/Treehouse Records. Morris first established Treehouse in June 2009 with Blaine Larsen as its flagship artist. As part of the changes, the Treehouse promotion team will be exiting the company. This includes staffers Tony […]

ACM Makes Third Big Donation To Flood Relief

ACM Lifting Lives presented The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with a $100,000 check during the Nashville Rising flood relief benefit concert spearheaded by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on June 22. This marks the third significant flood-related donation made by ACM Lifting Lives. “Thanks to the big hearts of country music artists like Tim […]

Aldean Extends Successful Run

Jason Aldean will extend his Wide Open arena tour into the fall, with an additional 25 dates across the nation. After selling out 39 shows on the first leg, and breaking attendance records on both coasts, the tour will kick back off on Sept. 10 with special guest Luke Bryan joining a majority of the dates. […]

Photos: David Nail, Jaron, Dierks and Jason Sturgeon

David Nail makes baseball debut…Jaron joins Toby’s trek…Jason Sturgeon hooks up with Dierks Bentley for July 4th show.

New Singles, Albums, Artists

A new album from Reba is expected this fall. The first single from the Starstruck/Valory album, “Turn On Your Radio,” launched this week. The lead single from Kenny Chesney’s latest album debuts today. “Boys of Fall” is an ode to high school football written by Casey Beathard and Dave Tumbill. Chesney’s album Hemingway’s Whiskey will […]

Niemann’s Debut Out Tomorrow

Jerrod Niemann’s debut album streets tomorrow (7/13), and will be the first release via the Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville partnership. The lead single, “Lover, Lover,” is at No. 5 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart and has sold over 337,000 digital downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. For those anxious to hear more from Niemann, the new album […]

David Adam Byrnes

“Sweet Distraction” Better Angels Music “Sweet Distraction” is the country radio debut for David Adam Byrnes, and it goes for adds Monday, July 19. The song was written by Andi Zack and Better Angels writer Josh Thompson (Columbia Nashville) and produced by industry veteran Rob Rappaport and Tom Drenon for Better Angels Music. Born and […]

People.com Gets Scoop On Underwood Wedding

People.com has all the exclusive details about Carrie Underwood’s weekend wedding to Canadian hockey star Mike Fisher. The couple exchanged vows on Saturday (7/10) at the Reynolds Plantation Ritz-Carlton Lodge on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. The bride’s Chantily lace gown was designed by Monique Lhuillier, who also designed the bridesmaids’ dresses. About 250 guests […]

Big Kenny Sings (and Works) For Africa

Big Kenny has created a new anthem celebrating the continent’s first-ever World Cup. “Heart Of Africa” will have its debut at a special concert in Nairobi which will benefit the UN World Food Programme. “Big Kenny was an excellent choice to write this song and perform it as he is regarded as a true humanitarian, […]

Ash Street Signs With Bluewater For Admin.

Bluewater Music has announced the signing of a worldwide administration and creative placement agreement with Ash Street Music. Ash Street’s extensive catalog includes  songs penned by Monty Holmes, Greg Crowe, Ronnie Laws and Andi Zack, as well as singles from George Strait, Randy Travis, Josh Thompson and Will Hoge.

Ride For a Cure and More Friday News

Ride For a Cure Hosted by Little Big Town The 4th Annual Ride for a Cure will be held this Sunday, July 11. The event kicks off with registration and live music from 8:00 AM-10:00 AM at the Tin Roof on Demonbreun Street. Artists performing at the Tin Roof include Brett Eldredge, Randy Montana and […]

“Nashville Sound” Engineer Bill Porter Passes

Bill Porter, the prolific sound engineer whose work was an integral part of what became known as the Nashville Sound, passed away in St. Louis, Missouri on Wednesday (7/7). He was 79. After starting his career at Nashville’s WLAC, Porter went to work for RCA and producer Chet Atkins in 1959. He would work with […]

Weekly Chart Report 7/09/10

RADIO NEWS West Texas Broadcasting’s KKCN/San Angelo, TX has named DK Pierce for music and programming duties, following the departures of Alex Hart and Tracy Scott. Pierce comes to the station from KOMG/Springfield, MO and he also spent time with KTST in Oklahoma City. Call times are Tuesdays from 10-12 central and you can reach […]

Putting Secondary Radio First

“In general what I’ve been seeing with some of the secondary stations,” says Diane Richey-Haupt, Owner of Diane Richey Promotions, “is different layers in the market. Many of the stations we deal with in an Activator or Indicator situation are highly consulted which makes it tough. On the MusicRow panel we find the stations are […]

Success Is In The Cards For Taylor Swift

Big Machine’s Taylor Swift is everywhere these days, and now, through the latest selections written and inspired by Swift for American Greetings Corporation, fans have been finding her in the greeting cards aisle as well. American Greetings’ latest selection of whimsical cards features 14 all new designs and classic summer imagery enhanced by Swift’s real-life […]

Sirius/XM Reports Subscriber Growth

Sirius XM announced Wednesday (7/7) that their second-quarter subscriber additions have pushed their total subscriber base to over 19.5 million listeners. That represents a 1.1 million increase from last year, well above Wall Street predictions. The company subsequently raised its 2010 forecast for subscriber growth by nearly 50 percent, sending shares 6 percent higher. Sirius […]

Musician’s Union Elects New Officers

Bassist Dave Pomeroy, President of the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, was elected to the International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians at the organization’s 98th Convention in Las Vegas last week. Delegates representing the 90,000 members of the AFM voted for a major change in leadership, which has resulted in turnovers […]

Lifenotes: Wilma “Trip” Turner; Don Wright; Logan Pereira; Betty Sue Crockett

MusicRow sends deep condolences to members of the music community who have recently lost loved ones. Longtime Nashville publicist/writer Judi Turner’s mother, Wilma “Trip” Turner passed away Wednesday (7/7). She was 84. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia. She […]

Recording Academy Amends “Best New Artist” Rules

Blame it on Lady Gaga. In the wake of the flamboyant pop star’s exclusion from its Best New Artist category at this year’s 52nd annual Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy has changed its rules to allow for leeway for artists previously nominated in the category. The changes will be in place for the upcoming 53rd […]

EMI Publishing Promotes Creative Staffers

EMI Music Publishing Nashville has promoted three of its A&R team to new roles, it was announced today by Executive Vice President & General Manager Ben Vaughn. “Big” Tom Luteran moves from Senior Director to Vice President of A&R, marking the latest step up in his fifteen year career on Music Row. In a parallel […]

Trailer Choir Makes Opry Debut

Show Dog-Universal Music recording artists Trailer Choir made their Opry debut on June 29, performing  a couple of songs from their brand new, debut CD Tailgate (released July 6). Trailer Choir treated the Ryman Auditorium audience to their big hit, “Rockin’ The Beer Gut,” as well as brand new single “Shakin’ That Tailgate.”