CMT Music Awards Announces Performers

Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban are the first performers announced for the 2010 CMT Music Awards, set for Wednesday, June 9 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The first round of voting for the fan-voted show has already begun and runs through Monday, May 3, only at CMT.com, where fans will […]

Local Songwriters Headed To Key West Festival

Tons of Nashville tunesmiths will be headed south for The Key West Songwriters Festival, running Wed., April 28 through May 2. The 15th annual festival will offer acoustic songwriter sets at venues all over the island, featuring over 150 top songwriters. In fact, half of the songs on the current Top 10 country singles chart […]

Rascal Flatts Plan Tour; Underwood Extends Run

Rascal Flatts will launch a new tour this summer, the “JC Penney Presents Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This Tour.” The first leg will open June 25 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will continue with 26 shows through September 19 at Boston’s Comcast Center. Kellie Pickler and Chris Young will open. Rascal Flatts recently wrapped its […]

[Updated 4/20] ACM Photos: Backstage, After-Parties

CRB Session, CMA InSite Focus On Radio Programming

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is planning the “CRS: One on One” mentoring session, to be held May 7 in Nashville, Tenn. KYGO Program Director, Joel Burke, and president of Rusty Walker Programming, Rusty Walker, will be the featured speakers at the one-day session. Only twelve applicants will be accepted, in order to encourage candid, one-on-one […]

ZBB Secures Ram Trucks Partnership

A new partnership between Zac Brown Band and Ram Truck Brand will offer free music to fans and boost the morale of U.S. soldiers. Starting in May, the nationwide “Letters for Lyrics” campaign will give participants who write a letter to a U.S. soldier a compilation CD titled, “Breaking Southern Ground,” featuring three new ZBB […]

ACM Leverages Fan Engagement

“That’s how you start an award show, son,” bellowed a breathless Charlie Daniels after the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music’s opening number, a high-energy “Traveling Band” mashup which included the fiddler, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and CCR hero/songwriter John Fogerty.

Veteran Nashville Broadcaster Norm Ray Passes

Noted Nashville instrumentalist and veteran radio and television broadcaster Norm Ray died Saturday, April 17, at age 73. He is perhaps best remembered for the wit and humor he displayed for 20 years on the Ralph Emery Morning Show, WSM’s The Waking Crew and for the 10 years he spent in the house band on […]

Middleworth Moves To Little Champion Music

Longtime music publishing executive Glenn Middleworth has joined Little Champion Music as Sr. Creative Director. The two-year-old publishing house owned by Martina and John McBride/Blackbird Studios is home to songwriters Rachel Thibodeau and Jason Sever. More signings are expected in coming months. Middleworth spent a total of ten years at EMI Music Publishing, ending as […]

BMG, Huff, Franklin Open Publishing Company

BMG Rights Management has partnered with renowned producer Dann Huff and publisher Darrell Franklin to form BMG Rights Management Nashville. The full-service publishing company launches with a stable of writers including busbee, Jonathan Singleton, and Neil Thrasher. BMG Rights Management, the international group of music publishing companies which recently purchased Huff’s Crosstown Songs is also […]

Top ACM Winners-Lady A, Lambert, Underwood

Last night’s (4/18) Academy of Country Music Awards reaffirmed the talent and star power of big winners Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. Lady Antebellum took home trophies in three categories, and received two additional awards in the same fields as songwriters and producers. The trio comprised of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave […]

Whew! What A Week or Change Creates Opportunity

Nashville’s music industry has apparently survived what surely registers as a most unprecedented week. Viewed within a slightly wider time frame, the upheaval suggests that we are witnessing a critical moment where pent-up change is exploding through most every industry sector—record labels, publishing, touring, performance rights and industry organizations…

Large corporations move predictably, not quickly. Once a threat to profitability is identified, over time, they begin to act. Sometimes the home office repairs the damage with a scalpel, other times restructuring seems the best way to re-energize performance. Sometimes fiscal redemption can best be accomplished by acquiring competitors or content and growing market share. Over the past few months Nashville’s music community, our friends, family and colleagues have suffered all these strategies.

ACM Awards This Sunday

With artist-driven viral “campaign” videos, multi-platform fan voting, TV tie-ins, exclusive online promotions, and special concerts and events leading up to the big night, country’s biggest stars and the ACM have truly gone all out in promoting the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las […]

Another Sellout For CMA Songwriters Series

The CMA Songwriters Series at New York City’s Joe’s Pub continues its winning streak with two sold out performances on Thursday, May 13 (6:30 and 9:00 PM/ET). Featuring country star/songwriter Jason Michael Carroll (“Alyssa Lies”), the upcoming installment of the CMA Songwriters Series provides an intimate glimpse into the art of songwriting. Joining Carroll will […]

DVD Rentals On the Decline

Hollywood’s home entertainment business has been looking over its shoulder for some time now, warily watching the steady decline of the music business, with falling CD sales, legal and illegal downloading and the shuttering of former retail giants like Tower Records. And while DVD rentals have helped bolster Hollywood’s entertainment mix, first quarter data released […]

Colt Ford Offers “Chicken and Biscuits”


Average Joes Entertainment artist Colt Ford is planning a month-long celebration in support of his sophomore studio release, Chicken and Biscuits. The album, which features special guests Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, James Otto, Kevin Fowler, Darryl Worley, Josh Gracin, DMC (of Run/DMC), Ira Dean, Ty Stone, and many more, will hit stores on Tuesday, April […]

Official: Overton Heads To Sony

Gary Overton has been named Chief Executive Officer, Sony Music Nashville, it was announced today by Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Music Entertainment. Overton, who will be based in Nashville and report to Schmidt-Holtz, assumes the responsibilities of exiting Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante. Most recently Executive Vice President & General Manager of EMI […]

Garth’s Presidential Meet-And-Greet

Country superstar Garth Brooks was honored today in Washington as part of the annual Grammys on the Hill event. This year’s events included the awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 14 and an advocacy day on Capitol Hill today (4/15), at which hundreds of music professionals from across the country visited with legislators to advance pro-music policies that […]

William Morris Endeavor Acquires 360 Artist Agency

(Nashville, TN__April 15, 2010)__ William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME) has acquired Joey Lee’s 360 Artist Agency. Lee joins WME with agents Henry Glascock and Risha Rodgers, who will be based out of WME’s Nashville office. They bring country music artists Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, Josh Abbott Band, Keith Anderson, Wade Bowen, Lee Brice, Mark […]

Ram Truck and ACM Introduce Text-To-Vote

The Ram Truck Brand and the Academy of Country Music announced today the first-ever text-to-vote for the Entertainer of the Year fan-voted category, the highest accolade bestowed on an artist as part of the 45th Annual ACM Awards. 

This text-to-vote powered by Ram Truck will provide fans with the first-time opportunity to utilize texting to […]

Orchard Opens Nashville Office

The Orchard, a global leader in music and video distribution and comprehensive digital strategy, has announced it has opened a new office on Nashville’s Music Row. “Nashville has always had it right; it’s about the songs,” commented Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard. ”We hope to apply our expertise around the digital music business to […]

Brian Rhoades Joins EMI Nashville Promotion Staff

Senior Vice President Promotion Steve Hodges has announced the hiring of Brian Rhoades as Director of Promotion, Northeast for EMI Records Nashville. Rhoades, along with the other previously announced promotion staffers Chuck Swaney (Mid/Southwest), Trudie Daniell (Southeast) and Ron Bradley (West Coast), will work as a liaison between the label and country radio stations across […]

Stars Come Out For Best Cellars Dinner

Dierks Bentley, Mike Diamond, Danny Gokey, Jewel, Julianne Hough, Big Kenny, Gary Allan, Sarah Buxton, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, Blake Shelton and Phil Vassar will be in attendance to assist the T.J. Martell Foundation with celebrating the Eco-Energy Best Cellars Dinner on Monday, April 26 at the Hutton Hotel. The event, sponsored by Eco-Energy Inc., […]

Ben Vaughn To Head EMI Music Publishing

EMI Music Publishing announced today (4/15) that Ben Vaughn has been appointed to run its Nashville operations. As Executive Vice President and General Manager of EMI Music Publishing Nashville, Vaughn will lead the company’s creative, administrative, and commercial business in the country music capital. Vaughn, who was previously Vice President of Writer & Artist Development, […]

Judds To Open CMA Festival

Superstar duo The Judds will kick off 2010 CMA Music Festival with the opening daily concert on the Riverfront Park Stage at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10. “The Judds performing on the Riverfront Park Stage – that is something worth waking up for!” says Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “We are so […]

Sweet Tweets: Ads Come To Twitter

Yesterday Twitter launched its first profit spinning initiative, a promising advertising component called Promoted Tweets. A handful of big name advertisers including Starbucks, Sony Pictures, Virgin America, and Best Buy are the first on board.

Overton to Head Sony Music Nashville

Sony Music Nashville will announce Gary Overton as its new CEO this afternoon, sources tell Billboard.biz. Overton, currently EMI Music Publishing’s executive VP and GM, will replace Joe Galante who announced yesterday that he is exiting his position of chairman of Sony Music Nashville. Galante is expected to assist during a transition period. In turn, […]

Writer’s Den Adds iPhone App

Nashville’s Writer’s Den Music has become the first known music publishing company to launch an iPhone Application. Designed by Writer’s Den Music Group Internet Marketing staff member Adam Moore, the app allows subscribers to hear the latest demos from the company’s writers, find out where and when their writers are playing around Nashville, watch exclusive […]

Warner Adds Four to Promotion Staff


Warner Music Nashville has added four people to its promotion staff. The four will join Warner West Coast regional rep Rhonda Christensen, who was hired in March. The new team members are part of a new two-team promotion department that will report directly to Warner’s Senior Vice President Promotion Chris Stacey. The new promotion staffers […]

Artist News: Luke, Brad, Dierks, Bucky & More

Luke Bryan And Longhorn Team For Sweepstakes Live at LongHorn and Luke Bryan have teamed up to host a new sweepstakes to give fans the chance to win the ultimate country music experience. Two grand prize winners will get to meet Bryan and ride on a tour bus with him throughout the Midwest. They’ll also […]

Disney Confirms Phased Closure For Lyric Street—Flatts To Remain

NASHVILLE, TN – April 14, 2010 – Disney Music Group (DMG) announced today that they will close operations at Lyric Street Records, DMG’s label presence in Nashville. “The Lyric Street team has had an amazing run, building a slate of well-known artists including the superstar act, Rascal Flatts,” said Bob Cavallo, Chairman of Disney Music […]

Reports Say Lyric Street Doors To Close

Various—but unofficial— reports, are surfacing, saying that Lyric Street Records will shutter its doors. All Access was first to break the story. Chief Lyric Street staffers include President Randy Goodman and Sr. VP A&R Doug Howard. It also includes promo staffers Kevin Herring, Dale Turner, John Ettinger and Chris Palmer. The label’s roster also includes […]

“Sunday Mornin’ Country” Celebrates Roy Clark

Country Music Hall of Fame member Roy Clark will be honored with a musical tribute at the 31st Sunday Mornin’ Country Celebration at TPAC’s James K. Polk Theatre, Sunday, June 13, at 2:30 pm. Tickets for this country/gospel music celebration are $20, and available here.  The concert will reunite many of the original Hee Haw […]

Chairman Joe Galante Announces Departure from Sony Music Nashville

Nashville, TN – Joe Galante, Chairman of Sony Music Nashville, today confirms the next step of his 39-year music business career by announcing his decision to leave the company. Galante will continue his role as chairman until a new Nashville label group leader is named. Subsequently, he will actively participate in a transition consultancy once […]

DISClaimer 4/14/10

In a surprising and refreshing listening session, we were served a heaping helping of honest country sounds. Alan Jackson, Miss Leslie, Easton Corbin and Laura Dodd all turned in excellent efforts with nary a pop note in the bunch.

ACM Awards Offer Online Preview

The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions have developed a weeklong “online experience” in support of the upcoming 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The series will stream through the official ACM Awards widget on CBS.com/acma, ACMcountry.com and other partner sites. The widget can be downloaded here. The streams will feature exclusive […]

Concord Music Group Acquires Rounder

The Concord Music Group today (4/14) announced the acquisition of Massachusetts-based independent music label Rounder Records.

ACM Events With Toby Keith, Josh Thompson and Emily West

Toby Keith’s performance of “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” on the upcoming ACM Awards (Sun., April 18) will be sold on iTunes to benefit ACM Lifting Lives. Keith will be joined by Dave Koz to perform the song he wrote in memory of Wayman Tisdale, a former NBA player and accomplished jazz bassist who passed […]

ASCAP Reorganization Continues

There has been no official word, but MusicRow has heard that the realignment at ASCAP Nashville included a number of personnel changes today, most notably in the writer rep department. Thought to be exiting due to this re-organization are Herky Williams, John Briggs, Pat Rolfe, Dan Keen and Charlene Wilhite. Remaining on board are Ralph […]

New Music From Jo Dee Messina, Marty Raybon

Marty Raybon, best known for a long string of hits with former band Shenandoah, has a new album that landed on shelves April 6. At His Best was released through Grand Vista Records. JoAn Anderson Fox heads up Grand Vista Records and is working with Grassroots Promotion and Quarterback Records for radio promotion. Webster & […]

File Sharing Site Disses UK’s Digital Economy Bill

The UK recently enacted the Digital Economy Bill (Digital Economy Bill another report) to restrict music piracy by giving copyright holders the ability to “spy” on those infringing their rights via file sharing. The idea is that after being identified, the offending parties will then be disconnected from the Internet. In effect, this plan, which […]

Stars Set For Music Saves Mtns. Concert; Steele Plans Skate Festival

Alison Krauss and Big Kenny recently joined the already star-studded lineup of Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea and more for the Music Saves Mountains concert. Presented by the Gibson Foundation and set for May 19 at 8 p.m. at the Ryman Auditorium, proceeds will go to the Natural […]

Colt Ford Concert Live In HD

When Colt Ford takes the stage April 30 at Murray State University in Kentucky, fans at home will be able to stream the show live via media delivery portal True View Live. The Tampa-based interactive company will film and broadcast the show in a streaming, High-Definition format with no buffering or stream interruption. Fans can […]

CMT Awards Tap Top Producer and Director; GRAMMY Awards Date

CMT has tapped Executive Producer Jesse Ignjatovic, (MTV Video Music Awards) and Director Hamish Hamilton (The 82nd Annual Academy Awards 2010) to produce and direct the 2010 CMT Music Awards, it was announced today (4/13) by John Hamlin, SVP Production, Development and Talent, CMT. When the CMT Music Awards are broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone […]

Chesney Covers “People Country,” Gives Fans Film Preview

Kenny Chesney covers the May issue of PEOPLE Country, and in an exclusive interview talks about his break from touring, his girlfriend, and his concert film Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D. In conjunction with the film, Chesney is giving fan club members in the cities where the movie was made—Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and […]

Lambert Added To CMA Fest; Summer Tours Name Supporting Acts

Miranda Lambert is the latest addition to the performance line-up at the CMA Music Festival. Single-night tickets to the Festival’s Nightly Concerts at LP Field go on sale Sat., April 17, for the event running Thursday through Saturday, June 10-13, in downtown Nashville. Individual nightly concert tickets start at $30 and are available by calling […]

Genovese To Head New Country Video Network

Tammy Genovese has been tapped by new video network, The Country Network (“TCN”), to serve as President, TCN Nashville. She has already consolidated the company’s operations to Nashville and will open the principle office at 40 Music Square West, Nashville, Tennessee 37212 on Monday, April 19. The Country Network is currently airing in HD on […]

Big Machine Signs Edens Edge; CMT Radio Hires Jenn Nixon

Big Machine Records has added country trio Edens Edge to its label family. The band is comprised of Hannah Blaylock (lead vocalist), Dean Berner (harmony vocals, guitar, dobro) and Cherrill Green (harmony vocals, mandolin, banjo, and guitar), with a style deeply rooted in country and bluegrass. Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of Big Machine, discovered […]

NaFF Offers Music Panels, Films

Music will be a big part of the Nashville Film Festival, running April 15-22 at the Green Hills Cinema. There are more than 220 films from over 38 countries on the line-up, as well as numerous workshops and panel discussions. Here’s a quick run down of the music events at NaFF. Ticket details here. PANELS/WORKSHOPS […]