CMT To Host CMA Fan Social

With the CMT Awards scheduled for June 16 — just a couple of days after the close of the CMA Music Festival – CMT is offering some fan-centric opportunities for Festival attendees. The third annual CMA Fan Social Presented by CMT is a free concert and autograph session hosted by CMT’s Lance Smith. The Fan […]

Darius Rucker Has a “Give-Back Birthday”

Capitol Records Nashville artist Darius Rucker celebrated his birthday on May 13, but the chart-topping artist is forgoing presents this year for a good cause. Rucker is asking communities to support “classroom requests” from high-poverty schools in his home state of South Carolina through his Give-Back Birthday. In addition to specific classroom requests posted on […]

Nashville Screenwriters Conference Ready to Roll

The eleventh annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference is coming to the Union Station Hotel May 29-31. On Saturday, May 30 at 12:00 PM, the Conference will present the Music in the Movies luncheon. Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theatre, the luncheon will feature advice from top music supervisors for songwriters, composers, artists […]

Gettin’ Set For The Three Day Weekend

As another work week begins, the skies over Music Row have cleared. And while “the many” are focused on the coming long weekend, “the experienced few” can’t help but feel a sixth sense tug that says something is going on. Picture a duck swimming like a big machine across a pond…on the surface it is […]

Stuart Dill Named President of Sanctuary

Veteran Nashville artist manager Stuart Dill has been named President of Sanctuary Artist Management Nashville. Sanctuary manages artists in the fields of pop, rock, country and Christian, and Dill, a 25-year veteran of Nashville’s country music scene, will be pivotal in expanding the Sanctuary roster. Sanctuary CEO Carl Stubner and Dill have been closely associated […]

Performance Royalties Act Goes To House

In a 21 to 9 vote today (5/13), the House Judiciary Committee voted to send the Performance Royalties Act to the full House for a vote. During a heated three-hour hearing, three amendments to the bill were offered and only one amendment, which reduced the fees to small broadcasters, was embraced. Broadcasters were buoyed when […]

Bobo Weighs In on Hot-Button Royalty Issue

As the House Judiciary prepares to vote this week on the Performance Rights Act, longtime Nashville music executive Dale Bobo, who spent many years at Warner Chappell Music Publishing, has weighed in with an editorial for Hits magazine supporting the idea that terrestrial radio pay to artists, musicians, and master rights holders a performance royalty […]

Country Weekly Set For Fashion Show

Country Weekly has announced the lineup for the 2009 Country Weekly Fashion Show and Concert, benefiting Musicians On Call. The show will be held on Wednesday June 10 at the Wildhorse Saloon and will be sponsored by Durango, Lifetime Networks and Chevy. Clothing and boots from Durango, Flavour boutique and Wrangler will be featured on […]

Mayor Convenes Music Business Council

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, has created a Music Business Council made up of artists and industry executives who will spearhead various economic development efforts that capitalize on Nashville’s identity as Music City. The priorities Dean has established for the Council include increasing live music venues in […]

Industry News: TuneCore, NAMM, CMT, Underwood & Knake

TuneCore and Musicnotes Team for Musicians Online music distributor TuneCore (www.tunecore.com) has teamed up with online sheet music company Musicnotes (www.musicnotes.com) to provide yet another way for musicians to make money from their music. Starting in May, any TuneCore artist selling over 25,000 songs within 90 days can have at least one of their songs […]

CMA Awards on ABC Nov. 11

The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that The 43rd Annual CMA Awards will air Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 CT live from Nashville’s Sommet Center on ABC. Last year’s CMA Awards ranked behind only the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards during the 2008-2009 season for awards shows among total viewers. ABC […]

CMT Partners With Dish Network

CMT is partnering with Dish Network to bring country stars to Dish Network subscribers it was announced today (5/11) by Ira Bahr, Chief Marketing Officer for DISH Network and Mary Beth Cunin, Senior Vice President of Programming Strategy for CMT. Under the deal, six episodes of the CMT series Invitation Only will have exclusive premiere […]

RCA Names Elizabeth Sledge Mgr. Regional Promotion

Keith Gale, Vice President, National Promotion, for RCA Records Nashville has announced that Elizabeth Sledge is the new Manager, Regional Promotion for RCA Nashville. Based in Nashville, Sledge is on board immediately, working the territory previously helmed by Norbert Nix, who was promoted in April to National Director. Most recently Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager for Montage […]

Once Again Underwood’s a 10

Arista artist Carrie Underwood has already sold more than 10 million albums with her first two releases, and now the singer scores another 10, with her current single, “I Told You So,” becoming her tenth single to top a key sales or airplay chart. The accomplishment distinguishes the four-time Grammy winner as the first country […]

Joe Nichols Issues “‘Believers’ Challenge”

Universal Records South artist Joe Nichols‘ new single, “Believers,” is garnering some strong reactions from the fans. Released to radio on April 20, the song’s message is already inspiring listeners to share their own stories of getting through tough times. To help them share their stories, Nichols has set up a special site for people […]

CMA Launches “CMA Industry Insite”

As part of its ongoing strategic mission of being a resource for the country music industry, the Country Music Association is launching “CMA Industry InSite,” a monthly online educational series for CMA members. The first episode — on publishing — will be available Monday, May 18 on CMA’s member Web site (MyCMAworld.com). Future topics include […]

Global Events Kick Off CMA Fest

Sixteen prominent international country artists will convene in Music City next month to participate in a series of global country music events, beginning June 8 in downtown Nashville. The CMA Global Artist Party (presented by CMA and sponsored by NiteTrain Coaches) will once again serve as the unofficial start to the 2009 CMA Music Festival […]

Austin Guitarist Stephen Bruton Dies

Guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer Stephen Bruton, a highly respected and much-loved member of the Austin, Texas music community, died Saturday (5/9) in Los Angeles of complications of cancer. He was 60. Bruton served as guitarist for Kris Kristofferson for nearly 40 years and spent several years on the road as guitarist for Bonnie Raitt. Turner Stephen Bruton was […]

Prime Time Press Conferences Irk Broadcasters

Executives at the largest broadcast networks claim that the new president has already cost them $30 million in ad revenue  as a result of his three prime-time news conferences. The Hollywood Reporter story notes that none of the broadcasters mentioned in the article were willing to go on the record, but says that the Fox […]

“The Session Players” Announces Online Chat

On Tuesday, May 19 beginning at 8:00 PM CT, The Session Players (www.thesessionplayers.com) will host a special live online chat. The website offers an up-close, inside look at the recording process through the eyes of the musicians who make it happen. The online chat will allow anyone anywhere in the world to talk directly to […]

Rebel Hearts

“Jesse Dunn” RHR/Nine North “Jesse Dunn” is the newest single by vocal group Rebel Hearts. Comprised of Darren Castle, Don McDowell and Kody Anderson, their music is a blend of country and rock that draws on influences like Elvis, Garth, and the Eagles. Singer/songwriter Don McDowell created Rebel Hearts in 1997 and recruited Canadian producer/pianist/songwriter […]

SOLID Readies Music Row Yard Sale

Nashville Music Industry Organization SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) has announced the 2009 edition of its Music Row Yard Sale. This year’s yard sale will take place during the CMA Music Festival on June 13 at 8 AM at Nashville’s Sommet Center. SOLID has provided collection bins to Music Row businesses for donations to […]

CMA Int’l Awards To Bentley and Brooks & Dunn

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn (aka Brooks & Dunn), and Dierks Bentley are this year’s recipients of the CMA International Artist Achievement Award for their contributions to country music overseas. They were presented the awards backstage at Sydney’s Acer Arena on May 6 during the final stop of their current Australian tour. The International Artist […]

Music Row Past Award Winners

A complete listing of the Song, Producer, Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist winners…

Get Ready To Cast Your Vote

21st Annual Music Row Awards Underway Music Row’s 21st Annual Awards will be announced in the publication’s June/July issue and plaques presented at ASCAP on June 30. Featured will be the Top Ten Album All-Star Musician accolades which are based upon the actual number of Top Ten CDs that each musician appeared on during the […]

Past Musician Award Winners

A listing of all winners since the beginning of the awards…

Big Kenny Joins Guild To Donate Guitars

Kenny Alphin, the top-hatted half of hit country duo Big & Rich, has joined forces with Guild Guitars and Little Kids Rock to donate 140 Guild acoustic guitars to five Nashville schools. Little Kids Rock is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in the nation’s public schools. […]

DISClaimer (5/6/09)

Forget the forget-me-nots, it’s bluegrass that’s bloomin’ this spring. In the coming weeks, we’re due for a bouquet of top-notch releases in this genre. Among them are Doyle Lawson (this week), Alecia Nugent (5/12), The Red Stick Ramblers (5/19), Dailey & Vincent (3/31), Bobby Osborne (3/31) and Rhonda Vincent (6/16). In the meantime, here’s a […]

DISClaimer (5/1/09)

Move over, boys. Despite terrific new singles by guys like James Otto and Zona Jones, this week belongs to the fairer sex. Tanya Tucker is back with hillbilly oomph. Megan Mullins sparkles in her upbeat I’m-outta-here toe tapper. Wynonna heats up the joint with one of her most soul-drenched performances yet. Martina McBride’s ultra powerful […]

Sugarland’s Nettles Put On Vocal Rest

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles has been sidelined due to vocal problems. A press release from Keith Urban’s publicist today announced new opening acts for the Aussie superstar’s inaugural shows on his Escape Together World Tour in Uncasville, Connecticut. The news section of Sugarland’s website is reporting that Nettles “has received doctor’s orders to rest her voice […]

Artist News: Aldean, Eric Church, Lady A, Johnny Reid and More

Broken Bow’s Jason Aldean’s current chart-topper, “She’s Country,” has been certified gold by the RIAA for having sold more than 500,000 digital downloads. “She’s Country” is also spending its second week at the top of the country chart, and is the fastest rising single of his career to date. Over the last few months it […]

Belmont to Host Int’l Country Music Conference

The 26th annual International Country Music Conference, to be held May 21-23 in Nashville, Tenn. in the Frist Lecture Hall of the Gordon E. Inman Center at Belmont University, will host a broad cross-section of panels and topics in the field of country music. This year’s ICMC will feature more than three-dozen panels on a […]

Songwriters Invade Key West

The 14th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival boasted a record number of songwriters, as anchor-sponsor BMI arrived in the Florida hotspot with more than 150 troubadours in tow. Presented by Better Angels Music and benefiting the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, the festival started in style on Wednesday 4/29), with BMI’s kick-off party at La […]

Rascal Flatts and Hershey Offer “Summertime S’mores”

In a promotion that just might make you break into the chorus of “Melt,” the Hershey Company has joined forces with country superstars Rascal Flatts to celebrate the magic of s’mores. Hershey’s will be a sponsor of Rascal Flatts’ American Living Unstoppable 2009 concert tour and bring the partnership to life with a national television […]

Musicrow.com reformatted 4 iPhone

MusicRow.com has been reformatted for speed and ease of design for iPhone, iPod touch, Google Android and Blackberry Storm mobile surfers. When visiting  MusicRow.com using one of the aforementioned mobile devices the information will automatically display in the fast loading, quick read mobile format. At the top of the new page is a menu link […]

Pickler and Smith To Host CMT Noms

For the first time, CMT will be interrupting its regularly scheduled programming to present the 2009 CMT Music Awards Nominee Special on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 – 9:30 AM/CT. The 30-minute special, hosted by 2008 USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year winner Kellie Pickler and CMT’s Lance Smith, will feature the music and […]

Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser Play for Opry Fund

Country stars Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser, along with friend and fellow songwriter Jerrod Niemann, will be bringing “The Traler Park Revival Show” to the Ryman Auditorium on May 28 at 7:30 PM. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Opry Trust Fund which provides financial assistance to members of the country music industry […]

Country Stars Read For Kids

Over sixty country musicians from Canada and the United States are partnering with the Waterloo Public Library (WPL) in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada to celebrate libraries and support family literacy in the community through an innovative program dubbed Country Musicians Rock and Read for Kids. Artists participating include Paul Brandt, Kix Brooks, George Canyon, Kenny Chesney, […]

Anastasia Brown to Judge “Peace Song Challenge”

Nashville’s Anastasia Brown, President of 821 Entertainment Group and noted film music supervisor, will join music producer Bob Ezrin, international recording artist Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Oscar nominee Thavi Phrasavath and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President Terry Stewart on the judges panel for Bring Peace Not Pain, an organization formed to further the message […]

Pat Higdon Rises To UMPG Presidency

David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has announced the promotion of Pat Higdon to President for Universal Music Publishing Group, Nashville. Most recently, Higdon served as Executive Vice President/General Manager for UMPG Nashville. In this new role, Higdon will preside over the company’s country music publishing activities, reporting to Renzer. The […]

Capitol Ups Hodges To Sr. VP Promotion

Capitol Records Nashville has promoted Steve Hodges to Senior VP, Promotion. Hodges previously held the position of VP Promotion. He will report directly to Mike Dungan, President and CEO of Capitol Records Nashville. Hodges came to Capitol Records Nashville in 1994 as Midwest Regional Director Promotion and then became the Regional Director for the Southeast. […]

Catino Named Stroudavarious President

James Stroud, CEO of Stroudavarious Records, has announced the appointment of Bill Catino as the label’s new President. Catino, who has more than 40 years of industry experience, has worked with companies including CBS Records, RCA Records, MCA Records, Capitol Records and Universal Music Group (UMG) Nashville, playing a key role in the success of […]

Luke Bryan Teams With Eventful For Album Release

Capitol Records Nashville artist Luke Bryan is teaming up with live music website Eventful to give fans across the nation the chance to bring his album release show to their city. Bryan’s sophomore album, Doin’ My Thing, is scheduled for release on October 6. The singer/songwriter will utilize Eventful Demand, which enables fans to influence […]

ole Launches State-of-the-Art Database

ole, Canada’s largest independent music publisher has announced the launch of musicnow, the company’s new state-of-the-art song search database. Debuting today (5/4), on the ole website at www.olemm.com, musicnow is a user-friendly e-tool for artists, producers, music supervisors, film directors and video game producers who need to locate and instantly license music from the ole […]

Taylor Swift’s Mother’s Day Two-Fer

Mother’s Day is coming this Sunday (5/10), and, not surprisingly, Taylor Swift is ready. Swift is offering fans a special self-produced music video for her song “The Best Day” from her No. 1 album Fearless and the chance to send a personal e-card to their own mother. Fans can visit a custom landing page to […]

Carla Williams

“Every Word You’re Thinking” Lofton Creek Her throaty delivery handles this sophisticated melody with aplomb. The piano and synth accompaniment is fairly pop, but the vocal keeps it down to earth. —Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow Born and raised in the Heart of Dixie, Carla Williams has long had a passion for singing and performing. The […]

James Otto

“Since You Brought It Up” Warner Bros. Standing an easy 6’5” tall with a frame more akin to an NFL lineman than an entertainer, James Otto’s mere presence is enough to garner your attention. And his voice? Maybe bigger. John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich often introduces Otto as “The Biggest Voice […]

Aldean Sets 4th Annual “Concert for the Cure”

Broken Bow’s Jason Aldean will once again host his annual Jason Aldean: Concert For The Cure during CMA Music Festival at the Wildhorse Saloon to benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Following his evening performance on the big stage at LP Field, Aldean will invite a few special guests to join him for a […]

Reba Gets Hip to Twitter

Reba’s highly anticipated and as yet untitled debut album for the Valory Music Company is due to hit the streets on August 18, and the project is already generating a serious buzz four months out from its release date. In an interview with USA Today’s Brian Mansfield, Reba credits her time hanging out with tour […]

Due West

“I Get That All The Time” Bigger Than Me/Nine North With an independent spirit as great as the American frontier, Due West is staking its claim to Nashville fame with first single “I Get That All The Time.” Tim Gates, Brad Hull and Matt Lopez comprise the energetic young band based on tight harmony, sincere […]