Universal Records South artist Phil Vassar will be featured on Feed The Children’s one-hour special on Hallmark Channel’s Americans Feeding Americans this Wednesday (3/25) at 6 PM/CT. Americans Feeding Americans reaches out to viewers to help Feed The Children in their ongoing effort to get emergency food to families caught in the current economic crisis. […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00LB Cantrellhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2009-03-24 09:28:032009-03-24 09:28:03Vassar Joins Hallmark To Feed The Children
The ever-youthful Dolly Parton is no stranger to magazine covers, but the singer’s appearance on the cover of the May/June issue of AARP Magazine may turn a few grey heads. In the cover story, Parton, 63, is candid about growing up poor, never having children, and clearing up rumors about her closest relationships. She also […]
U.S. music rights licensing organization The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), announced today that its 2008 royalty collections from all sources was $307.1 million, a 22% decline from 2007. Also in 2008, HFA issued over 2.44 million mechanical licenses, a 62% increase over 2007. Digital downloads also increased, by almost 47% over 2007, bringing the […]
EMI Music announced today (3/23), that its President of Digital Music, Douglas Merrill will leave the company as its digital unit is integrated into its main operations. Formerly with Google, Inc., Merrill has been with EMI less than a year. EMI has promoted Cory Ondrejka to the newly created title of Executive Vice President of […]
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Ted Jarrett As a recording artist, songwriter, producer, manager and record label executive, Ted Jarrett was one of the leading figures of the Nashville R&B community. He died Saturday, March 21, at age 83. Jarrett’s many contributions were highlighted by the award-winning 2004-2005 Night Train to Nashville exhibit and record albums by the Country Music […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2009-03-23 16:09:252009-03-23 16:09:25Lifenotes: Ted Jarrett and Ed Dye
East Tennessee native Dolly Parton, official ambassador of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has released a new eight-song CD entitled Sha-Kon-O-Hey! to benefit Friends of the Smokies. The CD retails for $10, $8 of which Parton will donate to the nonprofit organization that is devoted to protecting the Smokies. The Sha-Kon-O-Hey! […]
Sony/ATV Nashville has signed hit songwriter/producer Keith Stegall to a multi-year publishing deal. The co-writer of the pop standard, “We’re in This Love Together,” Stegall is also the writer of nine No. 1 country singles, including “I Hate Everything” by George Strait and “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” by Alan Jackson. As Jackson’s longtime producer, Stegall […]
William Donald “Bill” Johnson, acclaimed pedal steel guitarist for artists including Red Sovine, George Jones and Marty Robbins, died March 17 in Tallassee, Alabama. In addition to his steel playing, Johnson made his mark as a songwriter, most notably with “A Wound Time Can’t Erase,” which was recorded by over 150 artists, including Jack Greene, […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00LB Cantrellhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2009-03-23 11:08:372009-03-23 11:08:37Pedal Steel Guitarist Bill Johnson Dies
SOURCE, the nonprofit organization of executive women in the Nashville music industry will honor Joyce Jackson, Peggy Lamb, Pat McCoy, Sandy Neese, Margaret Parker, and the late Marion Keisker MacInnes with its 2009 Foundation Awards. The 7th annual awards dinner will be held Thursday, July 30 at the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum. Jackson’s […]
Cox Enterprises Inc. announced today (3/23) that it is beginning a $3.80 per share cash tender offer for the remainder of Cox Radio Inc.’s publicly held shares, for a total payment of about $69.1 million. Cox Enterprises owns a roughly 78 percent equity stake in Cox Radio with a voting interest of about 97 percent. […]
Nashville production music company 615 Music has redesigned its website and launched a comprehensive new music search engine called “615 Music Search.” The company will unveil its new website and Music Search features at the NAB convention in Las Vegas April 20-23. According to 615 Music President and CEO Randy Wachtler, the newly launched “615 […]
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Country outlaws Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson came together at Nashville’s Rocketown recently to shoot an episode of CMT Crossroads. The duo’s rowdy performance, which was taped before a live audience, will premier Monday, March 23 at 9:00 PM/CT on CMT. The episode features Jennings and Johnson collaborating on Johnson’s “High Cost of Living,” “Between […]
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No Depression, the roots music publication, has created a “community-driven website” powered by the ning.com platform. (Nashville’s Digital Nashville organization is also powered on the Ning platform.) Located at community.nodepression.com the new network allows the formation of niche communities based around a variety of themes. Readers can create a member page, plus share music, videos, […]
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The Americana Music Association is now offering members the opportunity to obtain affordable health insurance coverage. The program, known as Americana Sound Healthcare, is designed for members who are self-employed, involved with small businesses that cannot easily offer coverage, or otherwise not in a position to afford coverage. True Group plans are also available to […]
Nashville music industry veteran Joe Boyland passed away earlier this week at Nashville’s Vanderbilt Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. He was 61. Boyland moved to Nashville in 1980 and worked with Judds manager Woody Bowles before founding Hit List Music in 1986. He subsequently worked with a host of artists including Celine Dion, […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00LB Cantrellhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2009-03-20 14:22:292009-03-20 14:22:29Industry Veteran Joe Boyland Dies
Share and share alike. We’re giving out two Disc of the Day awards today. One is for traditional country excellence. And that, hands down, belongs to a masterful honky-tonk stylist, Mark Chesnutt. Long may he sing. The second goes to a modern, rocking-country disc maker. That would be Jack Ingram, who has the first summertime […]
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Rascal Flatts and Lyric Street are celebrating the record-breaking success of the pre-release single “Here Comes Goodbye” at iTunes. According to Nielsen Soundscan, the track sold 125,884 downloads, delivering the highest first-week paid sales ever by a country artist for a debut single and the song is one of four tracks to be made available […]
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“Up To Him” Rocky Comfort/Nine North The multiple rhymes are just about brilliant. Tracy, as usual, delivers the goods as a vocalist on this common-man’s anthem. —Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow Tracy Lawrence is set to deliver his second album from his own Rocky Comfort Records, an inspirational collection titled The Rock (produced by Lawrence and […]
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“I’m Still Me” Golden/Nine North Every once in a while, talent and personality do what they should: attract immediate and enthusiastic support from fans and fellow artists. Case in point: Steve Williams, the lead singer for Williams Riley, one of country music’s most exciting newcomers. Some of music’s top names have rallied in support of […]
Warner Bros. Records Artist John Rich will release his new solo album, Son Of A Preacher Man, on Tuesday, March 24. As the album’s debut single, “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” climbs toward the Top 10, Rich called on a couple of famous friends — actor Mickey Rourke and Country Music Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson […]
Country’s biggest star Garth Brooks will appear on tonight’s edition of The Tonight Show With Jay Leno tonight (3/19), where he will share the couch with his country’s biggest star — President Barack Obama. Unlike Brooks, who has appeared on Leno’s show 21 times, tonight will mark Obama’s first talk show appearance as President. Brooks […]
Martina McBride’s 10th studio album, Shine, is set for release next Tuesday, March 24 on RCA Records. Featuring the singer’s current hit single “Ride,” the album’s title stems from her personal philosophy. “I love the word—I think it’s really positive and strong and powerful,” says McBride, “and that’s one of my favorite lyrics from the […]
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The Academy of Country Music is on high-tech roll. First it was online fan voting, and now the ACM has announced that updates on the 44th Annual ACM Awards will be sent to fans via Twitter, the microblogging application that allows users to send short messages called “tweets” to people’s cell phones and Twitter homepages. […]
Stringtown Records artist John Michael Montgomery has signed to Creative Artists Agency for booking representation and with Splash! Public Relations for publicity. The singer, who recently filmed a 30-minute infomercial for Time/Life on their Country Music Explosion package, is currently promoting “Forever,” the latest single from Time Flies, his Stringtown debut. In other Stringtown news, […]
Sales for the week ended 3/15/09 remained tepid as Taylor Swift continued to account for almost 23% of the entire Current Country list. Kelly Clarkson’s CD scored Top 200 No. 1 success with a solid debut totaling 254,671 units. Unfortunately, the Idol alum, now managed by Nashville-based Starstruck Management, was unable to match last week’s […]
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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and CMT have announced the winners of the 9th Annual NSAI/CMT Song Contest, which awards two top prizes, one industry-voted and one chosen by online voting. Brooklyn resident David Stewart was chosen by industry judges for his song, “Damn, I Miss You.” Online voters chose “I Found Everything,” written […]
Grand Ole Opry week, night one, took American Idol by storm as the eleven contestants performed songs made famous by Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Johnny Cash, Dolly, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. “The odds were 100,000 to one at the beginning of this contest,” said host Ryan Seacrest at the top of the […]
Online voting for the Academy of Country Music’s 44th Annual ACM Awards officially started yesterday (3/16). Fans are encouraged to log on to ACM’s voting site at www.voteACM.com or to CBS-TV’s dedicated site, www.cbs.com/acma to cast their votes for ACM Entertainer of the Year. This year’s nominees for the highly coveted award include Kenny Chesney, […]
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With an innovative new promotion, the makers of Vietti Chili are giving the term “canned music” an entirely new meaning. The Nashville-based company has launched a “Vietti Vinyl Music Campaign” that promotes emerging and established musical talent through collectible product labels and other grassroots marketing initiatives. Vietti is leveraging its 30-state distribution network to promote […]
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Brad Paisley wound up his Paisley Party Tour on a very high note in Nashville this past Saturday (3/14), playing a sold-out-in-advance show to a hometown crowd of over 13,000 ecstatic fans. Joining the singer onstage for his show-closer, a spirited reading of “Let the Good Times Roll,” was acclaimed blues guitarist Robben Ford, who […]
The NPD Group, a leader in market research for the entertainment industry, has reported that there were nearly 17 million fewer CD buyers in 2008 compared to the previous year. The reported decline in CD buyers cuts across all demographic groups, but was particularly focused on teens and consumers over 50 years of age. According […]
With traditional record retailers closing their doors, Cracker Barrel is helping to fill the void with their successful music program, which kicked off in 2005 with Home on the Highways from Alison Krauss and Union Station. Subsequent Cracker Barrel releases from Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Amy Grant and Sara Evans confirmed the company’s […]
Independent label Country Thunder Records is closing their Nashville operations it has been announced by label President Herb Graham. Country Thunder’s roster of artists included Heartland, Shawn Hammonds and country duos Bluefield and Burns & Poe. Graham will carry on with his publishing and management activities through his Graham Artist Management, with a client list […]
Fresh off his big success with “Down The Road,” his chart-topping duet with Kenny Chesney, respected singer/songwriter and reigning CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally has signed with Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records. “There’s nobody more respected, at least when it comes to musicians and people who really know this business, than Mac McAnally,” […]
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It’s veterans’ day. No, not the holiday, silly. It’s a day when we have new music from some of country music’s vets. Aaron Tippin, Ricochet and Ronnie Milsap are all dropping by with new sounds. And the magnificent Mr. Milsap wins a Disc of the Day award. Neil Carswell is a veteran, too. He previously […]
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As you might expect, the stars are twinkling for Country Radio Seminar. Toby Keith, Sugarland, Telluride and Pat Green all have terrific new tunes for the radio decision makers to savor. Universal South is bringing forth a dandy by this week’s DisCovery Award winners, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove. Less than a month ago (on […]
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The New York Times Sunday Business section (3/14) prominently features a story titled, The Secrets of the Talent Scouts which attempts to get inside the heads of executives competing to find the next big thing in various fields including entertainment, technology and medical research. Executives profiled seem to agree that taking chances on passionate people […]
Broken Bow/Holeshot recording artist Krista Marie has come up with a unique way to combine career promotion and a good song with a good cause. The western New York-born singer/songwriter, who is also a champion ATV Motocross racer, is the cowriter of her single, “Drive It Like I Stole It,” which has been picked as […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00LB Cantrellhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2009-03-13 16:34:262009-03-13 16:34:26BBR’s Krista Marie—Ringtone For A Cause
For the past ten days, she’s been all over Australia playing a series of sold out dates, but somehow superstar Taylor Swift has made time for some worthwhile extracurricular activities, including a CMA award presentation, a benefit concert and a even a day at the beach. The singer/songwriter traveled to the “CMC Rocks the Snowys […]
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Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Satellite Radio blames a “doom and gloom” fourth quarter for the company’s lackluster results. Satcaster investors were saddled with analyst reports, during the quarter, that it might be unable to meet its debt obligations. Finally, Liberty Media Corp. lent Sirius XM over $500 million while taking a 40% stake […]
Gaylord Opryland Resort has announced seven new “Country Music Experiences,” which the hotel is touting as part of “the nation’s most authentic country music vacation.” The new experiences include: Gibson’s Check-In, Rock Out™! — This new program allows guests to create music in their rooms by choosing from a variety of Gibson guitars to lease […]
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Already balancing two successful bands, the White Stripes and the Raconteurs, and various side projects including a recent recording and video shoot with country’s Ricky Skaggs and Ashley Monroe, rock star and Music City resident Jack White has embarked on yet additional adventures. White has established a headquarters for his Third Man Records label and […]
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American Idol will feature the Grand Ole Opry on March 17/18 and showcase Opry members Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley plus Randy Travis who is also serving as the show’s musical mentor. Sony and Warner Bros. are leveraging the show’s 24+ million audience in some interesting and unconventional ways. Underwood’s recording of Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet […]
Effective today (3/12), RCA Nashville Director of National Promotion Doug Baker has exited the company. With RCA for the past eight years, Baker served as the label’s Director of Southeast Regional Promotion before rising to Director of National Promotion in 2006. Baker’s resume includes stints as National Director of Promotion for Virgin Nashville and Director […]
Two American institutions will join forces March 17 and 18 for Opry Week on American Idol, and three of country music’s biggest stars — Brad Paisley, Randy Travis and former Idol champ Carrie Underwood — will be appearing on the country-themed edition of the top-rated reality show. Current Idol contestants will also be singing songs […]
Tickets are still available for Leadership Music’s annual Digital Summit, which will take over Belmont University’s Curb Event Center March 23-25. While it’s widely recognized as one of the most essential and informative events in the digital music arena, what may not be so widely known is that, for attendees, this summit is one heck […]
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Robbins Nashville’s decision to outsource its promotion department resulted in the departure today (3/11) of promo executives VP Tony Benken ([email protected]) and Dir. National Promotion Joe Redmond ([email protected]). Observers may interpret this move to mean that the label’s life line is shrinking, but Music Row has learned it is more likely an economic-driven leap toward […]
Sales for the week ended 3/8/2009 were only notable if your artist is called U2 who debuted at the top of the list with a remarkable (especially in this day and age) showing of 484,000 units. Equally impressive was the band’s higher-than-normal digital share which equaled 32%. Neko Case’s No. 3 Top 200 chart debut […]
Leaders of the Country Music Association, the Metro Government of Nashville, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau gathered at the Metro Courthouse today (3/11), to announce new plans for 2009 CMA Music Festival including the addition of a new stage on the Public Square in front of the Courthouse and free access for the […]
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“She Never Got Me Over You” Lofton Creek Responding to demand from radio, Mark Chesnutt‘s new single “She Never Got Me Over You” is being rush-released. Several stations, including WFMS/Indianapolis and KFTX/Corpus Christi, have already added it. It garnered 21 adds on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout™ chart in its first week of being reported. Beaumont, Texas, native […]
Vassar Joins Hallmark To Feed The Children
/by LB CantrellUniversal Records South artist Phil Vassar will be featured on Feed The Children’s one-hour special on Hallmark Channel’s Americans Feeding Americans this Wednesday (3/25) at 6 PM/CT. Americans Feeding Americans reaches out to viewers to help Feed The Children in their ongoing effort to get emergency food to families caught in the current economic crisis. […]
AARP Magazine Spotlights Dolly
/by LB CantrellThe ever-youthful Dolly Parton is no stranger to magazine covers, but the singer’s appearance on the cover of the May/June issue of AARP Magazine may turn a few grey heads. In the cover story, Parton, 63, is candid about growing up poor, never having children, and clearing up rumors about her closest relationships. She also […]
Mechanical Royalties Suffer
/by LB CantrellU.S. music rights licensing organization The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), announced today that its 2008 royalty collections from all sources was $307.1 million, a 22% decline from 2007. Also in 2008, HFA issued over 2.44 million mechanical licenses, a 62% increase over 2007. Digital downloads also increased, by almost 47% over 2007, bringing the […]
EMI Digital Chief Merrill To Exit
/by LB CantrellEMI Music announced today (3/23), that its President of Digital Music, Douglas Merrill will leave the company as its digital unit is integrated into its main operations. Formerly with Google, Inc., Merrill has been with EMI less than a year. EMI has promoted Cory Ondrejka to the newly created title of Executive Vice President of […]
Lifenotes: Ted Jarrett and Ed Dye
/by Robert K OermannTed Jarrett As a recording artist, songwriter, producer, manager and record label executive, Ted Jarrett was one of the leading figures of the Nashville R&B community. He died Saturday, March 21, at age 83. Jarrett’s many contributions were highlighted by the award-winning 2004-2005 Night Train to Nashville exhibit and record albums by the Country Music […]
Dolly Unveils Sha-Kon-O-Hey!
/by LB CantrellEast Tennessee native Dolly Parton, official ambassador of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has released a new eight-song CD entitled Sha-Kon-O-Hey! to benefit Friends of the Smokies. The CD retails for $10, $8 of which Parton will donate to the nonprofit organization that is devoted to protecting the Smokies. The Sha-Kon-O-Hey! […]
Sony ATV Signs Stegall
/by LB CantrellSony/ATV Nashville has signed hit songwriter/producer Keith Stegall to a multi-year publishing deal. The co-writer of the pop standard, “We’re in This Love Together,” Stegall is also the writer of nine No. 1 country singles, including “I Hate Everything” by George Strait and “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” by Alan Jackson. As Jackson’s longtime producer, Stegall […]
Pedal Steel Guitarist Bill Johnson Dies
/by LB CantrellWilliam Donald “Bill” Johnson, acclaimed pedal steel guitarist for artists including Red Sovine, George Jones and Marty Robbins, died March 17 in Tallassee, Alabama. In addition to his steel playing, Johnson made his mark as a songwriter, most notably with “A Wound Time Can’t Erase,” which was recorded by over 150 artists, including Jack Greene, […]
SOURCE Names 2009 Honorees
/by LB CantrellSOURCE, the nonprofit organization of executive women in the Nashville music industry will honor Joyce Jackson, Peggy Lamb, Pat McCoy, Sandy Neese, Margaret Parker, and the late Marion Keisker MacInnes with its 2009 Foundation Awards. The 7th annual awards dinner will be held Thursday, July 30 at the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum. Jackson’s […]
Cox Radio Going Private
/by LB CantrellCox Enterprises Inc. announced today (3/23) that it is beginning a $3.80 per share cash tender offer for the remainder of Cox Radio Inc.’s publicly held shares, for a total payment of about $69.1 million. Cox Enterprises owns a roughly 78 percent equity stake in Cox Radio with a voting interest of about 97 percent. […]
615 Unveils New Site and Search Engine
/by LB CantrellNashville production music company 615 Music has redesigned its website and launched a comprehensive new music search engine called “615 Music Search.” The company will unveil its new website and Music Search features at the NAB convention in Las Vegas April 20-23. According to 615 Music President and CEO Randy Wachtler, the newly launched “615 […]
Jennings Meets Johnson at Crossroads
/by LB CantrellCountry outlaws Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson came together at Nashville’s Rocketown recently to shoot an episode of CMT Crossroads. The duo’s rowdy performance, which was taped before a live audience, will premier Monday, March 23 at 9:00 PM/CT on CMT. The episode features Jennings and Johnson collaborating on Johnson’s “High Cost of Living,” “Between […]
No Depression Adopts Community Model
/by bossrossNo Depression, the roots music publication, has created a “community-driven website” powered by the ning.com platform. (Nashville’s Digital Nashville organization is also powered on the Ning platform.) Located at community.nodepression.com the new network allows the formation of niche communities based around a variety of themes. Readers can create a member page, plus share music, videos, […]
Americana Assoc. Offers Health Coverage
/by LB CantrellThe Americana Music Association is now offering members the opportunity to obtain affordable health insurance coverage. The program, known as Americana Sound Healthcare, is designed for members who are self-employed, involved with small businesses that cannot easily offer coverage, or otherwise not in a position to afford coverage. True Group plans are also available to […]
Industry Veteran Joe Boyland Dies
/by LB CantrellNashville music industry veteran Joe Boyland passed away earlier this week at Nashville’s Vanderbilt Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. He was 61. Boyland moved to Nashville in 1980 and worked with Judds manager Woody Bowles before founding Hit List Music in 1986. He subsequently worked with a host of artists including Celine Dion, […]
DISClaimer (3/20/09)
/by Robert K OermannShare and share alike. We’re giving out two Disc of the Day awards today. One is for traditional country excellence. And that, hands down, belongs to a masterful honky-tonk stylist, Mark Chesnutt. Long may he sing. The second goes to a modern, rocking-country disc maker. That would be Jack Ingram, who has the first summertime […]
Question: To Pre-Release Or Not
/by bossrossRascal Flatts and Lyric Street are celebrating the record-breaking success of the pre-release single “Here Comes Goodbye” at iTunes. According to Nielsen Soundscan, the track sold 125,884 downloads, delivering the highest first-week paid sales ever by a country artist for a debut single and the song is one of four tracks to be made available […]
Tracy Lawrence
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Up To Him” Rocky Comfort/Nine North The multiple rhymes are just about brilliant. Tracy, as usual, delivers the goods as a vocalist on this common-man’s anthem. —Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow Tracy Lawrence is set to deliver his second album from his own Rocky Comfort Records, an inspirational collection titled The Rock (produced by Lawrence and […]
Williams Riley
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“I’m Still Me” Golden/Nine North Every once in a while, talent and personality do what they should: attract immediate and enthusiastic support from fans and fellow artists. Case in point: Steve Williams, the lead singer for Williams Riley, one of country music’s most exciting newcomers. Some of music’s top names have rallied in support of […]
Rich Enlists Rourke, Kristofferson for “Detroit” Video
/by LB CantrellWarner Bros. Records Artist John Rich will release his new solo album, Son Of A Preacher Man, on Tuesday, March 24. As the album’s debut single, “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” climbs toward the Top 10, Rich called on a couple of famous friends — actor Mickey Rourke and Country Music Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson […]
Garth Meets Obama on “Tonight” Tonight
/by LB CantrellCountry’s biggest star Garth Brooks will appear on tonight’s edition of The Tonight Show With Jay Leno tonight (3/19), where he will share the couch with his country’s biggest star — President Barack Obama. Unlike Brooks, who has appeared on Leno’s show 21 times, tonight will mark Obama’s first talk show appearance as President. Brooks […]
McBride Set To Shine
/by FreemanMartina McBride’s 10th studio album, Shine, is set for release next Tuesday, March 24 on RCA Records. Featuring the singer’s current hit single “Ride,” the album’s title stems from her personal philosophy. “I love the word—I think it’s really positive and strong and powerful,” says McBride, “and that’s one of my favorite lyrics from the […]
ACM Feeds Fans Via Twitter
/by LB CantrellThe Academy of Country Music is on high-tech roll. First it was online fan voting, and now the ACM has announced that updates on the 44th Annual ACM Awards will be sent to fans via Twitter, the microblogging application that allows users to send short messages called “tweets” to people’s cell phones and Twitter homepages. […]
The News From Stringtown
/by LB CantrellStringtown Records artist John Michael Montgomery has signed to Creative Artists Agency for booking representation and with Splash! Public Relations for publicity. The singer, who recently filmed a 30-minute infomercial for Time/Life on their Country Music Explosion package, is currently promoting “Forever,” the latest single from Time Flies, his Stringtown debut. In other Stringtown news, […]
Flatts Set Country Digital Single Sales Tally
/by bossrossSales for the week ended 3/15/09 remained tepid as Taylor Swift continued to account for almost 23% of the entire Current Country list. Kelly Clarkson’s CD scored Top 200 No. 1 success with a solid debut totaling 254,671 units. Unfortunately, the Idol alum, now managed by Nashville-based Starstruck Management, was unable to match last week’s […]
NSAI and CMT Announce Song Contest Winners
/by LB CantrellThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and CMT have announced the winners of the 9th Annual NSAI/CMT Song Contest, which awards two top prizes, one industry-voted and one chosen by online voting. Brooklyn resident David Stewart was chosen by industry judges for his song, “Damn, I Miss You.” Online voters chose “I Found Everything,” written […]
Idol Goes Opry and Survives (almost)
/by bossrossGrand Ole Opry week, night one, took American Idol by storm as the eleven contestants performed songs made famous by Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Johnny Cash, Dolly, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. “The odds were 100,000 to one at the beginning of this contest,” said host Ryan Seacrest at the top of the […]
ACM’s Live Online and On the Street
/by LB CantrellOnline voting for the Academy of Country Music’s 44th Annual ACM Awards officially started yesterday (3/16). Fans are encouraged to log on to ACM’s voting site at www.voteACM.com or to CBS-TV’s dedicated site, www.cbs.com/acma to cast their votes for ACM Entertainer of the Year. This year’s nominees for the highly coveted award include Kenny Chesney, […]
Vietti Chili Says “Yes We Can”
/by LB CantrellWith an innovative new promotion, the makers of Vietti Chili are giving the term “canned music” an entirely new meaning. The Nashville-based company has launched a “Vietti Vinyl Music Campaign” that promotes emerging and established musical talent through collectible product labels and other grassroots marketing initiatives. Vietti is leveraging its 30-state distribution network to promote […]
Paisley Party’s Rowdy Nashville Finale
/by LB CantrellBrad Paisley wound up his Paisley Party Tour on a very high note in Nashville this past Saturday (3/14), playing a sold-out-in-advance show to a hometown crowd of over 13,000 ecstatic fans. Joining the singer onstage for his show-closer, a spirited reading of “Let the Good Times Roll,” was acclaimed blues guitarist Robben Ford, who […]
CD Sales Sink, Digital Downloads Rise
/by LB CantrellThe NPD Group, a leader in market research for the entertainment industry, has reported that there were nearly 17 million fewer CD buyers in 2008 compared to the previous year. The reported decline in CD buyers cuts across all demographic groups, but was particularly focused on teens and consumers over 50 years of age. According […]
Soundscan Scans Cracker Barrel; ACM “Lifting Lives”
/by LB CantrellWith traditional record retailers closing their doors, Cracker Barrel is helping to fill the void with their successful music program, which kicked off in 2005 with Home on the Highways from Alison Krauss and Union Station. Subsequent Cracker Barrel releases from Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Amy Grant and Sara Evans confirmed the company’s […]
Country Thunder Closes
/by LB CantrellIndependent label Country Thunder Records is closing their Nashville operations it has been announced by label President Herb Graham. Country Thunder’s roster of artists included Heartland, Shawn Hammonds and country duos Bluefield and Burns & Poe. Graham will carry on with his publishing and management activities through his Graham Artist Management, with a client list […]
McAnally Signs With Show Dog
/by LB CantrellFresh off his big success with “Down The Road,” his chart-topping duet with Kenny Chesney, respected singer/songwriter and reigning CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally has signed with Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records. “There’s nobody more respected, at least when it comes to musicians and people who really know this business, than Mac McAnally,” […]
DISClaimer (3/13/09)
/by Robert K OermannIt’s veterans’ day. No, not the holiday, silly. It’s a day when we have new music from some of country music’s vets. Aaron Tippin, Ricochet and Ronnie Milsap are all dropping by with new sounds. And the magnificent Mr. Milsap wins a Disc of the Day award. Neil Carswell is a veteran, too. He previously […]
DISClaimer (3/6/09)
/by Robert K OermannAs you might expect, the stars are twinkling for Country Radio Seminar. Toby Keith, Sugarland, Telluride and Pat Green all have terrific new tunes for the radio decision makers to savor. Universal South is bringing forth a dandy by this week’s DisCovery Award winners, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove. Less than a month ago (on […]
NYT Taking Chances Article Profiles Borchetta
/by bossrossThe New York Times Sunday Business section (3/14) prominently features a story titled, The Secrets of the Talent Scouts which attempts to get inside the heads of executives competing to find the next big thing in various fields including entertainment, technology and medical research. Executives profiled seem to agree that taking chances on passionate people […]
BBR’s Krista Marie—Ringtone For A Cause
/by LB CantrellBroken Bow/Holeshot recording artist Krista Marie has come up with a unique way to combine career promotion and a good song with a good cause. The western New York-born singer/songwriter, who is also a champion ATV Motocross racer, is the cowriter of her single, “Drive It Like I Stole It,” which has been picked as […]
Taylor Down Under
/by LB CantrellFor the past ten days, she’s been all over Australia playing a series of sold out dates, but somehow superstar Taylor Swift has made time for some worthwhile extracurricular activities, including a CMA award presentation, a benefit concert and a even a day at the beach. The singer/songwriter traveled to the “CMC Rocks the Snowys […]
Karmazin Blames Doom & Gloom
/by bossrossMel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Satellite Radio blames a “doom and gloom” fourth quarter for the company’s lackluster results. Satcaster investors were saddled with analyst reports, during the quarter, that it might be unable to meet its debt obligations. Finally, Liberty Media Corp. lent Sirius XM over $500 million while taking a 40% stake […]
Opryland Revs Up With New “Experiences”
/by LB CantrellGaylord Opryland Resort has announced seven new “Country Music Experiences,” which the hotel is touting as part of “the nation’s most authentic country music vacation.” The new experiences include: Gibson’s Check-In, Rock Out™! — This new program allows guests to create music in their rooms by choosing from a variety of Gibson guitars to lease […]
Jack White Debuts Nashville HQ and New Band
/by LB CantrellAlready balancing two successful bands, the White Stripes and the Raconteurs, and various side projects including a recent recording and video shoot with country’s Ricky Skaggs and Ashley Monroe, rock star and Music City resident Jack White has embarked on yet additional adventures. White has established a headquarters for his Third Man Records label and […]
Idol Audience Presents Marketing Bonanza
/by bossrossAmerican Idol will feature the Grand Ole Opry on March 17/18 and showcase Opry members Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley plus Randy Travis who is also serving as the show’s musical mentor. Sony and Warner Bros. are leveraging the show’s 24+ million audience in some interesting and unconventional ways. Underwood’s recording of Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet […]
Doug Baker Exits RCA
/by LB CantrellEffective today (3/12), RCA Nashville Director of National Promotion Doug Baker has exited the company. With RCA for the past eight years, Baker served as the label’s Director of Southeast Regional Promotion before rising to Director of National Promotion in 2006. Baker’s resume includes stints as National Director of Promotion for Virgin Nashville and Director […]
Grand Ole Opry Goes Idol
/by LB CantrellTwo American institutions will join forces March 17 and 18 for Opry Week on American Idol, and three of country music’s biggest stars — Brad Paisley, Randy Travis and former Idol champ Carrie Underwood — will be appearing on the country-themed edition of the top-rated reality show. Current Idol contestants will also be singing songs […]
Digital Summit—High Tech Insights and Great Value
/by LB CantrellTickets are still available for Leadership Music’s annual Digital Summit, which will take over Belmont University’s Curb Event Center March 23-25. While it’s widely recognized as one of the most essential and informative events in the digital music arena, what may not be so widely known is that, for attendees, this summit is one heck […]
Robbins Nashville Drops In-House Promo Dept.; Moves To Outsource
/by bossrossRobbins Nashville’s decision to outsource its promotion department resulted in the departure today (3/11) of promo executives VP Tony Benken ([email protected]) and Dir. National Promotion Joe Redmond ([email protected]). Observers may interpret this move to mean that the label’s life line is shrinking, but Music Row has learned it is more likely an economic-driven leap toward […]
Sales Down, Hopes Up—3/11/09
/by bossrossSales for the week ended 3/8/2009 were only notable if your artist is called U2 who debuted at the top of the list with a remarkable (especially in this day and age) showing of 484,000 units. Equally impressive was the band’s higher-than-normal digital share which equaled 32%. Neko Case’s No. 3 Top 200 chart debut […]
More Stars, Local Access Come To CMA Fest
/by LB CantrellLeaders of the Country Music Association, the Metro Government of Nashville, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau gathered at the Metro Courthouse today (3/11), to announce new plans for 2009 CMA Music Festival including the addition of a new stage on the Public Square in front of the Courthouse and free access for the […]
Mark Chesnutt
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“She Never Got Me Over You” Lofton Creek Responding to demand from radio, Mark Chesnutt‘s new single “She Never Got Me Over You” is being rush-released. Several stations, including WFMS/Indianapolis and KFTX/Corpus Christi, have already added it. It garnered 21 adds on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout™ chart in its first week of being reported. Beaumont, Texas, native […]