Loretta Lynn Cancels Appearances Due to Hospitalization

Loretta Lynn was forced to cancel shows through the end of July from her 2011 tour after severe dehydration caused the country music icon to be hospitalized. A statement on the website of Ohio music festival Jamboree In The Hills offered an apology from Lynn. She was scheduled to perform there on Sunday, July 17. […]

New Artists Visit "MusicRow" To Debut Songs

MusicRow’s conference room is a happening place this week, with visits from rising artists Kip Moore and Jason Jones.

Michael Martin Murphey Signs; Amber Hayes Visits

Michael Martin Murphey, who’s hits include “Wildfire,” “Carolina In The Pines,” and “What’s Forever For,” has signed an agency representation agreement with New Hampshire-based Skyline Music says company President Bruce Houghton. (Not connected with Nashville’s Skyline Music/Skyville Records.) “We’re excited to be working with Michael Martin Murphey; not just because of his rich past, but […]

"Carolina" Mines Gold For Eric Church

EMI Records Nashville celebrated the RIAA Gold certification of Eric Church’s Carolina Tuesday night (7/12). Industry revelers and Church team members gathered at Nashville’s Whiskey Bent Saloon to mark the success of the album that produced hit singles “Love Your Love The Most,” “Hell On The Heart” and “Smoke A Little Smoke.” Producer Jay Joyce, […]

Canadian Country Music Week Names Future Host Cities

This year’s CCMA four-day event takes place in Hamilton, Ontario Sept. 9-12, 2011. The organization’s Sept. 12 TV Award show serves as the gathering’s finale. Country Music Week is one of the largest music events in Canada each year with a combination of activities for both community and industry attendees including showcase opportunities for newcomers, […]

Marlee Scott Showcases New Material In Nashville

Bigride Records artist Marlee Scott showcased in front of a music industry crowd at Red Rooster on Demonbreun yesterday (7/12). At the private event, Scott gave attendees a sneak preview of the video for her current single “Beautiful Maybe,” which was directed by Wes Edwards. Scott followed that with a set of new songs including […]

LifeNews: Pete Huttlinger Benefit; Billy Lynn's Brother

MusicRow’s thoughts are with musician Pete Huttlinger, publisher Billy Lynn, and their families.

Industry Salutes Easton Corbin's Hot-Streak

Easton Corbin was feted at a lunchtime celebration today (7/13) at BMI’s Music Row offices. The Mercury Records artist is the only solo male in the last 17 years to have his first two singles reach the top of the radio charts.

Moore's Outlaws and Aldean's Dirt Road Lure Buyers

Jason Aldean continues to set the sales bar for the rest of the country class, pulling another 42k units down that dirt road this week pumping My Kinda Party to almost 1.5 million total units. Yeah, that’s some party and it doesn’t look like it will end soon.

Shepherd Cultivates Where Country Grows Release

Ashton Shepherd’s sophomore album Where Country Grows hit stores yesterday (7/12), and the young MCA singer/songwriter is making the media rounds to support it. The album’s title track and second single is currently going for adds at country radio.

Industry Ink Wednesday (7/13)

CMA ballot • Diesel Records • DDEX • Natalie Kilgore • Taillight TV • Belmont/NSAI • Publicity signings • Trisha Cunningham • Netflix

Sony Taps RoyaltyShare

According to a report by Billboard’s Ed Christman, Sony Music Entertainment has retained San Diego-based Royalty Share to process mechanical and artist royalties. Involved in the agreement is the hiring by RoyaltyShare of 70 Sony employees who will continue to be based in Sony’s Lyndhurst, N.J. offices. The agreement also includes a gradual transition and shift […]

Flamingos Flock To MusicRow

MusicRow staffers were greeted this morning by a flock of pink flamingos on the front lawn. As reported on Monday (7/11), organizers of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament, which benefits United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee, are promoting the fundraising event by placing pink flamingos in front of local businesses.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/13/11)

“After years of being nothing, they’re all looking right at you.” That’s what it says in our Music Row anthem, “16th Avenue.” And that’s exactly what is happening to Blake Shelton right now.

Hall of Fame Preps Chet Atkins Exhibit

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will pay tribute to one of country music’s most versatile and visionary artists, Chet Atkins with a new exhibit opening Friday, Aug. 12. Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player will run for 10 months and is made possible by the Gretsch Company with additional support by GAC. Highlights […]

Bluegrass Musician Kenny Baker Passes

Acclaimed bluegrass fiddler Kenny Baker died Friday, July 8, 2011 at age 85. The Kentucky native, best known as one of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, influenced future generations of fiddle players with his “long-bow” style. His four-decade career included about 20 years on-and-off with Monroe, who introduced him onstage as “the greatest fiddler in […]

Likes? Follows? Why Bother?

Looking for an afternoon info break? Some cranial nourishment? Good. Then let’s re-visit the reasons that influence a customer to follow a brand and how it affects their engagement with that brand.. The attached graphic spells out the story, but here are some of the big picture overview ideas… One of the key drivers mentioned […]

Randy Goodman Co-chairs Nashville Music Council

Mayor Karl Dean announced today that Music Row veteran Randy Goodman will serve as co-chairman of the Nashville Music Council. Goodman most recently served as president of Lyric Street Records in Nashville. Goodman is a member of the Country Music Association board of directors and served as president and chairman of the board in 2008 […]

Fox-Metoyer Promoted

Kerri Fox-Metoyer is rising through the corporate ranks at Sony, and will take on a new role July 18.

BE Music & Entertainment Announces Team Members

Dallas and Nashville-based artist development company BE Music & Entertainment has announced its new management team. The company recently opened its Nashville office.

Tabloid Tuesday: Lambert, Milsap, Pickler and Pistol Annies

  Miranda Lambert’s dual career now includes a new solo album plus a digital release with her new trio, Pistol Annies. The singer songwriter made announcements on Good Morning America (7/8) that her Columbia Nashville solo effort will be released on Nov. 1 and named Four The Record. The all-girl trio, which features Ashley Monroe […]

Robertson Taylor Co-Founder Passes

Willie Robertson, co-creator of live entertainment brokerage firm Robertson Taylor, passed away July 9, 2011 after a short but determined fight against cancer. His company’s board, management team and staff describe him as an “inspirational and passionate leader, business partner and friend.” Robertson was also a dedicated philanthropist, and founded charity Nordoff Robbins, which used […]

Sarah Darling Teams With Producer Dann Huff

Black River Entertainment artist Sarah Darling, whose recent video “Something To Do With Your Hands,” reached No. 2 on GAC’s Top 20 Countdown and spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on CMT.com, will join forces with producer Dann Huff for her next album. Huff has won awards for projects with artists such as Keith Urban, […]

New Releases Coming: Katie Armiger and Reggae's Gone Country

Katie Armiger is releasing a deluxe package with added content of her current album, Confessions of a Nice Girl via iTunes Sept. 20. The deluxe edition features four new original songs including her single, “I Do, But Do I” plus a dance mix of her hit, “Best Song Ever.” Also included are videos for “Best […]

Justin Moore Radio Launches

Justin Moore and Slacker, Inc. have launched Justin Moore Radio, a radio station featuring songs by Moore and those that have inspired his traditional country and Southern rock sound. Justin Moore Radio also includes Moore’s comments and introductions and is available for free on the web, iPad, smartphones, and other home entertainment devices. Slacker’s Artist […]

Longtime Member Exits Gloriana

Cheyenne Kimball has left Gloriana, the band announced today (7/11) via a statement on its website. The group shared the news through this post: We need you to know that Gloriana will absolutely continue on. We couldn’t imagine our lives any other way. We are 100 percent committed to all of you, our fans and supporters. As […]

Save The Date: ACM Honors To Salute Off-Camera Winners

The 5th Annual ACM Honors will be presented Mon., Sept. 19 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The evening of musical tribute performances and award presentations celebrate the non-televised winners from the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held earlier this year in Las Vegas. Host, presenters and performers will be revealed later this summer. […]

Country Anthems Can Be Authentic

There are too many dirt-road redneck songs bombarding radio airwaves. But it doesn’t mean that the songwriters who pen them, and the artists who deliver them, haven’t lived those experiences.

Opry News: Oak Ridge Boys, Bill Anderson

Oak Ridge Boys invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry • Bill Anderson celebrates 50 years as an Opry member.

Paisley, Underwood To Return As CMA Awards Hosts

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return as hosts of the CMA Awards for the fourth year in a row when the show takes place Wed., Nov. 9 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The CMA harnessed the power of social media to share the news with fans this morning (7/11). Facebook users who “Like” the official […]

Aristo Issues Summer International Report

The summer issue, takes a look back at this year’s successful Global Events showcases, held June 6-7 during CMA Music Festival week in Nashville. With 18 different global Country artists on hand, the highlights were many, but nothing came as a bigger surprise than the CMA’s special international award presentation to world-class guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.  The presenter?  […]

Ladies Golf Tourney Tees Up For 25th Anniversary

The 25th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament will hit the links July 25 at Old Natchez Country Club. Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney have signed on with support. Artists set to party on the golf course include Laura Bell Bundy, Randy Montana, Kellie Pickler, Joanna Smith, Dani Flowers, Josh Thompson, and Kristen Kelly. All […]

Clear Channel Announces iHeartRadio Music Festival

Performers for the iHeartRadio Music Festival at MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sept. 23-24 include Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, and more.

Darren Warren – Cowboy Up and Party Down

NuCorp Entertainment recently shipped the debut single from flagship artist Darren Warren to country radio. The rollicking, uptempo “Cowboy Up and Party Down” was written by Eddie Kilgallon and produced by Doug Grau. Darren’s self-titled EP is due in stores soon. “It’s a dream come true for any artist to release a single but for […]

Toast A Little Good Sales News

A music marketing exec. walks into a bar and says to the bartender, “Hey give me a drink, album sales are up 1% YTD this year.” Bartender who reads MusicRow says, “Sounds like you’ve already had enough to drink!” Why? Because although a trickle of good news is better than none, there really aren’t enough tidings […]

Music Row Bankers, 2011 Best List

Nashville Post offers its Best in Banking list for 2011 in the current July/August issue of the magazine. This list compiles “the top executives running institutions as well as the industry specialists in charge of dedicated teams or on the front lines themselves” in Nashville’s banking industry. Music Row area bankers are well represented in this feature and include…

Artist Tidbits Friday

Joe Don Rooney, Guitarist and Golfer • New Album and Management For Buddy Jewell • Carter’s Chord To Make NYC Debut • Brother Trouble Keeps It Cool At CMA

Farm Aid 2011 Performers Revealed

Farm Aid has revealed an assortment of artists who will join the lineup for the Farm Aid 2011 concert, which is scheduled for August 13 at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Jason Mraz, Jakob Dylan, Will Dailey & the Rivals, Robert Francis, Pegi Young […]

Services Set For Songwriter House

Funeral services for Gerald “Jerry” House will be held on Saturday, July 9. The hit country songwriter died Tuesday at age 69. House spent his working career in the printing industry, but he retained a lifelong love of country music. The Alabama native first performed on the Grand Ole Opry at age 16. He wrote […]

Press Buzzes Over Mr. Honey Bee

Nashville’s Warner Music Group has worked long and hard developing this 6’ 5” Okie and it’s clear they aren’t slowing down just cause they are approaching the superstar goalposts.

Miranda Lambert's New Album Due Nov. 1

Miranda Lambert announced on Good Morning America today (7/8) that her new album Four The Record will be released November 1, 2011 on Columbia Nashville.

Photo: Deaton and Flanigen Speak At SOURCE Luncheon

SOURCE, the organization of female executives in Nashville’s music industry, recently held its monthly members’ luncheon at ASCAP’s Nashville offices.

Riders In The Sky Release CD; JT Hodges On Tour w/Toby Keith

Riders In The Sky To Receive NDOC’s 2011 Cowboy Keeper Award, Release New Album • JT Hodges Debuts Single, Tours With Toby

Friday Roundup

New Music From Ronnie Milsap • Grammy Board Names Leaders • Soundland 2011 Adds Artists/Venues

Weekly Chart Report (7/8/11)

The top of the CountryBreakout Chart gets a changeup, as Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” shimmies up to the No. 1 position after a two week run by Dierks Bentley.

Sales Strategy Shakedown

Every album launch has a different set of objectives for marketers on Music Row. With new music coming from Blake Shelton, Chris Young and Ashton Shepherd, Tuesday’s (7/12) release schedule is a prime example of why sales expectations are different for each act.

Billy Ray Cyrus, Craig Morgan Star in TV Series

Billy Ray Cyrus is starring in a new series on TLC, and Craig Morgan’s show just returned to the Outdoor Channel for a second season. The first episode of Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors followed the singer to the 40th annual Opry Duck Hunt in Mississippi where
 he joined fellow Opry stars Blake Shelton, Diamond […]

Bluegrass Awards Set Nominations Date

Planning is well underway for this fall’s International Bluegrass Music Awards. A date to announce nominations has been set, and bluegrass star Sam Bush has been tapped to host the show. The 22nd annual International Bluegrass Music Awards will be presented Thurs., Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Bush is a […]

Rights Holders Team With ISPs To Fight Piracy

Copyright holders have teamed with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to fight copyright infringement via illegal downloading. A first-of-its-kind plan for notifying those accused of stealing copyrighted material was announced today (7/7). The RIAA, Motion Picture Association of America and others have paired with the country’s biggest ISPs including Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable, Verizon and […]

New Music From Terri Clark Coming Soon

Terri Clark has a new album set for release later this month. Roots and Wings will be available digitally starting July 26, followed by a physical release on Sept. 13. This is the star’s first new music since her 2009 album The Long Way Home. The Canadian born singer produced the new collection, and co-wrote almost […]