Black River Adds Rhoades To Promo Staff

Black River Entertainment has finished the restructuring of its promotion department today with its hire of Brian Rhoades to the position of Director of Promotion, Northeast. “Brian is fired up and ready to go,” says Black River VP Promotion Rick Baumgartner. “From our first meeting, Brian possessed professionalism and an understanding of the difficulties facing […]

EMI Back on the Auction Block

EMI Group is actively pursuing buyers and other opportunities, the company announced today (6/20). In an official statement, EMI revealed it “has initiated a process to explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, recapitalisation or initial public offering of the Company.” EMI is currently under the control of creditor Citigroup. The bank […]

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees Announced

Five artists and ten songwriters are among the 2011 nominees named by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In the Songwriter/Artist category, nominees are Garth Brooks, Larry Gatlin, Amy Grant, Alan Jackson and Townes Van Zandt. In the Songwriter category, nominees are John Bettis, Robert Byrne, J.J. Cale, […]

Renegade Country Debuts And Donates

Renegade Country™ is a new 2-hour syndicated radio show hosted by experienced morning personality  Tyler Ryan. The show was launched June 9 during MusicFest at the Whiskey Bent Saloon in Nashville’s downtown music district. The entertainment featured acoustic performances from artists such as The Roys, Sherrie´Austin, Andy Griggs, Matt Stillwell, Jason Sturgeon, Jeremy McComb, Buddy Jewell, […]

Major Changes In Music Journalism Community

There’s been a string of changes at national music publications this month. Los Angeles Times Pop Music Critic Ann Powers—who often covered country music—has moved to a new role at NPR Music, which includes writing The Record blog. According to Billboard, she had relocated to Alabama with her family two years ago. Randall Roberts is […]

Keith Bryant – Can't Tell Somebody (Who To Love)

This guy is a stand-up country singer, and I’ve always liked him. This time around, he has a dandy tale of a strict daddy who tries to stand in the way of True Love. So the kids sneak around behind papa’s back to that stretch of road, “Where the moon is willing, and the river […]

Nichols Partners With Dunkin' Donuts

The puns will be flying in all directions as Dunkin’ Donuts celebrates its new “Joe.” No, not another coffee, but “Joe Nichols,” who has signed a partnership with the coffee and baked goods vendor. Nichols will tout the Dunkin’ Donut brand on his 2011 Nationwide Concert Tour and be featured on the company’s Iced coffee. […]

Clarence Clemons Passes

Clarence Clemons, longtime saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, passed away Saturday (6/18) at a Palm Beach, FL hospital, following complications from a stroke he suffered June 12, according to the New York Times. He was 69 years old. Clemons was a member of Springsteen’s band for over 30 years and appears […]

The Band Perry Voted "MusicRow" Breakthrough Artist

The 23rd annual MusicRow Awards will be presented tomorrow night (6/21) at the ASCAP offices, but one award has already been handed out. Readers of MusicRow magazine voted, bestowing honors for Breakthrough Artist on The Band Perry.

Justin Moore Anchors Album Launch

Justin Moore’s new album Outlaws Like Me is set for release next week (Tuesday, June 21) and to promote it he will be giving numerous media appearances like most artists trying to promote a new project. Except Moore will give new meaning to the term ‘media saturation’ by conducting six hours of live interviews from a bass boat in the middle of the lake in New York City’s Central Park.

Vince Gill Album And Single Coming Soon

Vince Gill’s career is shifting into high gear with the release later this summer of “Threaten Me With Heaven,” his first single in four years. The song also serves as the debut track from his upcoming album, Guitar Slinger due in the fall. The new single was co-written with Gill, his wife Amy Grant, Dillon […]

TV Update: Currington, Bentley, and Cyrus (6/17/11)

Currington To Play Fallon Tonight • Bentley Scores NHL Gig • Billy Ray Cyrus Special to Air on GAC

Jason Delkou Signs With SESAC

Singer/songwriter Jason Delkou, who is signed to Bigger Picture Group, affiliated with SESAC during a recent visit to its Nashville headquarters.

Review: Sherrie' Austin Performs On StageIt

Sherrie’ Austin performed on StageIt.com promoting her independent CD, Circus Girl, coming out in the fall. The June 15 performance was one in a series, as part of her “Jumpstart” campaign to help fund her new independent venture.

Is Spotify About To Enter The U.S.?

Spotify, the European “freemium” streaming service which allows users to listen to a set amount of music each month and also offers a paid premium version with unlimited music, has been trying to establish its service in the U.S. for several years. After a series of false starts, however, it appears this time Spotify may […]

Pandora Drop Sends Mixed Signals

Pandora Media went public this week on June 15, with an offering priced at $16 per share. The stock opened at $20 a share, hitting a high of $26 and closing at $17.42. On Tuesday, before shares went onto the open market the company was valued at $2.6 billion. At one point on Wednesday the […]

Fun Photo Friday

Frankie Ballard w/ a “Bunch of [Media] Girls” • Lady A On CMT Top 20 Countdown • Jimmy Wayne w/ Hall and Oates • Thompson Square Fundraising T-shirt

Which Nashville Musicians are Highest Paid?

Forbes World’s 25 Highest Paid Musicians Includes Six From Nashville…

Artist Television Appearances (6/17/11)

Television appearances from Josh Turner, Randy Travis, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Mel Tillis, Chuck Wicks, and Billy Dean.

Friday Facts

Folk Festival Comes To Nashville • Miller Harris Foundation • Skaggs Visits Boston Pops • Songwriters Join With Musicians On Call

Weekly Chart Report (6/17/11)

At least No. 1 isn’t so far away, Justin Moore. After a two week run at the top by Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee,” Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” takes over the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot to give the young Valory Music Co. artist his second No. 1 single.

Stiff Competition For Endorsement Deals

Celebrities are seeking licensing endorsement deals more actively than ever. Ad Age reports that celeb reps were working overtime at the Licensing International Expo, which took place this week in Las Vegas.

Music Industry Art Director Bill Johnson Passes

Grammy Award winning art director Bill Johnson has died at age 68. He passed away at home in Nashville on Wednesday (6/15) following a battle with lung cancer. As the art director at CBS Records in the 1980s and 1990s, he left his visual imprint on an entire generation of country record makers. Johnson was […]

NMPA Board Honors Bob Doyle

Bob Doyle was recently re-elected to the board of the National Music Publishers’ Association and honored for his five years of service to the organization. Elected members are Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV Music Publishing; Caroline Bienstock, Carlin America; Helene Blue, Helene Blue Musique Ltd.; Bob Doyle, Major Bob Music; John Eastman, MPL Communications; Roger Faxon, EMI […]

Are Netflix and Cable Operators At War?

As the entertainment world continues to fragment there is growing concern and questions over consumer habits. Conventional wisdom seemed to say that added choices meant engaged TV/video viewers would watch more across all distribution channels. However, recent Nielsen SoundScan research and reports from The Diffusion Group are beginning to question that supposition. For example, the […]

Leadership Music Names New Class

Forty-five new members have been selected to participate in the 23rd class of Leadership Music. The annual program is designed to create a forum for established music community leaders to identify and explore issues currently affecting the music industry. “The Leadership Music Class of 2012 is an impressive group of industry professionals with a wealth […]

"Live A Little" At No. 1

BMI toasted the team behind the Kenny Chesney No. 1 hit “Live a Little” at a party in its Music Row lobby on June 2. The single, Chesney’s twenty-second trip to the top of the charts, was co-written by Shane Minor and David Lee Murphy. BMI songwriter Minor has lived more than a little: He […]

Artist Updates: Sunny Sweeney, Margaret Durante, LeAnn Rimes

Sunny Sweeney in Louisville • Margaret Durante visits MusicRow • LeAnn Rimes releases “Give”

Photos: Stealing Angels, Toby Keith, Bonnaroo

Earlier this week songwriters Caroline Cutbirth and Tayla Lynn signed to Skyline Music Publishing. Together with Jennifer Wayne, Cutbirth and Lynn make up Skyville Records trio Stealing Angels.

Luke Bryan Sets New Album Release

Luke Bryan’s career engines are heating up with the recent announcement that this Fall he will headline CMT On Tour: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines. Not unexpectedly his new album also named Tailgates & Tanlines, is set for release on August 9, in time for the tour. The 13-track disc will include Bryan’s current hit, […]

Garth Brooks To Songwriters Hall of Fame Tonight

Garth Brooks will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame tonight (6/16) during a ceremony in New York City. Trisha Yearwood and Dwight Yoakam are among the celebrities who will present or perform as part of the 42nd annual event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Others joining the hallowed hall include Nashvillian Leon Russell, […]

Musician Tony Lopacinski Passes

Local musician Tony Lopacinski passed away on Wednesday, June 15. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family after a 15-month battle with cancer. The Virginia native moved to Nashville in 2005 after a successful career on the road as Train’s touring guitarist. Since coming to Music City, he worked as Josh Gracin’s bandleader […]

OMG Signs Burns & Poe

  Burns & Poe, MusicRow magazine’s Independent Artist of the Year have signed a management agreement with Ontourage Management Group (OMG), founded by Tony Conway. OMG will be responsible for day to day activity plus sponsorships, appearances and recording plans. Keith Burns and Michelle Poe debuted as a duo in 2009 and during that time […]

Nashville Entertainment: Film Festival Fundraiser; Visitors Get Live Music App

Film Festival is raffling a car to increase membership • Nashville’s visitors get a new live music app

Warner Chapppell Signs Artist/Actress

Global music publisher Warner/Chappell Music has signed a co-publishing agreement with singer, songwriter and actress Jana Kramer. Kramer recently signed with Elektra Nashville for her upcoming major label country debut. The actress, who plays Alex Dupre on One Tree Hill sold over 40,000 copies  of her song “I Won’t Give Up,” in one week after it […]

Industry Ink: Black River Ups Dawn Delvo

Pickin’ on the Patio • Pandora • Details about the Eminem Supreme Court case • BMLG’s Ashley Jeanette • Robyn Ludwick

Albums From Jake Owen and Randy Montana On The Way

New albums from RCA’s Jake Owen and Mercury’s Randy Montana are due this summer.

Legacyworks Reunites Songs With Heirs

Legacyworks LLC reports it has successfully reclaimed deceased songwriter Tommy Durden’s ownership of “Heartbreak Hotel” and in the next few months it will be returned to the writer’s heirs. Copyright grant termination was filed by Legacyworks in 2005 on behalf of Durden’s daughter. Later this year the company will also see songwriter Richard Dehr’s copyright […]

Signings, Events And Certs.

Avenue Re-elects Board • Recording Academy Hosts Rap Panel • This Music Signs Ruttan •The Platinum/Gold Report

Big Gifts For Good Causes

ACM, Swift Support St. Jude • Darryl Worley and Friends In-The-Round • MCTI Makes Big Donation To Children’s Hospital • GRAMMY In the Schools

Lambert Reaches No. 1, Revs Up Pistol Annies

Hot on the heels of her latest chart-topping single, Miranda Lambert officially released the first music from her new trio, Pistol Annies. The newlywed was in Nashville to toast the success of “Heart Like Mine” on June 2 at Virago, where BMI hosted an intimate, celebratory dinner. Co-written by Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Travis Howard, […]

The TV Force Impacts Sales

“The force is strong with that one,” confided Yoda in one of the Star Wars epics. Judging by this week’s Nielsen SoundScan numbers he might have been talking about the power of TV to sell music.

BMLG Appoints Jake Basden Director of Publicity

Big Machine Label Group has hired Jake Basden to the position of Director of Publicity. In this position, Basden (pronounced Bays-den) will oversee all aspects of media relations for the three labels under the BMLG umbrella.

Randy Travis' Anniversary Celebration

Randy Travis is busy promoting his new duets album, Anniversary Celebration. He and Josh Turner performed a track from the release last night (6/14) on the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Tonight, Travis’s 25-year career will be honored at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, where he will discuss his career and new record […]

Hartigan Joins Rodeowave, Arista Appoints West Coast Regional

Promotion veteran Lori Hartigan has joined newly formed Rodeowave Entertainment as Partner. In this role Hartigan will serve as key principal for the label in sales, marketing, radio, management, and promotion.

Entertainment Attorneys Launch New Firm

Attorneys Jordan Keller, Jason Turner, TD Ruth, Chris Andrews, Jennifer Ghanem and Jaime Heller have started a new, full-service entertainment law firm, serving clients in the music, film, television and sports industries.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/15/11)

You can tickle my dancing feet or dazzle my brain with word play, but if you really want to get my attention, pierce my heart.

Elements Align For Sony/ATV Success

Just like the weather, Sony/ATV is on a hot-streak. The publishing company has scored the top spot on Billboard’s Country Publishers Airplay Chart for four of the last five quarters. The most recent chart (issue date 5/28/11) measures country radio airplay during the first quarter of 2011, showing Sony/ATV with 15.9% market share. Troy Tomlinson, […]

Ride For A Cure Raises $70,000 for T.J. Martell

This past Sunday (6/12) over 450 riders rallied at the Roundabout Plaza in downtown Nashville for Ride For a Cure in support of the T.J. Martell Foundation and its research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. The event was a huge success, raising $70,000.

Swift and Underwood Among Best Paid Celebs Under 30

Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are part of an elite group of young celebrities who know what that feels like, according to Forbes (“The Best Paid Celebrities Under 30”).