Lady A's "Just A Kiss" Enters Record Books

The lead track from Lady Antebellum’s upcoming new album has just gone into the record books. “Just A Kiss” debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the highest debut by a country group in the chart’s 52-year history. The single also sold over 211,000 downloads in its first week earning it the […]

Chambers Wins ISC Grand Prize

Australian native Kasey Chambers has been awarded the 2010 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Grand Prize for her song “Beautiful Mess” entered in the Folk/Singer-songwriter category. Chambers also won first place in the Americana Category for “Devil On Your Back” and Second Place in the Performance Category for “Little Bird.” Chambers wins $25,000 in cash and […]

Laura Heatherly Promoted To CEO of TJ Martell Foundation

Laura Heatherly, Executive Director of the T.J. Martell Foundation Southern Region, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the nationwide organization. Heatherly, who has been with the Martell Foundation for over seven years, has a background that includes twenty-five years of experience in non-profit fundraising. “We are very fortunate to have someone from within our […]

Mike Carpenter Named Cumulus Nashville GM

Radio veteran Mike Carpenter will take the helm as General Manager of Cumulus Radio’s Nashville stations on May 23. With over two decades of radio experience, Carpenter makes the move from Clear Channel where he served as General Sales Manager for many years. “I am thrilled with the opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead,” […]

Industry Pics

Music City Walk of Fame Inductions • RCA Studio B Honored • Chicken Soup for the Country Music Soul

Triple 8 Management Expands

There has been recent expansion at Triple 8 Management, which handles the careers of Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Joe Nichols, and Kevin Fowler. Owner George Couri announced today (5/16) the addition of two employees as well as several in-house promotions, for a total of eight full-time team members.

Flat Earth Music Adds Todd Wilkes

Flat Earth Music has hired Todd Wilkes as Creative Director. He brings experience in music publishing and artist management to the newly created role at the small Nashville publishing company. He took office earlier this month, where he is leading the growing stable of songwriters and pluggers. Since launching in 2005, Flat Earth Music’s biggest […]

Caroline Davis Joins Watkins College

Caroline Davis has joined Watkins College of Art, Design & Film as Director of External Relations and Assistant Director of Development. In her new role she will handle the school’s communications and media relations as well as contributing to special event, fundraising and alumni services efforts. Davis’ previous experience includes stints with Performing Songwriter magazine, […]

Bright Joins Diane Richey Promotions

Diane Richey Promotions has announced the addition of Katie Bright to its staff. Bright was most recently part of the celebrated morning team The House Foundation with Gerry House on WSIX/Nashville, which she joined in 2010. Prior to that, she spent five years at WAXX in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where she co-hosted mornings with George […]

Chrisman Launches New Promotion Company

Veteran radio promoter Ann Chrisman has opened Ann Chrisman Promotions, where she will specialize in secondary promotion to MusicRow and Billboard Indicator stations. Most recently with Diane Richey Promotions, Chrisman originally opened her own promotion outfit in 1993 after leaving Disc Jockey Records. She joined Richey in 2001, where she worked with artists from Capitol […]

AMA Visits Big Apple For Announcement

The Americana Music Association will present this year’s Honors & Awards Nominee announcement at an invitation only media event in New York City on May 23rd. The nominees are usually announced in Nashville, but according to AMA Executive Director Jed Hilly, “With all the critical acclaim that we have garnered in recent years, we felt […]

Eye On Idol (5/13/11)

I feel confident saying that very few people saw last night’s (5/12) American Idol elimination of James Durbin coming. Especially not James. He gave typically splendid performances of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Leiber/Stoller’s “Love Potion No. 9” on Wednesday (5/11) that were roundly praised by the judges, adding to his incredible season-long momentum.

Aldean Tour Dates Sell Out

  Jason Aldean’s amphitheatre My Kinda Party Tour has recently sold out three shows a week in advance, including the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Indianapolis, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in St. Louis, Mo. and the Jiffy Lube Live in Washington, DC for a total of over 66,000 tickets sold for the three dates. “It is […]

Friday Notes: MuttNation, Hayes and Brooks, The McClymonts

Lambert’s MuttNation Raises $300,000; Hunter Hayes Plays Alongside Kix Brooks; The McClymonts in USA for National Tour and New Release

Legal Aid Hosts Music Row Breakfast

The Legal Aid Society hosted its 2nd Annual Music Row breakfast on May 25 at Sunset Grill. The gathering is intended to facilitate a time for socializing and hearing about some of the organization’s work. The Legal Aid Society has provided free civil legal services to families with nowhere else to turn. Sponsors for the […]

ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass Prepares For Launch

Bluegrass aficionados looking to hone their pickin’ chops should take note. Aspiring and established players will now have a chance to learn fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass and guitar online from the pros with the launch of the Academy of Bluegrass. The Artistworks Academy of Bluegrass will consist of the following instructional schools: Banjo with Tony […]

Benefits: Chattanooga Concert; Golf Tournaments

Jacob Lyda and Mallary Hope will be performing at a Chattanooga concert hosted by WRCB Channel 3 and radio partners US-101, 103.7 KISS-FM, My 98.1, and Rock 105 to raise money for local Red Cross relief efforts. Called Coming Together After The Storm, the event will air May 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., live […]

ANR Signs Morgan; Whitley Releases Single

ANR Records CEO Rick Stevens (Artist Network Records) announces the signing of country music star, Lorrie Morgan. “We are thrilled to add Lorrie to our roster and look forward to doing many projects with her,” he said. Lorrie Morgan has had fourteen top-ten hits, twelve albums and four female vocalist of the year awards. Her […]

You May Now Kiss the Bride

The internet is buzzing over tomorrow’s big day for Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. Country music’s power couple plans to walk down the aisle tomorrow (May 14th) in a Texas country wedding. Lambert has been tweeting some details of the nuptials including plans to serve their own wild game at their wedding. The pair was […]

Awards: Songwriters And CMT

ASCAP Celebrates “Don’t You Wanna Stay”; SESAC New York Music Awards; CMT receives Mayor’s Award for Outstanding School Partner

Weekly Chart Report (5/13/11)

It’s a tight 1-2-3 configuration at the top of the CountryBreakout Chart, but Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” remains at No. 1 for a second consecutive week. Chasing Paisley very closely are The Band Perry’s “You Lie” at No. 2, and Taylor Swift’s “Mean” which makes a big jump up from No. 6.

Chesney Donates Concert Fees to Tuscaloosa

Kenny Chesney, Morris Management, and his representatives at AEG/TMG have announced that the May 25 concert in Tuscaloosa, AL on his 2011 Goin’ Coastal Tour will help raise money for the city after its recent tornado damage. Chesney’s fees, as well as those of his management and booking representatives, will be donated to GiveTuscaloosa.com, a clearinghouse for […]

Dunn Signs on For Canadian Award Show

The Canadian Country Music Awards will air Sept. 12 on Canada’s CBC TV network. The prestigious awards cap the CCMA’s annual Country Music Week festivities slated this year to emanates from Hamilton, Ontario Sept. 9-12. Performers announced for the upcoming show include Canadian artists George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker and Emerson Drive plus international […]

Artist Pics: Toby Keith, Frankie Ballard, LoCash Cowboys

Toby Keith just wrapped his ninth USO Tour visiting troops overseas, a journey he makes every spring to show support. On this 12-day expedition, Keith and his band traveled roughly 20,000 miles and Keith signed and presented almost 6,000 USO/Toby Keith photos. That’s in addition to the personal photos, guitars and other items he autographed. […]

SunTrust Expands Music Division, Marks 25 Years On Music Row

SunTrust Bank has expanded its Sports and Entertainment Specialty Group’s music division by adding advisors Earle Simmons, Amy Delk, Bryan Bolton, and Dusty Miller to the Nashville branch. Each new advisor will play a significant role in SunTrust’s growth and service strategy as the company approaches its 25th anniversary in Nashville. The bank currently represents […]

Country Throwdown Tour To Stop In Nashville

Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour 2011 will roll through Nashville on June 3, when eight country artists and six up-and-coming singer/songwriters play The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel. This is the second year for the unique outdoor tour, and headlining artists include Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lukas Nelson & […]

Protect IP Bill Aims To Curb Piracy

Legislation designed to crack down on rogue websites dedicated to the sale of infringing or counterfeit goods was introduced today (5/12) to the Senate Judiciary Committee. A bipartisan group of Senators including Patrick Leahy (D-VT.) , Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) proposed the legislation. According to an official press release, The Preventing Real […]

Industry Ink: BNA Signs Tyler Farr

Farr Joins Sony Nashville • Warner Buyer Eyeing EMI? • Voorhis Adds Clients • CMA Songwriters Series • Naxos Purchases Altissimo! • TCN Adds Stations • ACM’s Award-Winning Program Book

Cloud-Based Chromebook For Rent

Google never sleeps. After announcing a new cloud-based music locker service earlier this week, the search giant has now revealed plans to offer an ultra cheap laptop based on its Chrome operating system as soon as June 15. The new device can be rented by students for just $20, or others at $28 month. The […]

Zac Brown Launches Southern Ground Artists

Country music’s most prolific Renaissance man is at it again. Zac Brown has been using the Southern Ground Records moniker for a couple of years, and today announced the label’s official launch. Southern Ground Artists, Inc. is home to Sonia Leigh, The Wood Brothers, Blackberry Smoke, Levi Lowrey and Nic Cowan. It is being distributed […]

Grammy Block Party Pics

The 13th Annual Nashville Chapter GRAMMY Block Party was held Tuesday night (5/10) at Owen Bradley Park on Music Row. The diverse talent line-up – all members of the Nashville Chapter – entertained a big crowd with jazz, country, contemporary Christian, bluegrass and Americana tunes. Performers included Laura Bell Bundy, The Civil Wars, Denny Jiosa, […]

Colt Ford Has Career-High Debut Week

Colt Ford scored the highest first-week sales of his career when Every Chance I Get entered the Billboard Country Albums chart at No. 3, making it the highest Country debut of the week. The release by Average Joe’s sold 19,145 units, including 21% digital. Ford’s third studio project was co-produced by Shannon Houchins and Jayson […]

Memorial Service Today For WSM Radio's "Johnny K"

Funeral services will be held today [Thursday, May 12] for Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame member John Koval. Known professionally as “Johnny K,” the longtime WSM DJ died from complications of cancer on May 6 at the age of 77. He was a radio broadcast personality for more than 50 years. In addition […]

Luke Bryan Reveals New Album

Luke Bryan used the power of social media to announce his new album Tailgates & Tanlines, which is due out August 9. During a live stream on his Facebook page, Bryan revealed the album’s title and played two songs live including “Drunk On You” and “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.” Produced by Jeff Stevens, Tailgates & Tanlines […]

Comparing 2011 Sales With 2010

It’s only May, but the question is starting to arise, “How will 2011 country album sales compare with the previous year?”

Live Nation/Groupon Team For GrouponLive

Live Nation and Groupon have partnered to form a joint venture to sell event tickets. GrouponLive will offer local deals for Live Nation concerts, sporting events, theater and more. It will also offer deals through Ticketmaster, which is owned by Live Nation. Like Groupon, GrouponLive deals will only be available for a limited time. The […]

Hirings at Webster PR, Fifth Third Bank

Anita Mandell, Montine Felso Join Webster & Associates • Anson Lewis Joins Fifth Third’s Music Division

Facebook Serves More Ads Than Any Other Website

Facebook serves about twice as many advertisements as the next leading website according to the latest news from ComScore. In the last 15 months, Facebook served 1.37 trillion ads, more than double Yahoo, which pushed out 641.89 billion ads to come in second place. ComScore reports that nearly 1.11 trillion display ads were delivered to […]

Craig Morgan's Hunting Show Returns To Outdoor Channel

Craig Morgan’s hunting show has been renewed for a second season on the Outdoor Channel. The first season of Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors became one of the network’s top-rated Saturday morning hunting programs. Season two will have 13 new episodes and is set to premiere June 25. The reality show gives viewers an all-access […]

Jon Anthony Named WSIX PD

Clear Channel Nashville has announced that Jon Anthony will become the new Program Director for Big 98 WSIX starting Monday, May 16. Anthony is currently Managing Partner and Program Director for Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, and will continue this role going forward. Prior to No Shoes Radio, Anthony served as VP Country Programming for […]

CMT Disaster Relief Concert Tonight

[Updated 5/12: The concert will feature call to action messages from President Obama, Big Kenny, Carrie Underwood, Courteney Cox, Ellen Degeneres, University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, Nicole Kidman, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift and more. MusicRow has the exclusive list of stars who will be manning the phone bank tonight, including Alabama, Ashton Shepherd, Big […]

Shania TV Show Debuts With Solid Ratings

Shania Twain has been making the media rounds supporting her new book From This Moment On, and her new show on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. She covers the new issue of People, appeared on Oprah, and was interviewed on Nightline. The OWN original series Why Not? With Shania Twain, premiered Sunday, May 8 at 11 […]

Chet Atkins Exhibit Coming To Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is planning a cameo exhibition about revered musician and producer Chet Atkins. The Luttrell, Tennessee native, who died in 2001, made his mark as one of Nashville’s A-Team studio musicians, a performer, recording artist, producer and record executive. “His signature guitar licks shaped recordings by scores of […]

Hometowns Not Forgotten By Rising Stars

The Band Perry, Thompson Square, David Nail, Edens Edge and Trent Tomlinson are returning to their hometowns for good causes.

John Rich Makes "The Celebrity Apprentice" Final Four

John Rich is one of the final four contestants on this season’s The Celebrity Apprentice. He is competing against rapper Lil Jon, actress Marlee Matlin, and actor/ singer Meatloaf for the win. In the most recent episode (5/8), Rich recruited help from late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon, who donated $10,000 to Rich’s team. Also […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/10/11)

You remember albums, don’t you? They are collections of songs that ask you to experience several of a favorite performer’s thoughts of the moment.

Paisley Preps Album Release, Int'l Tour

Brad Paisley is prepping for the Mon., May 23 release of This Is Country Music, his first all-new studio set since 2009’s acclaimed American Saturday Night. The new project from Arista Nashville has already produced two radio hits: the title track and current single “Old Alabama,” which is No. 1 this week on MusicRow’s Country […]

Industry Ink Tuesday (5/10)

Logan Bosemer Joins KCA • Loretta Lynn Added To Dale Franklin Gala • Opry House on “Today Show” • “Inside Music Row’s” 200th Episode • Local Drummer’s Instructional Series

Chris Young's "Neon" Lights Up Release Schedule

Chris Young’s third album, Neon, will be released July 12 by RCA Nashville. James Stroud produced the ten track project, which has seven songs co-written by Young, including the hit lead single “Tomorrow.” Penned with Frank Myers and Anthony Smith, it is the fastest-rising single of Young’s career. It has scanned more than 225,000 digital […]

Google Unveils Cloud Lockers: Analysis

Labels are resisting a licensing deal which would allow Spotify to launch in the U.S. Labels are also resisting a deal with Apple for a comprehensive streaming music service. But is this smart?