Bobby Karl Works CMA Fest: Part 2

Day Two of the CMA Music Festival was a carbon copy of Day One, weather-wise. The streets of downtown Nashville sizzled in the mid-90s. But I’ll be darned if the fans weren’t having a ball in spite of it all.

Photo Friday

the JaneDear girls and Ludacris • AristoMedia Global Show and Aristo Summer Show • The Lunabelles • Brad Cole

Weekly Chart Report (6/10/11)

  SPIN ZONE It’s a close race, but Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” edges out Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” to earn a second week in the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot. Capitol bros Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley are neck-and-neck at No. 3 and 4, followed by Chris Young’s “Tomorrow” at No. […]

New Beginnings

LeAnn Bennett Forms BEG • Stephanie Taylor Joins Bone McAllester Norton PLLC • Vanderbilt Transfers WRVU • Cary Rolfe Joins TCN

CMT Awards Ratings Up 19%

According to CMT, its Wed. June 8, two and a half hour Awards presentation earned a 1.35 rating among P18-49, averaging 2.9 million viewers. Combined two-play performance ratings (the show was repeated immediately after the first run) produced the best in the history of the franchise, up 19% from last year with a total of […]

Gill Gets Chills From Duane Allman Guitar

“I have chills running down my spine,” Vince Gill told the crowd. “This was the guitar that Duane Allman played with the Allman Brothers.” Gill got the chance to play the guitar, while in Macon, Georgia, home of the Allman Brothers Band, on May 5 to do a benefit concert for the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia. […]

New Kids In Town: Idols and MP MusicHouse

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and runner up Lauren Alaina thank some of the Mercury Nashville staff for getting their new singles played on country radio. Scotty’s song is “I Love You This Big” and Lauren’s is “Like My Mother Does.” They began work on their albums today.     New York songwriters and entrepreneurs, […]

Reba Announces North American Tour

Reba has announced plans for her upcoming fall tour, which will hit 31 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Fellow Big Machine Label Group artists The Band Perry, Edens Edge, and Steel Magnolia have been tapped to open select U.S. dates starting in October. “I am very excited about the fall tour. We are designing […]

Urban Partners With AT&T, Samsung

Keith Urban has secured an endorsement agreement with AT&T and Samsung Mobile, who will be the presenting sponsors of his Get Closer 2011 World Tour. The superstar will also endorse the new Samsung Infuse 4G smartphone, available exclusively through AT&T. Launching June 16 in Biloxi, Miss., the tour’s North American leg includes more than 50 […]

Digital Licensing Changes To Impact PROs And Publishers

Technologists and music industry futurists have noted the need to refine and simplify digital licensing for quite some time. But despite a mantra of innovation, the music industry often moves slowly, especially with regard to revenue streams and licensing. However, the wheels may have begun turning— at last.

Much Ado About Bonnaroo

While a good portion of Nashville’s music industry will spend this weekend downtown for the CMA Music Festival, it’s a safe bet that another group will make the hour drive out to Manchester for Bonnaroo 2011.

Putting The "Spin" on Americana

The latest issue of Spin gives a big boost to the Americana scene, including a cover story about Mumford & Sons under the heading “The New Americana Revolution.” “It’s a sign of the times,” states Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, which has been promoting the music for ten years. “It’s definitely […]

Anatomy of An Award Show-CMT Wins BossRoss Trophy

Last night’s 2011 CMT Music Awards overachieved, and succeeded. Under the watchful gaze of CMT President Brian Philips, Sr. VP Music Events John Hamlin and Sr. VP Music Strategy Jay Frank and a great team, the production delivered its message of country music FUN across a multi-tiered construct of communication channels, social networks and live […]

Fun CMA Fest Photos

Alan Jackson • The Dirt Drifters • Payton Rae • The Roys and Hollywood Yates

Star Songwriters To Play During Music Fest

The Hard Rock Cafe Nashville will host performances by a slew of songwriters during CMA Music Festival. Kicking off tonight (6/9), the 5th Annual Songwriters Series will run through Saturday, June 11. Shows start at 10 PM. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Musicians On Call. Thursday, June 9—BMI presents Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, […]

Bobby Karl Works The CMT Awards

It’s a music-business axiom that the public doesn’t remember who won or lost at awards shows, just who performed well.
I doubt that even the industry really cares about the fan-voted trophy Buckles at the CMT Awards. I, for one, mostly paid attention to who sang the best.

Steve Popovich Passes

Steve Popovich, one of the most colorful record executives in the history of Music Row, died suddenly on Wednesday (6/8) at age 68. Often described as a “maverick,” he was the head of Mercury Records in 1986-88 and ran his own label, Cleveland International Records, from 1976 onward.

2011 CMT Music Awards Winners

Winners at the 2011 CMT Music Awards include Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton.

Bobby Karl Works CMA Fest: Part 1

With the biggest parade in its history, charity concerts, some Opry events, two international-artist showcases and a flurry of early fan-club parties, the 40th annual CMA Music Festival is off with a bang.

Matt Adams Joins Sony Music Nashville

Sony Music Nashville has added Matt Adams, Esq. to the label group as Director, Legal & Business Affairs, effective immediately. He will report to SMN VP Legal & Business Affairs Angela R. Magill. “Matt brings us exceptional experience, insight and professionalism and I’m thrilled to have him as part of our team,” says Magill. Adams brings nearly 15 years […]

ReTune Donates $50k To MusiCares

ReTune Nashville presented a $50,000 check to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief today (6/8) at the MusiCares Nashville office. In one year, ReTune Nashville has activated 81 visual artists, received flood damaged gear from more than 25 donating musicians and companies, experienced the generosity of 18 music artists with accompanying musicians and crew, welcomed the support […]

Phil Walden Jr. In Fatal Car Accident

The son of Capricorn Records co-founder Phil Walden, Phil Walden Jr. (48) died Tuesday evening (6/7) in Atlanta in automobile accident in a parking garage. According to a Macon newspaper. Walden was leaving an athletic club when the accident took place. An Atlanta policewoman told the publication, “It appeared the victim placed the vehicle in reverse, […]

Reid Honored By CCMA

Johnny Reid will be awarded the 2011 Canadian Country Music Humanitarian Award. The honor was created in 1989 to recognize Canadian country artists whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada. Since the early days of his music career, Reid has been at the forefront of fundraising and social awareness events for […]

Black River Adds Lubitz To Promotion Staff

Black River Entertainment has announced the addition of Bill Lubitz to its staff as Director of Promotion, West Coast. Lubitz will continue to be based in Las Vegas. Previously West Coast Promotion Manager with Quarterback Records, Lubitz has an extensive background in radio where he spent nine years with KWNR/Las Vegas. He was also part […]

Shania Announces Vegas Residency

Shania Twain will head to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for a two-year residency beginning December 1, 2012. The superstar said she was “beyond excited” as she shared the news at a press conference today (6/8) at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Additive Choices Build Label/Artist Success

One of the highlights at this year’s 2nd annual Billboard Country Music Summit (June 6-7) in Nashville was about label business models. Moderator Glenn Peoples, Sr. Editorial Analyst BB focused first on industry measurements and then on the differences between labels of different sizes. Here are a few quotes from the panel participants… John Esposito, […]

City National Bank Opens On Music Row

City National Bank has opened its first banking office in Nashville, Tenn. with a full staff headed locally by Holly Bell. With offices across the country, the bank has long established roots in the entertainment business, including many Music City clients.

Photos: CMA Music Fest in Full Swing [updated]

Lady A • Vince Gill • Ashton Shepherd • Carrie Underwood • Connie Kis Andersen

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/8/11)

We have a mixed bag of sounds on tap today. The listening session was dominated by indies. Some of them were quite listenable (Stephanie Urbina Jones, Aaron Einhouse), others not so much.

Quick Pics

LoCash Cowboys Take On Man v. Food Nation • Birthday Surprise From Casey James • CMA Hosts Chevy Test Drive

Eric Church To Preview Album Live From CMA Fest

EMI Records’ Eric Church will offer members of his fan club, the Church Choir, and Sirius XM listeners an exclusive preview of his new album Chief this week. As part of CMA Music Festival, he is set to perform Thurs., June 9, 4 p.m. at the Music City Theater. The acoustic set will be limited […]

Tommy Emmanuel Presented With CMA Global Artist Award

Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel was presented with the 2011 CMA Global Country Artist Award last night (6/6) by fellow Aussie guitar slinger Keith Urban. The presentation took place during the CMA Global Artist Party at The Stage. After dazzling the audience with selections from his own catalog as well as a Beatles medley and […]

Little Big Town Lead Ride For A Cure

Little Big Town will host the star-studded Ride For A Cure on Sun., June 12 to benefit the TJ Martell Foundation. The ride begins at Nashville’s Roundabout Plaza at 10:30 a.m. and ends at Harley Davidson of Columbia Superstore for lunch and a concert by Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jerrod Niemann, David Nail and […]

Calendar For Busy CMA Music Fest Week

A complete list of this week’s events, updated daily.

Stars Added To Tomorrow Night's CMT Awards

The star lineup continues to grow for tomorrow night’s (6/8) 2011 CMT Music Awards. The Band Perry has been added to the performance schedule, and Shania Twain and Taylor Swift will join forces to open the show by recreating Thelma & Louise. Also set to appear are Glee’s Chord Overstreet, Ron White, Donald Trump, Kenny […]

CAA To Relocate Nashville Offices

Creative Artists Agency has announced plans to relocate its Nashville offices to the SunTrust Building downtown. Currently located at 3310 West End Ave., CAA’s 65-person team will move to its new 23,000 square foot space once construction is completed this fall. “This move marks a new era for us,” said CAA’s head of music and […]

Lady A Sets Release Date

Lady Antebellum announced today (6/7) that their third Capitol Nashville studio album Own The Night will be released on Sept. 13, 2011. It’s the first major album release date set for the fourth quarter, hoping to score with holiday shoppers.

Next Big Nashville Expands With SoundLand

Organizers of Next Big Nashville are upping the ante for this fall’s event. The annual festival is evolving under the new moniker SoundLand, a four-day, indoor/outdoor set to hit Nashville Sept. 21-24. SoundLand will feature the usual showcases, concerts, VIP Parties and music business workshops, and will expand with the addition of outdoor stages, an […]

Industry Ink Tuesday

Journalists Honored • John Esposito • Joe Redmond • Nashville Symphony • BMI • Cary Rolfe • HFA

Apple Unveils iCloud Service

If good things come to those who wait, then Apple is finally ready to reward us by unveiling the long-awaited, long-speculated iCloud today (6/6). Steve Jobs led the presentation at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The iCloud service will store users’ digital files online and automatically push them to iOS-based devices such as […]

Save The Dates: Awards Season Draws Near

The weather may be hot, but cool weather and cooler parties are on the horizon. Nashville’s music business is already eyeing the fall awards season, which brings numerous annual events, culminating with the CMA Awards. Among the causes for celebration are performing rights organizations saluting the most-performed songs of the year, and the Nashville Songwriters […]

ACM Announces Executive Promotions

The Academy of Country Music today (6/6) announced the promotions of Tiffany Moon, Michelle Goble and Erick Long. The executives are based out the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA, and their promotions fall under the organization’s new corporate title structure implemented last year.

Lauren Alaina Notches Strong Debut

The first recordings from American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina are scoring big with fans. A compilation album of her performances from the television show ranked No. 9 on the Billboard Digital Albums and Country Albums charts for sales of 10,651 units. She is signed to Mercury Nashville/19 Recordings/Interscope. Her single, “Like My Mother Does,” debuted […]

Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Is A Rowdy Good Time

When Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour stopped at The Woods at Fontanel in Nashville Friday night (6/3), it was easily in the mid-90s. Which, when paired with some serious outlaw country, helps explain why the event was such a rowdy good time. Back for its second year and now co-branded with Nelson, the Country Throwdown […]

"Let Me Down Easy" Glides To No. 1

A room full of family and friends joined BMI in celebrating the team behind the Billy Currington No. 1 hit “Let Me Down Easy” at a party on May 31. Co-written by Marty Dodson and husband-wife duo Mark Nesler and Jennifer Hanson, the song marks Currington’s seventh trip to the top. The BMI team of […]

News From the Road

Updates from Dierks Bentley, Katie Armiger, Eli Young Band, Heidi Newfield, Stealing Angels

Schmitt Chronicles Arrest and Rehab

Former Tennessean/WKRN-2 entertainment reporter Brad Schmitt wrote the feature article (“Breaking Brad”) in this week’s (6/2) issue of the Nashville Scene, which gives the firsthand account of his DUI arrest last February and recovery process in the year following. Once a high-profile writer and TV personality, Schmitt was fired from WKRN after the arrest and […]

Adkins' Home Burns To Ground

Sad news this weekend from Trace Adkins, whose home burned to the ground yesterday afternoon (6/4). Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, including his children and their babysitter. Wife Rhonda returned home from running errands shortly after the fire started, according to The Boot. The fire at the Brentwood home apparently started in the garage […]

CMA Fest Road Closure Info

In preparation for next week’s 2011 CMA Music Festival, several upcoming street closures have been announced. The annual four-day festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, but road closures will take effect two days before the event officially begins. Closures beginning Tuesday, June 7 9:00 AM/CT – Broadway from First to Second Avenues […]

Ladies Golf Tourney Announces

The 25th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament has announced that their annual event will be held Monday, July 25 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville. Claimed as the longest-running charitable event on Music Row, the tournament has raised over $1.5 million for United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. Golfers can support the cause by […]