Benefits: Swift, Tracy Lawrence, JDRF Golf Classic

Taylor Swift will be opening the last dress rehearsal for her Speak Now Tour to fans as a fundraiser to benefit victims in the recent deadly tornadoes in the Southeast. 13,000 fans will get a first look at Swift’s new show almost a week early at  Speak Now…..Help Now!, her final tour rehearsal, on May […]

Weekly Chart Report (5/06/11)

Following the terrible wave of storms that devastated the South and particularly Alabama last week, Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” emerges triumphantly in the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot. And remarkable guy that he is, Paisley is donating royalties from digital sales of the track to the Alabama Red Cross for relief efforts.

Don Schlitz To Be Saluted as Poet and Prophet

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz will be featured at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s quarterly programming series Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters on June 4. Schlitz is the writer of some of country music’s most iconic hits, including “The Gambler,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “When You Say Nothing […]

Jewell Launches Jewell Entertainment

Genevieve Jewell has launched Jewell Entertainment, a full-service artist management and marketing company, in Nashville. Jewell will be working with artists and companies of all genres of music. One of the company’s initial management clients is guitar prodigy Tyler Bryant, whose story is featured in the recent documentary Rock Prophecies. Bryant is currently on tour […]

Organizations Fete "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not"

The No. 1 hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” was feted with separate celebrations hosted by BMI and ASCAP on Tuesday, May 3. The song was the first No.1 for husband-wife duo Thompson Square and its label Stoney Creek Records. It was penned by songwriting mainstays and good friends Jim Collins and David […]

Special Opry Show Marks Flood Anniversary

Tuesday night (5/3) the Grand Ole Opry marked the first anniversary of the flood that devastated much of the city with a star-packed show dubbed “Play On, Nashville.” The sold-out event celebrated Music City’s heart and resilience following the flood, which included rebuilding The Grand Ole Opry House, one of the hardest hit venues in […]

Events: Leadership Music Salutes CMA; Grammy Block Party

Leadership Music is inviting members of the music industry and the Nashville community to its May 17 gala honoring the CMA. Tickets are still available for the event hosted by Martina McBride at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel. Also set to perform are Little Big Town, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. During the event the […]

MusicRow Award Noms Coming Monday

It’s time again for the MusicRow Awards, honoring the very best among Nashville’s thriving musical culture. Awards nominations will be revealed in a special morning PDF release on Monday, May 9, followed that afternoon by ballots for reader voting.

Eric Church To Release "Chief"

Eric Church will release his third studio album, Chief, July 26 on EMI Records. After having spent a month songwriting in a secluded cabin in North Carolina, Church later recorded the album in Nashville with Jay Joyce, who also produced his previous two releases. Church’s new music video for “Homeboy,” which was filmed at Nashville’s Tennessee State […]

Eli Young Band EP Has Strong Debut

Eli Young Band’s Crazy Girl EP is sitting at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Album Chart following its Tuesday (5/3) release. The Republic Nashville project offers five songs from the band’s upcoming album Life At Best, and climbed to the top of the iTunes chart eight hours after release. Lead single “Crazy Girl” also […]

Stars Team For CMT Storm Relief Concert

CMT and its pro-social initiative CMT One Country will air a live concert special featuring Hank Williams Jr. and Alabama, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw and many others to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes. The 90-minute show will air live […]

Movie Soundtrack Still Going Strong

Since hitting store shelves six months ago, the Country Strong soundtrack has reaped award nominations and a radio hit, key indicators that this album is worth more attention than it has been getting from radio and fans.

Cyrus Inks With Paradigm; Kimberly June Joins Tom-Leis

Paradigm Talent Agency has signed Billy Ray Cyrus who is planning the summer release of his twelfth album I’m American. The project will have patriotic songs, including a new version of his hit “Some Gave All” featuring Jamey Johnson, Craig Morgan, and Darryl Worley. Cyrus will also star in the upcoming TLC series Homecoming, in which […]

Genovese Launches Music City Sports and Entertainment Group

Tammy Genovese has launched Music City Sports and Entertainment Group, LLC in Nashville, where she will serve as CEO. The company will focus on creating partnerships for sports franchises, artists and athletes, events, and major corporate brands.

Cumulus Hosts Operation Tornado Relief Today

95.5FM and Nashville’s Cumulus Media radio stations are spearheading “Operation Tornado Relief” today (5/4). A semi-truck is being loaded with supplies for Tuscaloosa, AL in the cluster’s parking lot at 10 Music Circle East, Nashville, TN 37203. Drop-offs began at 6 AM during the Rick & Beth morning show, and will last until 7 PM. […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/04/11)

A look at the current Bluegrass Unlimited chart shows that there are lots and lots of new faces popping up with popular tunes. Alongside the field’s superstars such as Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss and Peter Rowan are a number of up-and-comers. In fact, there are several on the BU chart who are there with debut CDs, including The Boxcars, who win this column’s DisCovery Award.

Reasons To Celebrate

John Wiggins and Bud Lee honored for “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” • Plus news from Frankie Ballard, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Two John Rich Six Paks On The Way

John Rich will get the Six Pak treatment on May 17, when Warner Bros. Records releases his latest project Rich Rocks. The recording includes his single “Country Done Come To Town” as well as five other high energy tracks and guests Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr. and Lil Jon. Also available May 17 is Rich’s […]

Natalie Kilgore Joins George P. Johnson Marketing

Natalie Kilgore has begun her new gig as Sr. Publicist for George P. Johnson (Nashville). Known as GPJ, the marketing company works with numerous global brands through its over 23 international offices. In the last year has worked with country stars Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band’s successful Letters for Lyrics […]

"A Little Bit Stronger" At No. 1

Sara Evans scored the fifth No. 1 single of her career recently with “A Little Bit Stronger.” She was in Key West, Florida with the RCA promotion staff when they received the news. The track written by Hillary Scott, Luke Laird and Hillary Lindsey has already been certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 paid downloads.

Little Big Town Tour Provides Music Lessons For Kids

Plus tonight’s ReTune benefit • Jason Sturgeon’s Jager sponsorship • Cookin’ Out Country at the Hall of Fame

Twain To Surprise Oprah Audience With CMA Music Fest Trip

Shania Twain will appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show today (5/3) to give her first television interview in over five years. She will discuss the release of her autobiography From This Moment On, which hits stores today, and her upcoming Oprah Winfrey Network series Why Not? With Shania Twain.

WMG Auction Narrows To Two Bidders

Today’s (5/3) New York Post reports that Warner Music Group is likely to be sold to either the Gores brothers or Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries. Both are said to have bid about $3 billion for the company. According to the Post, billionaire investment brothers Tom and Alec Gores are interested in acquiring Warner because a […]

In Color: Photo Spread

Faith Hill • HER & Kings County • LoCash Cowboys • Savannah Music Group

New Music From Lady Antebellum

The Grammy-winning trio of Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott has released “Just A Kiss,” the lead single from their forthcoming 2011 album.

Industry Ink: Tom T. Hall Tribute Album

Plus news from O’Shea • Skip Ewing’s Writer Retreat • APA’s Frank Wing • Belmont/Watkins • TSU Guitar Summit

Allan and Swift Performances Bookend CMA Music Festival

Taylor Swift will provide the 2011 CMA Music Festival’s closing performance Sunday, June 12 at LP Field. She joins an outstanding Sunday night lineup that includes The Band Perry, the JaneDear girls, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, and Blake Shelton. Swift has participated at Music Festival every year since 2006, including a marathon 15 hour autograph […]

Rodeowave Launches With Phil Vassar

Rodeowave Entertainment announced its launch today (5/2) with flagship act Phil Vassar. His first single for the full-service label is “Let’s Get Together,” which is already at radio and available for free download. On board with the company are Teddi Bonadies, Bill Macky and others.

Dwayne Johnson To Star In Charley Pride Biopic

Actor Dwayne Johnson (aka “The Rock”) has been named to produce and star in the title role of the Charley Pride biopic, according to Variety. Pride revealed this information during an April 28 interview with the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal. Johnson’s previous acting credits include The Scorpion King and Get Smart. He is currently starring […]

Lifenotes: Gloria Grant

Condolences to Amy Grant and her family on the passing of her mother, Gloria Dean Napier Grant, on April 30, 2011. The Nashville native was 80 years old and had devoted her life to her faith, family and a variety of charitable causes. She supported her husband of 60 years, Burton Paine Grant, throughout his […]

Sarah Darling, The Roys Launch Fan Promotions

Black River’s Sarah Darling is spreading the word about her single “Something To Do With Your Hands” with the Something To Do With Your Fans radio promotion, which has her appearing at Major League Baseball games. She kicked off the initiative in April when the NY Mets hosted the Houston Astros at Citi Field. Darling performed […]

2011 InCharge—On the Cover: Chris Young

Chris Young has distinguished himself as a singer/ songwriter who honors country music’s finest traditions while adding a fresh, new chapter to the genre’s legacy.

Eye On Idol (4/29/11)

There was no joy in Idol-ville, as mighty Casey Abrams struck out on Thursday night’s (4/28) American Idol results show. After one near elimination earlier this season, the quirky multi-instrumentalist swung and missed for good this time.

Friday Roundup: Wiseman, Gentry & Montana

Craig Wiseman at Belmont • Teddy Gentry Releases New Artist CD • Randy Montana Plays Grand Ole Opry

Voice Gets Louder, Adds Starpower

NBC’s new talent discovery show, The Voice is upping its star power with the addition of…

2Trios: TBP Gets CMT Noms; Harters Play Soundcheck Benefit

The Band Perry Get CMT nominations; The Harters set to perform at musicians benefit

Baldrica Becomes An Average Joe

MUSICROW EXCLUSIVE: Are label co-heads Shannon Houchins and Colt Ford really just a couple of Average Joe’s as the name of the label might have you believe? Not according to newly hired label President Tom Baldrica. “It feels to me like this model is the future,” says Baldrica “I like the authenticity that the artists radiate from the stage. These folks are out there touching the fans.”

Weekly Chart Report (4/29/11)

Keith Urban’s “Without You” earns a second week on top of the CountryBreakout Chart, with 96 stations on board. Closing up the gap behind him in a tight 2-3-4 configuration are Ronnie Dunn’s “Bleed Red,” Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” (also the greatest spin increase), and The Band Perry’s “You Lie.” Also screaming toward the top are Taylor Swift’s “Mean” at No. 8, and Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl,” which jumps to No. 11.

Music Row Executive Charlie Fach Passes

Charles Edward Fach Jr., former Mercury Records Executive VP of A&R died on Monday, April 25 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage , TN at the age of 82. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2PM at the Hermitage Funeral Home , Nashville, TN. Charles Fach  was born on September 10, 1928 […]

"Esquire's" Music Issue Highlights Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley appears in the latest issue of men’s magazine Esquire, in the publication’s annual Music Issue. For the second year in a row Bentley joined other artists from all different genres on location for a photo shoot and songwriting challenge. This year took the group to the gritty streets of Detroit for a two-day […]

Industry Ink Thursday (4/28)

Tawn Albright on the Nashville Music Council/Entrepreneur Center • DJ Miller showcase • Leadership Music gala • Jeremy Parsons inks with Jett Williams

"BMI Live" Debuts Mobile Version

BMI has debuted a mobile version of its BMI Live service, which allows artists to submit live performance information to be considered for royalty payments. The new mobile service enables songwriters to upload venue and set-list data from their smartphones into BMI’s systems. This helps the musicians submit info in a timely manner while they […]

RCA Signs Kristen Kelly

Texas native Kristen Kelly has signed with RCA Records Nashville. She recently inked her deal at the Sony Music Nashville offices.

Musicians Corner Returns With Packed Line-up

Musicians Corner, the free outdoor concert series at Centennial Park, will kick off its second season on Saturday, May 7, 3-6 p.m., with performances by Sarah Buxton, Andrew Ripp, The Westbound Rangers, Dara Tucker and Marie Hines. Musicians Corner will be held every Saturday 3-6 p.m. from May 7 through July 2, then take a […]

Country Music Marathon Draws Music Industry Support

The Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Nissan runs through Nashville the morning of Saturday, April 30 and the music industry is pitching in to make it even more memorable. RCA’s Danny Gokey has signed on to sing the national anthem before the start gun at 7 am. He will also be helping […]

Americana—Early Bird Festival Rate; Hayes Carll Honored

SESAC Awards Hayes Carll SESAC presented singer-songwriter Hayes Carll with a plaque in honor of his No. 1 Americana album, KMAG YOYO. Carll took time to receive the award and visit with SESAC executives in Nashville before his packed show at Mercy Lounge.   Americana Music Festival: Last Chance for Early Bird Rate The early […]

Reba & Blake Plan Tornado Relief Concert

Oklahoma natives Reba and Blake Shelton will host the Tornado Relief Concert on May 26 at the Choctaw Casino Resort, in partnership with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Tickets will be available beginning May 6 at 10:00 AM and may be purchased by phone at 1-800-585-3737 or online at www.choctawcasinos.com. The news of Atoka County’s recent tornado […]

Photo Spread: EMI Signs Channing Wilson

Plus the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Words & Music Night • ASCAP Music Lounge @ NaFF • BMI Road to Bonnaroo

"The Voice" Sings Its Way To Strong Ratings

Last night’s (4/26) premiere of The Voice scored strong television ratings for NBC. The singing competition featuring celeb coaches Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine helped the network win the night in the coveted 18-49 demographic, according to Zap2It.com. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the strong showing of 11.8 million viewers […]

Sugarland Stuck on Platinum

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush celebrate Platinum certification for their latest effort, The Incredible Machine, at their recent sold-out concert in Nashville.  This marks the duo’s fourth consecutive release that has reached platinum or multi-platinum status with over 9 million records sold. As previously reported by MusicRow, this album has also garnered two nominations […]