Howard, Morrow Named Women of Influence

Attorneys Linda Edell Howard and Lynn Morrow, partners at Adams and Reese’s Music Row office, were named “Women of Influence” recently by the Nashville Business Journal. Listed in the publication as a “dynamic duo” they were highlighted in a recent issue, and honored with other winners at an awards luncheon. Howard and Morrow have worked together for […]

Songwriter Todd Cerney Passes

Songwriter Todd Cerney passed away this morning, March 14, after a battle with cancer. The musician, known for hits including “I’ll Still Be Loving You” recorded by Restless Heart, and “Good Morning Beautiful” recorded by Steve Holy, was a much loved member of Nashville’s music community. Cerney was a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and past winner of […]

ACM Teams With RAM Trucks, Plans Fremont St. Party

Fan voting for the ACM Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year Awards will be powered by the RAM Truck Brand for the second year in a row. The truck maker will also roll out the red carpet at the ACM Awards as the title sponsor. Fans can vote for the awards […]

JT Hodges Signs With Paradigm

Rising country singer JT Hodges has signed with the Paradigm Talent Agency for exclusive booking. The Ft. Worth, Texas native is a singer, songwriter, and guitar-slinger who is working on his debut album for Show Dog-Universal Music.

InCharge 2011 Begins Production

InCharge, the definitive list of Nashville’s Music Industry Decision Makers, is now in production of its 23rd edition.

Sean Parker Joins Group Bidding For Warner

Warner Music Group is still sorting through buy-out offers from several suitors. The latest development is that Sean Parker, best known as creator of Napster, is among a group of investors looking to purchase the music company. Parker is on board with a group led by billionaire Ron Burkle, who amassed enormous wealth mostly through […]

Musicians Corner On Saturdays Starting In May

Entertainment Executive John Tumminello has been named Executive Director for Musicians Corner, which is gearing up for its second season in Centennial Park. The free outdoor entertainment series launched last year and featured numerous local and national talents. Tumminello has over 20 years experience to his credit, including co-founding “Music City Unsigned” for Nashville’s emerging […]

Benefits: Shelton, Dierks, Darling and More

Blake Shelton • TG Sheppard, Kelly Lang, and Barry Gibb • Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols, Josh Thompson, Uncle Kracker and Miss Willie Brown • Josh Turner, Linda Davis, Charlie Kelley, Paul Martin, Storme Warren • Sarah Darling

Photos: Paisley Celebrates 10 Years with Opry

Plus: Alan Jackson’s Australian Tour, Motherhood the Musical Opens in Australia, and Curtis & Luckey Sign with BMI

Tin Pan South Preview Party

Songwriters, media, music industry, fans and more packed the Tin Pan South Preview Party at The Rutledge in Nashville this week to hear some wonderful music and learn more about this year’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank.

SXSW Opens Next Week—25th Year Biggest Yet

Over 13,000 attendees are expected to descend on Austin, Texas next week for SXSW. Now in its 25th year, the Music Conference and Festival has grown into a massive event, radiating from its home base of the Austin Convention Center. It officially runs March 11-20. Though SXSW has greatly evolved from its early beginning as […]

Blue Sky Riders To Debut At Tin Pan South

Hit songwriters/artists Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr and Kenny Loggins have formed a trio called the Blue Sky Riders. The country/pop group will makes its debut Sat., April 2 at The Rutledge as part of Tin Pan South. They will also open Loggins’ solo tour dates this summer. Past collaborators Burr and Loggins decided to form […]

Weekly Chart Report (3/11/11)

SPIN ZONE Hearty congratulations again to the folks over at Stoney Creek Records, as Thompson Square notches a second week on top of the CountryBreakout Chart with “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” Brad Paisley’s “This Is Country Music” is in hot pursuit at No. 2, followed by Darius Rucker’s “This” at No. 3 […]

Stroudavarious Celebrates No. 1 Album with Aaron Lewis

In recent years, Nashville’s music industry has been changing as often as its weather. The latest example is the stunning rise of Stoudavarious Records from a period of restructuring to having this week’s No. 1 selling country album—Town Line by Aaron Lewis. The seven track specially priced CD debuted this week (3/6) and sold almost […]

Dan Bowen Named WSM-FM PD

Dan Bowen has been tapped as Program Director of WSM-FM Nashville. He is leaving his post as Airplay Direct’s VP of Radio Strategies after only a few months. Bowen replaces Russell Penuell at the Cumulus station. Cumulus Senior VP of Programming Jan Jeffries made today’s announcement. “We have known Dan personally and competitively in previous […]

Big Benefits: Jeffrey Steele Tonight, Ringside Tomorrow

The fourth annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends benefit concert will be tonight (3/10) at The Loveless Barn, with guest performers Frankie Ballard, Billy Ray Cyrus, Chris Janson, Jeremy Lister, LoCash Cowboys, Eddie Montgomery, James Otto, and Chuck Wicks. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with an acoustic pre-show and auction viewing. Tables for the event are […]

Jason Aldean Extends Tour

Jason Aldean is adding a summer leg to his 2011 My Kinda Party Tour. Special guests Chris Young and Thompson Square will join him for the new dates, which kick off July 8 in Milwaukee, WI. More shows will be announced over the coming weeks. The first leg of the tour has sold over 154,000 […]

Rascal Flatts Join Spalding Entertainment

Rascal Flatts have signed with Clarence Spalding’s Spalding Entertainment for management. The band with 20 million in album sales now joins the roster that is home to Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Terri Clark, and Ashley Monroe. As reported on MusicRow.com, the trio split with their longtime management team earlier this year. […]

John Rich Debuts On "Celebrity Apprentice"

John Rich is on the new season of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, which debuted Sunday night (3/6). Competing to raise money for St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, Rich stated, “Don’t underestimate the country boys.” The opening night challenge had each team making and selling pizzas to see who could earn the most money. This Sunday night […]

Sara Evans Grows Stronger With New Album

Sara Evans seems poised for a comeback with yesterday’s (3/8) release of Stronger, her first full-length studio set since 2005’s Real Fine Place.

Cumulus To Buy Citadel For $2.5 Billion

Cumulus Media has reached an agreement to purchase rival radio broadcaster Citadel. The deal is valued at $2.5 billion in cash and stock. Cumulus, under the leadership of chairman and chief executive Lew Dickey, had made bids for Citadel in the past. Those offers were rejected but led to exclusive negotiations in recent months. According […]

Randy Houser's Tour Bus Catches Fire

Randy Houser’s tour bus caught fire this afternoon, destroying his gear, clothing and personal belongings. Houser and his crew were preparing for their concert tonight (3/9) in Isle of the Palms, SC when the crew noticed flames emanating from the rear suite of the bus. Thick black smoke billowed through the corridor and main cabin. […]

Photos: Toby Keith Debuts New Mezcal

Plus: Miranda Lambert’s Platinum “House,” CMHOF Honors Wilson with Poets and Prophets Program, and Edens Edge Make Opry Debut

UMG Names Lucian Grainge Chairman and CEO

Universal Music Group has given CEO Lucian Grainge the additional title of Chairman. Today’s announcement was made by UMG’s parent company Vivendi. Grainge continues to report to Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Levy. He also continues as a member of the Vivendi management board, the company said in a statement. This news follow last week’s official departure […]

Judds and Loretta Lynn Join ACM's Girls' Night Out

The Judds and Loretta Lynn are the latest lineup additions to the ACM’s Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country tribute concert. Previously announced performers include Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Reba and Carrie Underwood. These female artists will be honored at the taping on Monday, April 4, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden […]

Industry Ink Wednesday

Pickin’ on the Patio returns • WKDF Names McFly PD • Backstage by Back Porch Productions • BMI encourages coffee shop shows • MTSU Career Fair

Americana Music Association Concert Series

Plus Wednesday Night Wags songwriter series, and Take 6 benefit for USN

Bigger Picture Acquires Idea Den

Nashville’s Bigger Picture Group has acquired online marketing and creative services company Idea Den, which will allow BPG to offer a wider array of services to its clients. The acquisition also means staff expansion for Idea Den, which has added former Music City Networks partners Jon Wright and Dennis Thompson to the roles of Production […]

Has Gwyneth Signed A Record Deal?

Reports of Gwyneth Paltrow signing a record deal are buzzing around the internet this week, but there is still no official word from any of the parties involved. According to numerous sources including the New York Post and The Wrap, Paltrow has inked with Atlantic Records in a contract worth $900,000. However, E online reports […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/9/11)

Can you be fabulously famous and a new face at the same time? If your name is Jennette McCurdy, you can. Known by millions of teens for her role as sassy “Sam” on the Nickelodeon TV comedy series iCarly, 18-year-old Jeanette can’t go out to a restaurant without being mobbed. But in country music, she is a newcomer.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Bug renews T-Bone Burnett • Anthony Smith and Nettwerk One/Revelry • Gene Watson inks with Upper Mgmt • Mountain Heart joins The Roots Agency/SMG

CMA Music Fest Lineup Additions

Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Easton Corbin, Sara Evans, the JaneDear girls, Little Big Town, Ashton Shepherd, Josh Turner, and Chris Young have been added to the lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2011 CMA Music Festival. The four-day event celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and will be held Thurs-Sunday June […]

Spotify Celebrates One Million Paid

“It seems like only yesterday we were hatching ideas for a new music service in a tiny office-cum-apartment with a broken coffee machine, and the party we threw having reached one million users almost two years ago today was one to remember,” said Spotify founder Daniel Ek in his March 8 blog. “So it’s with […]

BMG Chrysalis Combines Name, Staff

Now operating under the new moniker BMG Chrysalis, the growing music company continues to rework its top leadership. The name change follows the news that the BMG’s acquisition of Chrysalis is complete. Last week it was announced that Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Lascelles will leave his post at the end of the month. Lascelles, a […]

Nashville Hootenanny Showcases Rising Talent

The monthly Nashville Hootenanny at Westwood Studios is a burgeoning showcase for unsigned talent. The event started about six months ago when producer/hit songwriter David Malloy invited friends over to his then recently purchased Westwood Studios to enjoy a night of music. Since then, the showcase has become a monthly fixture, with over 150 artists […]

Ferlin Husky Hospitalized

Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ferlin Husky is in a Nashville area hospital. According to news reports, he is in the critical care unit.

Date Set For CMT Awards

The CMT Music Awards will take place Wed., June 8, organizers announced today (3/8). No other details were revealed. This date coincides with the CMA Music Festival, which will take over downtown Nashville June 9-12. Last year the CMT Music Awards took place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and tickets were available for fans to purchase.

Star-Studded TV Special Celebrates Kenny Rogers' 50-year Career

Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years will debut tonight (3/8) at 8:30 p.m. EST on GAC. The concert performance show features Rogers with a slew of special guests.

[updated] Tim Allen, Jan Rodgers Exit BMG Chrysalis's EverGreen

Tim Allen exited his position as Director of Licensing with BMG’s Evergreen office last week. He has worked in publishing for 17 years and had been with the company for 14 of those.

Tin Pan South Preview Party Today

Industry guests are invited to today’s (3/8) Tin Pan South 2011 Preview Party. The show is 3:30-5:30 p.m. at The Rutledge, and will give organizers a chance to reveal details about this year’s festival. There will also be performances by Marshall Chapman, Marty Dodson, Sandra McCracken and Steve Wariner. The event is sponsored by NSAI […]

Artist Action: Kix Brooks Dabbles In Acting

Plus Emma Jacob’s mother passes • Alan Jackson Down Under • Steve Wariner offers web series • Dixie Chicks documentary

Halper Exits Skyville As Private Practice Ramps Up

Wayne Halper has departed his part-time position as head of business and legal affairs for Skyville Records, and plans to focus his attention on his law practice and management clients. “My commitments to my clients and management roster have resulted in my being able to devote less time to Skyville than I would have liked,” […]

CRS Attendance Up 22%; CRB Board Announced

CRS 2011 overall attendance numbers show a 22 percent increase over last year’s event. The total number of 2,649 registrants were divided into 2,004 full registrants (attendees, exhibitors, panelists and sponsors) and 645 participant registrants. Participant registrants are attendees that register for individual CRS events or purchase single day seminar passes. Total attendance for CRS 2010 […]

Billy Ray Cyrus Revamps Career Team

Billy Ray Cyrus has announced a new entertainment team to guide his career. He has reunited with Rogers & Cowan, the same publicity company that helped launch his career in 1992. He will now be managed by Sanctuary Artist Management plus Mick Adkins of MicnE Productions. He will be represented by WME for motion pictures […]

Shelton Joins NBC's "The Voice"

Blake Shelton is joining the coaching panel of NBC’s new musical competition series “The Voice.”

Valory's Briner Adds West Coast Duties

Valory Music Co. VP of Field Promotion George Briner has added West Coast radio promotion to his label duties. Briner will be relocating to Denver, CO to begin his new responsibilities. “To have the opportunity to work from Denver, Colorado and continue to do what I love and support the great music coming from The […]

Party's Over: CRS Photo Wrap

Rascal Flatts Celebrate Charttopper • WCRS Live! • Russ Ocker Honored • Due West at CRS

Bobby Karl Works The Capitol CRS Lunch

All country artists want to be liked, but few have the winning, eager, puppy-like charm of Luke Bryan. He was the centerpiece of Capitol Nashville’s concluding luncheon at last week’s Country Radio Seminar convention.

Writers Ink With New Nettwerk One/Revelry Joint Venture

Nettwerk One Music and Revelry Music Group have teamed for a publishing joint venture. Under the new agreement, Nettwerk’s staff including executives Mark Jowett and Blair McDonald will handle administrative operations and funding for the venture. In addition, Nettwerk’s film and TV licensing team will be representing the catalogue worldwide. The team at Revelry, made up of […]

The Woods Amphitheater Gearing Up For First Full Season

The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel has several big-name artists on the line-up for its first full season, which opens Sat., April 23 with Chicago and Los Lonely Boys. The outdoor venue fills a void in Nashville’s live music landscape. Middle Tennessee had been lacking an amphitheater since Starwood closed in 2006. With a capacity of […]