Dove Awards: Tomlin Leads Noms, GMA Starts Fan Voting

Chris Tomlin is the top artist nominee for the 2009 Dove Awards. The reigning three-time Male Vocalist of the Year scored seven nominations, revealed at this morning’s press conference, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist, Song, Praise & Worship Album, Worship Song, Special Event Album, and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song. The 40th Annual GMA […]

Owen Launches Album On GMA

Jake Owen is prepping for next week’s debut of his sophomore album, Easy Does It, on RCA Nashville. He will kick off release day, Feb. 24, with a return visit to ABC’s Good Morning America and perform the project’s lead single, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.” The song is climbing MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart […]

Performers for 40th Anniversary CRS Jam

DigitalRodeo.com and Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® have announced a number of performers for the 40th anniversary concert to close CRS-40 at Cadillac Ranch on Friday night, March 6 at 10:30 PM. Artists confirmed to date include Emerson Drive, Andy Griggs, Julianne Hough, Jamie O’Neal, James Otto, Blake Shelton, Jimmy Wayne, Chuck Wicks and Darryl Worley, […]

Americana DISClaimer (2/18/09)

This week, I’m tidying up a few loose ends in my Americana listening stack. This truly is a genre of great singer-songwriters, and three of them have current albums that you absolutely must own. They are John Hiatt’s Same Old Man, James McMurtry’s Just Us Kids and Bruce Robison’s His Greatest, which earns our Disc […]

Bug Appoints Murrah SVP Nashville

Bug Music Publishing has appointed renowned songwriter and independent publisher Roger Murrah to senior vice president, Nashville. Effective immediately, he will be overseeing the Bug Music office in Nashville and will report directly to CEO John Rudolph in Los Angeles. Under the terms of the agreement, Bug Music has also acquired a portion of Murrah […]

JC Penney Signs on to Sponsor Rascal Flatts Tour

J.C. Penney Company today (2/19) announced its official sponsorship of the Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour presented by JCPenney. The fully integrated two-year sponsorship will kick off June 5, with the tour hitting approximately 60 cities across the nation each year. The partnership is designed to promote American Living, the retailer’s affordable, all-American lifestyle […]

Montage Reorganizing—Updated 2/19 at 3 PM

Here is the official word from a representative for Missouri-based Hedgewood International, LLC, the parent company of three-year-old Montage Music: “Montage is not closing, but rather Montage is undergoing a reorganization. Our management examined the business and the marketplace, and unfortunately, realized the business would not be profitable given this challenging economic environment. Our intent […]

Luke Lewis Renews Contract

Though it remains unofficial, MusicRow has learned UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Luke Lewis has inked a new, multi-year contract with Universal Music Group. The deal comes on the heels of such sales successes as country duo Sugarland, whose latest album Love On The Inside was released in July 2008 and certified Platinum two months […]

LifeNotes: Scotty Turner

A Nashville memorial service was held this morning, Feb. 18, for the multi-faceted music industry figure Scotty Turner. Nashville Association of Talent Directors president Rod Harris announced Turner’s death at the NATD’s monthly meeting last week. Turner was a musician, record producer, label executive, music publisher and songwriter. Early in his career, he was the […]

Wicks Scores Dr. Pepper Sponsorship

Chuck Wicks has signed a year-long sponsorship agreement with Dr. Pepper to support the brand’s Academy of Country Music Awards promotion. As part of the deal, the RCA Nashville artist will be featured online and on in-store promotional materials at major retailers nationwide. Dr. Pepper will also bring Wicks to select retail locations for album […]

Flatts Sell Out Famed Venue For Third Time

With last week’s success of the Rascal Flatts concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the band became the first country act to sell out the famous venue three consecutive times. They have played there on the last three tours: 2006’s Me & My Gang Tour, 2007’s Still Feels Good Tour and this […]

Sony Promotes Britta Coleman

Britta Coleman has been promoted to the newly created position of Manager, Marketing Operations for Sony Music Nashville. The 16-year company veteran most recently served as Manager, Label Operations for the label group’s BNA Records. Her longtime work within the BNA promotion department dates back to the research leading to the imprint’s 1991 launch. As […]

Strait Set For Stadium Opening

George Strait will headline the grand opening of the new Dallas Cowboys football stadium on June 6. “I grew up in South Texas and have always been a Dallas Cowboys fan,” says the recent Grammy winner who will share the bill that day with Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough. The $1.1 billion facility […]

Nashville TV Ties

Four singers with Nashville connections are among American Idol‘s 36 remaining contestants this season. The Tennessean reports Ann Marie Boskovich, Kristen McNamara, Brent Keith and Ricky Braddy are either mid-state natives or currently reside here. The show airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 PM/CT on Fox. ••••• Also at Fox: Nashville’s Fox 17 WZTV is […]

Sirius XM Receives Loan, Avoids Bankruptcy

Sirius XM Radio is avoiding bankruptcy through a $530 million loan from Liberty Media, the company which owns DirecTV and television outlets including QVC and Discovery. In exchange for the money, Sirius is giving Liberty 40 percent of its common stock as well as seats on its board of directors. The loan will be used […]

Gaylord Drops 180 in Nashville

[Update 2/16; 9 pm] Gaylord has now announced it will reduce 3.5% of its workforce nationwide, cutting about 350 jobs. 180 positions will be eliminated in Nashville. According to the Fort Worth, Texas Star-Telegram, Gaylord Entertainment laid off 30 full-time people today (2/16) from its resort in Grapevine, Texas. The property has a workforce of […]

Rates Set For Radio Station Streaming

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and SoundExchange have reached an agreement on streaming rates for local radio stations that simulcast online or that have other Internet stations. For 2009-10 these rates will be reduced by about 16%, then they will gradually increase through 2015. In 2009 the rate will be $0.0015 per streamed sound […]

Sirius XM Creditors Consider Ejecting Chief

Sirius XM Radio chief executive Mel Karmazin may be removed from his post by creditors if the company files for bankruptcy instead of making a deal to remain operational, the Wall Street Journal reports. Among the satcaster’s options to stay afloat are making deals with either EchoStar or Liberty Media Corp. The New York-based Sirius […]

Benefit Gala Honors Sweethearts Amy and James Otto

The Nashville State Community College 2009 Sweethearts for Scholarships Gala was held Friday night (2/13) honoring celebrity sweethearts Amy and James Otto. There is also an auction coinciding with the fundraiser for the school’s scholarship program going on at CMTAuctions.com. Starting at $50, and available until Feb. 20, the Love Lyrics auction includes lyrics autographed […]

Belmont Hosts Events For Wynonna, Industry Execs.

Wynonna mentored Belmont University’s Music Business students last week as part of the school’s The Insider’s View series. Students of a Record Company Operations class produced and promoted the event which also served as a CD release party and concert for her latest release, Sing. On Sat., Feb. 21 Belmont and its music business students […]

Derek Sholl

“But It Was” CO5 Nashville “But It Was” is Derek Sholl’s newest release to country radio. Penned by Joe Doyle and Tim Johnson, the song appears on Sholl’s album Here, which hit shelves in October 2008. His previous single “(I’ll Be) Here” charted in the top 50 of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout™ chart. Sholl’s journey from pro […]

Music Marketing Crosses Platforms

Cross-promotion and corporate tie-ins are an ever-growing part of the music business. Here are some of the latest and most creative examples, with Disney and 19 Entertainment leading the way. “The American Idol Experience,” a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, is opening this week. Guests can audition to take the spotlight onstage, […]

MAC Presents Hires Ruth Gonzalez

Music sponsorship specialists MAC Presents has added Operations Manager Ruth Gonzalez to its team. She brings more than fifteen years of experience as a talent agent to the Nashville-based firm, including nine years at Creative Artists Agency in Beverly Hills, where she was responsible for artists including Jesse McCartney and Ashlee Simpson. She also represented […]

Flatts Fans Pick New Album Art

Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney revealed the cover for their April 7 release, Unstoppable, before last night’s (2/12) sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The guys selected four finalists for the cover art from thousands of entries submitted through the People’s Choice Awards Web site […]

Spotify Offers Free Streaming

A new online listening service is getting rave reviews from users in Europe. Originally from Sweden and now available in the UK, Spotify allows free ad-supported streaming of personalized playlists. Because the streaming is unlimited, proponents of the system say it provides an incentive not to download illegally. Spotify reportedly has an exceptional catalog through […]

DISClaimer 2/13/09

This week, the major labels are stepping up to the plate with quality. Mercury has two excellent singles, by the Randy Rogers Band and Holly Williams. Warner Bros. Records is offering us a dandy uptempo by Jessica Harp. Columbia has the DisCovery Award winners, Caitlin & Will. But at the end of the listening session, […]

TV Goes Country With Cable Guy Roast, New “Crossroads”

Larry The Cable Guy will be the subject of much jeering on Comedy Central’s 2009 Roast. On hand to give Larry some good-natured ribbing will be Toby Keith, Jeff Foxworthy, Drew Carey, Nick DiPaolo, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Dan Marino, Jeffrey Ross, and many others to be announced. The show tapes in Los Angeles at […]

McBride Takes Fresh Approach To New Release

Martina McBride decided it was time for a change when she started contemplating her tenth studio album, set for release March 24 on longtime label home RCA Records. She says teaming with chart-topping producer Dann Huff to record Shine forced her out of her comfort zone and rekindled her creativity. “I think it was time […]

Is Fan Voting The Future? ACM Enlists Fans To Validate Industry Choices

Like it is for all Awards shows, the ACM final nominees announcement was a cause of joy and pain for various artists whose names did and did not appear on the coveted list. Some mainstream brands were missing in categories where they seemed essential and a few relative newcomers caught a wave that some might […]

Investigation Launches For Live Nation/Ticketmaster Merger

The Justice Department has begun an antitrust investigation into the proposed Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger. Many lawmakers, fans and artists believe that combining the two huge companies would result in unfair competition, giving one powerhouse too much control over the live entertainment industry. The federal agency is moving forward with the inquiry after only one day, […]

Bentley Lands At No. 1; Plus Latest Country Certifications

Dierks Bentley’s fourth studio album, Feel That Fire, tops the new SoundScan country albums chart with first-week sales of over 71,000 units. It racked up enough scans to also secure the No. 3 spot on the all-genre chart. The lead single and title track recently finished a multi-week run at the pinnacle of MusicRow’s Country […]

Adkins Onboard With Opry’s New Ad Campaign

Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins, whose marketing savvy earned him a Top 2 finish on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice last year, is using some of that same know-how to assist the Opry. He actively participated as a consultant in the development of the show’s new marketing campaign which features print, online, and outdoor components. Adkins […]

Rimes To Receive ACM Humanitarian Honor

LeAnn Rimes will be the 2009 recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, to be presented during the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 5. During her career, she has served as the International Spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network, supported Camp C.O.P.E. for children of wounded veterans, and […]

ACM Off-Camera Nominations

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL Blair Garner, After MidNite with Blair Garner Crook & Chase, Crook and Chase Countdown Danny Wright, Danny Wright All Night Lon Helton, Country Countdown USA ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET KEEY‐FM (Minneapolis, MN) Donna Valentine, Muss and Fish KSCS‐FM (Arlington, TX) Dorsey Gang KSON‐FM (San […]

ACM Nominations Announced

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 44th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® AWARDS COUNTRY MUSIC’S PARTY OF THE YEAR™ * * * * FANS WILL VOTE AGAIN FOR ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR; TOP NEW ARTIST CATEGORY FAN VOTED FOR FIRST TIME EVER; TELECAST TO AIR LIVE FROM MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS; SUNDAY, APRIL 5th AT 8:00 […]

Craig Morgan Riding For Charity

Craig Morgan is planning a concert, motocross and 4-wheeler ride to benefit local charities in his hometown of Dickson, Tenn. The Craig Morgan Charity Ride will be held Tues., March 31, and will also mark the official launch of his Craig Morgan Fund. Participants will join professional motocross riders, and celebrities including Morgan and Bucky […]

“Legends and Lyrics” Show To Tape In Nashville

Public Television show Legends and Lyrics will be taping its new season in Nashville on Feb. 20-23 with performers ranging from Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) to Amy Lee (Evanescence). The show honors songwriters and recording artists, including acclaimed hitmakers and rising newcomers. On the diverse line-up for the in-the-round tapings are Mac Davis, Lamont Dozier […]

Urban Fans Get “Sweet” Online Experience

Keith Urban is promoting his latest hit “Sweet Thing” by letting fans personalize the video and send it to others as a Valentine’s Day greeting. At www.sweetthing.tv users can customize the interactive video in twelve different ways, and then forward it around or add it to their own web pages. The customizable “Sweet Thing” video […]

Live Nation, Ticketmaster Announce Deal

Live Nation plans to buy Ticketmaster Entertainment for $2.5 billion in an all-stock merger of equals, the companies announced today (2/10) following much speculation. Pending regulatory approval, the combined entity will be called Live Nation Entertainment. It will be headed by Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino as CEO, Ticketmaster Entertainment CEO Irving Azoff as executive […]

Grammy “Sounding” Board

Is it live or is it Memorex? Remember that old commercial for magnetic tape? Remember magnetic tape? Anyhow, the gist of it was guessing whether what you heard was pre-recorded or not. And that was the game I played all night long during the Grammy telecast. Not surprisingly, Music City’s finest fared best. Those were […]

Paul Barnabee Takes on Expanded Role at Sony

Paul Barnabee will assume the title of Senior Vice President, Sales & Operations for Sony Music Nashville, expanding his responsibilities to include oversight of the label group’s Digital Business department in addition to his current role overseeing the Sales and Finance departments, as well as the operational functions of the label group. Formerly Senior Vice […]

Digital Summit Reveals Speakers

The Leadership Music Digital Summit will host top-notch speakers including Ted Cohen, TAG Strategic; Dorrian Porter, Mozes; Greg Scholl, The Orchard; Jim Lucchese, The Echo Nest; Ali Partovi, iLike; Jim Cicconi, AT&T; and Dave Ulmer, Motorola. These and other yet-to-be announced experts will discuss how cutting edge technology relates to mobile communication, ISPs, social networking, […]

Country Stars Dance, Design, and Drop Ticket Prices

Chuck Wicks and Jewel are joining the cast of celebrity competitors on the popular ABC series, Dancing with the Stars. For the show’s eighth season Wicks will dance with fellow country artist, and two-time Dancing champion Julianne Hough, who also happens to be his girlfriend. Jewel and her husband, rodeo star Ty Murray, will be […]

Lance Miller

“George Jones & Jesus” Big 7 Records “When I die and they carry me to the final frontier, I want them to play Lance Miller’s ‘George Jones & Jesus.’” —Ken Batista, KPIX-CBS/San Francisco Lance Miller’s new single “George Jones & Jesus” is being released to country radio. The song recently debuted at No. 61 on […]

Tickets Walk, Tours Talk, Covers Contest

If there is weak economy, apparently Taylor Swift fans don’t know or care. This morning (2/6) the young superstar’s supporters bought up every ticket to her Staples Center appearance in a record-breaking two minutes. The May 22nd LA show is part of Swift’s Fearless 2009 tour which officially kicks off April 23 in Evansville, IN. […]

NSAI Spring Training

NSAI’s Spring Training, formally known as their Spring Symposium, will be held April 3-4 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville during Tin Pan South week. The event is the organization’s biggest and longest running event, and features two days of informative panels, intensive educational seminars, special guest performances, and the chance to play […]

Truckers Rolling To Willie’s World

It’s always heartwarming to witness a dream come true. Especially when the dreamer is the legendary Willie Nelson. Nelson’s alternative fuel truck stop, Willie’s World in Carl’s Corner, Texas, has finally grown from vision to reality. Nelson will celebrate the occasion during the fifth annual Willie World Grand Opening event, Feb. 24-25. Also performing will […]

Disclaimer—Today, I’m waving the flag.

It’s awfully hard to argue with the power of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the voices of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Especially when they’re backing Billy Dean on a patriotic anthem. Maybe there’s inspiration and hope in the air or something. Whatever the cause, I fell for “Wave On, Old Glory.” It’s the Disc of […]

Trailer Choir

“What Would You Say” Show Dog Nashville Trailer Choir’s second single “What Would You Say,” co-written by the group’s Butter and Big Vinny with David Fortney, was inspired by the Jan. 2006 Sago, West Virginia mining tragedy. Thirteen men were trapped after the accident and, as the nation watched the drama unfold, all but one […]

Urban And Rimes Get GRAMMY Face Time

Keith Urban has been added to the GRAMMY performance schedule as part of a Bo Diddley tribute featuring fellow current nominees Buddy Guy, B.B. King, and John Mayer. At the Feb. 8 Awards show, Urban is up for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals (“Let The Wind Chase You” with Trisha Yearwood). Joining the presenter list […]