Industry Ink Tuesday (4/12)

iV Group hires Stacey Lee • Songwriter Agency signings • CMT cancels sitcom • BMI/Qriocity • Splother • Dove Awards fan voting • Paul Allen’s new book • Bluegrass radio service

Eye On Idol: Toscano Rumor Mill

Following the surprise elimination of Pia Toscano from American Idol last Thursday (4/7), rumors about her future plans are swirling. US Weekly is reporting that the ballad belter has already landed a recording contract with Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope Records, but ABC News reports that Toscano herself has denied signing anything and that she’s currently focusing […]

Artist Action On TV

News from Lee Brice, The Judds, Sara Evans, The Grascals, The Roys, Toby Keith, and Bill Anderson on Opry Memories.

Warner Reviewing Final Bids

The second round of bidding ended last week in the auction of Warner Music Group, and the New York Times reports a purchaser could be revealed as early as this week. The selling price is expected to be about $3 billion. At least 10 bidders have been vying for all or part of the company. […]

Alison Krauss And Union Station Offer Target Exclusive

The new album from Alison Krauss & Union Station will be released tomorrow (4/12) bringing fans the first new music from the band since 2004. Paper Airplane, coming via Rounder Records, offers 11 tracks. The band has also teamed with Target stores for an exclusive deluxe edition of the project which has an additional six […]

BMI Promotes Camellia Petty

BMI has promoted longtime employee Camellia Petty to Vice President, Product & Application Development. In her new role, Petty is responsible for building the business processes and technical foundations required to meet the future needs of BMI’s songwriters, composers, publishers and licensees. Since joining BMI in 1995 as Project Manager, she has played a key […]

Acklen Park

“I Love You, I Need You” Otter Rapids Music The country radio debut for new ensemble Acklen Park is “I Love You, I Need You.” Written by the band’s vocalist Marcum Stewart with Rebecca Pitzer, the light-hearted song goes for adds starting April 18. A video will be available soon. Led by vocalists Stewart and […]

Music Supervisors Return To Nashville Film Festival

Some of Hollywoood’s leading music supervisors will be in Music City for events during the Nashville Film Festival including a panel discussion and speed networking event.

U2 360 Tour Is Highest Grossing In History

U2‘s current 360 tour became the highest grossing tour in history over the weekend. A sold-out concert last night (4/10) at Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil pushed the tour past the previous record held by the Rolling Stones’ Bigger Bang Tour which grossed $554 million from 2005-07. When the U2 tour finishes in Canada […]

Date Set for Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction

The 41st Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will take place Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, according to an announcement made today (4/11) by John Van Mol, Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. This year’s inductees will be revealed in the coming months. The […]

Carter's Chord Plans New EP

Carter’s Chord has spent a year writing and recording, and fans will get to hear the result of their latest efforts on a new EP coming next month. Wild Together, set for release May 24, features six songs from sisters Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson. The lead single from the Show Dog-Universal Music project, “A […]

Eye On Idol (4/08/11)

What an impossibly strange week on American Idol. First, legendary rock ‘n’ roll degenerate Iggy Pop performed (shirtless!) on the Thursday (4/7) results show. He’s almost 64. So there’s that. And then, in a shocking turn of events, Pia Toscano–widely thought to be a frontrunner–was sent home.

Summer Touring Headed For An Upswing

In 2010, summer touring took a downhill turn, but as the weather warms up, so do the predictions for this year’s concert biz. After a year off the road, Kenny Chesney is mounting a major outing, sharing billing on the stadium dates with Zac Brown Band. Big stars like Chesney and Brown, who may have […]

Media Team Musical Chairs

When Jason Owen left his longtime post leading the Universal Music Group Nashville media team in September 2010 to launch an artist management firm, his move started a chain reaction among the town’s major label publicity departments. The ripple effect has gone on for months, leading to today’s news that Regina Stuve has joined the Sony media department.

Regina Stuve Joins Sony Media Dept.

Longtime music industry exec Regina Stuve has joined Sony Music Nashville as Senior Director, Media, handling the entire RCA Nashville roster, as well as some Columbia Nashville acts.

Photo Friday

Stealing Angels • Craig Morgan • Cary Barlowe • Rob Hatch • Jon Stone • Victoria Shaw • Anna Wilson • Connie Smith

Weekly Chart Report (4/08/11)

SPIN ZONE Following a big night at the ACM Awards, Miranda Lambert’s “Heart Like Mine” eases into the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot. Rascal Flatts moves up to No. 2 with “I Won’t Let Go,” followed by Kenny Chesney’s “Live A Little” at No. 3, Ronnie Dunn’s “Bleed Red” at No. 4 and Keith Urban’s […]

Execs Team For SING

Longtime music industry execs Jill Gleason, Johnny Rose and Walt Wilson have launched label services company Strength in Numbers Group (SING). The outfit is offering album services and planning, from recording through release and distribution, which is available through deals with UMG’s Fontana Distribution and Sony’s RED. A retainer-based fee structure also offers clients the […]

Americana Award Noms Due Tomorrow

Nominations are being accepted for the Americana Honors & Awards through tomorrow, Friday, April 8. Only members of the Americana Music Association in good standing may submit nominations. Membership costs $35 for artists or $75 for industry. The eligibility period for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards runs from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. The 10th […]

Digital Exec. Cameo Carlson Joins Borman

Digital music guru Cameo Carlson has joined Borman Entertainment’s Nashville office as Head of Digital Business Development. She most recently worked in New York as Exec. VP of Universal Motown Republic Group and had been serving as a consultant to Borman following the February departure of Genevieve Jewell. Now that Carlson is on board full-time […]

Lambert Working On TV Show, New Trio

Miranda Lambert’s star just keeps rising. The singer, who won four trophies at the Sunday night (4/3) ACM Awards, debuted her new project Pistol Annies the following evening, and has also announced plans to team with ABC Family for a television show.

Q1 Country Album Sales Down 13%

Country music sales results for the first quarter of 2011 are now complete and while the picture isn’t pretty, there are bright spots and some hopeful signs for later in the year.

All-Star Performers For Leadership Music Gala

Martina McBride, Ronnie Milsap, and Little Big Town will perform at the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner honoring the Country Music Association.

Radio Veteran Coyote McCloud Dies

Music City radio icon Coyote McCloud died Wednesday afternoon, April 6 at age 68.
A veteran of the Nashville airwaves for more than 30 years, McCloud’s slogan when he broadcast pop oldies was, “He played them when they were new.”

Lady A and Swift Fight Over Most Downloaded; Wynette Added To Registry

>>Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” is now the most downloaded country song of all time, beating out Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” by a little over 9,000 downloads. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the Lady track which has been battling with Swift for the title just edged out the Big Machine artist this week. In reality the […]

Sony Hires Strategic Partnership Exec Kevin Kay

Sony Music Nashville Senior Vice President, Promotion, Skip Bishop today (4/6) officially welcomes Kevin Kay to the promotion department as National Director of Strategic Partnerships. In his new role, Kay will focus on promotion opportunities, bringing together artists, radio, and major brands. Based in Nashville and reporting to Bishop, Kay was most recently based in […]

Live Nation Bids On Warner Music Group

Live Nation is among the bidders for Warner Music Group the Wall Street Journal reports. The concert promoter is mainly interested in Warner’s recorded music division, not its publishing arm. Live Nation has been growing vigorously in recent years, purchasing Front Line artist management as well as Ticketmaster. The Warner sell-out saga has been going […]

Memorial Scheduled For Mel McDaniel

A public memorial service for Grand Ole Opry star Mel McDaniel will be held Wed., April 13 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Ole Opry House. McDaniel lost his battle with lung cancer on March 31 at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn. The 68-year-old had been a member of the Opry since 1986. […]

Artist Action Wednesday (4/6)

Rogovin benefit, Lee Ann Womack, Montgomery Gentry, Jason Michael Carroll, Ty Stone, KY Music Hall of Fame, Lady Gaga, and golf tourney for Christmas 4 Kids.

Grammy Categories Restructured For 2012

Fewer trophies will be handed out at next year’s Grammy Awards, just one of several changes announced today (4/5) by The Recording Academy.

Craig Campbell Releases Debut Album

Craig Campbell’s self-titled debut album was released yesterday (4/5) and he is burning up the road playing shows and making promotional appearances. “Family Man,” the lead single from the project, has reached the Top 15 on the country radio charts. Keith Stegall produced the 11-track album, which includes nine songs co-written by Campbell. It is […]

Alan Jackson Extends Deal With EMI Publishing

Alan Jackson and EMI Music Publishing have extended their relationship with a new global deal. The country superstar first signed with the publisher more than ten years ago.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/6/11)

Our top tune this week might be from an unknown act to some of you kiddies. Yes, there was country music before Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. Once upon a time, there was a very popular male duo. No, I’m not talking about Brooks & Dunn.

Signings: Ray Stevens and Songwriter Mike Ulvila

Songwriter Mike Ulvila has signed a publshing deal with Davis Music Group. Ulvila, also known for his work as a musician and producer, has had songs recorded by Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap. “We’re thrilled to have Mike as part of our family here at Davis Music Group,” said GM Gator Michaels. “He’s an excellent […]

Hats Across The Row Parade Raises Spirits

The inaugural Hats Across The Row parade graced the streets of Music Row this afternoon (4/5). Numerous antique cars and cool rides drove down 17th Ave. carrying supporters of the fundraising campaign for the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation.

Photo Collage

Shots of Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Steve Cropper, Jeffrey Steele, Shane McAnally, and Ned McWherter

Randy Travis Records Star Duets For "Anniversary Celebration"

Country stalwart Randy Travis is planning a duets album to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his career. The Warner Bros. Records release, Anniversary Celebration, will include guests Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Kristin Chenoweth. Coming June […]

Industry Ink Tuesday (4/5)

SESAC signs Nathan Bell • Mark Montgomery writing for Forbes.com • Black River hires Dawn Delvo • JKMusicwerks inks Eric Durrance

Steven Dale Jones Signs With Word Publishing

Word Music Publishing has signed hit songwriter Steven Dale Jones. The Grammy nominated/award winning writer is known for penning such hits as “One More Day” (Diamond Rio), “Ten Thousand Angels” (Mindy McCready), “He Gets That From Me” (Reba), and many more. Showing his diverse talent, Jones has had cuts from artists as wide-ranging as the […]

Shelton Hosts ACM Shoot

  Blake Shelton hosted the first ever NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot on April 2 at Nellis Air Force Base as part of the Las Vegas Academy of Country Music Awards week celebration. The event consisted of a 13-station, 50-target competition for 19 teams of five shooters—each with a celebrity captain. Prizes were awarded to the […]

BMI Presents Annual Christian Awards

BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most-performed songs on Christian radio and television during the annual Christian Music Awards, held last night (4/4) at the company’s Music Row offices in Nashville. Among the evening’s top honorees were Rodney Griffin, tobyMac, Needtobreathe’s Bo Rinehart, Scott Krippayne and Universal Music Publishing Group. Genre-jumping […]

Jayne Rogovin Benefit, Hats Across The Row Today

Plus benefit news from Kacey Jones and Jesse Goldberg, Joe Dee Messina at the Music Row Road Race, and Cumulus Nashville’s Radiothon

SOURCE Announces 2011 Honorees

The SOURCE Awards committee has announced its 2011 honorees, whose achievements will be celebrated at the SOURCE Awards, August 25, 2011 at Nashville’s Noah Liff Opera Center. The 2011 SOURCE Awards honorees are Roberta Edging (Eddy Arnold Enterprises), Millie Kirkham (WSM Radio, Tree Music Publishing, Legendary Background Vocalist), Barbara Orbison (Barbara Orbison Productions, Roy Orbison […]

Rich Raises Big Bucks For St. Jude On Celeb Apprentice

John Rich was given project manager duties on last night’s (4/3) episode of Celebrity Apprentice, where he rallied friends including previous CA contestant Trace Adkins to line up big donations. The show’s two teams made art and auctioned it off to benefit their respective charities; Rich’s team was working for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. […]

Nashville Goes Vegas: ACM Party Pics [updated 4/5]

Labels host glamorous post-parties for artists and staff.

ACM Awards Win Ratings Race

The ACM Awards drew 12.2 million viewers last night (4/3), winning the ratings race for CBS, according to Zap2It.com. The 3-hour country music extravaganza won every hour, starting at 8PM/ET. CBS far outpaced the next runner-up, ABC which attracted 8.3 million watchers. NBC followed with 6.5 million, and Fox came in with 4 million. This […]

ACM Unleashes Niche Expanding Tour De Force

The 3-hour 46th Academy of Country Music Awards was perhaps the best show this format has produced—ever. Country superstars and rising newcomers were everywhere, blended with a liberal dose of off islander presenters to help drive ratings and exposure.

People Magazine Checks Out Country's Hottest Men

The new issue of People Country salutes Country’s Hottest Men, with Keith Urban gracing the cover as “Country’s Hottest Guy.” Other Nashville faves making the magazine’s pages are “Hottest Groom-to-Be” Blake Shelton, “Hottest Dad” Josh Turner, “Hottest Makeover” Chris Young and “Hottest Newcomers” Frankie Ballard, Walker Hayes, Brett Eldredge, and Brantley Gilbert. Elsewhere the issue […]

Lambert Leads ACM Awards Winners List

Miranda Lambert continued her awards show winning streak last night (4/3), racking up four trophies at the Academy of Country Music Awards and becoming the evening’s most honored artist.

Kelly Parkes – "Girl With A Fishing Rod"

Kelly Parkes is back with her new single “Girl With A Fishing Rod,” which is full of hooks designed to reel in listeners (Get it?). Written by Adrienne and Keith Follese with Victoria Shaw and Hillary Scott, the song speaks to the special appeal of the backwoods beauties who know how to land a big […]