Baby Boom

News from Eric Church, and UMG staffer Fount Lynch

Omni Hotel Will Include Country Music Hall of Fame Expansion

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will enjoy a 200,000 square foot expansion as part of the planned Omni Nashville Hotel, being built to accompany the Music City Center downtown convention center. Construction for the Music City Center is already underway, and construction on the 21-story Omni will break ground early this summer. […]

Rihanna, Nettles Set For ACM Performance

R&B star Rihanna is set to perform with Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles on the upcoming ACM Awards. They will team up for Rihanna’s “California King Bed.”

P2P Downloading on Decline

According to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, the percentage of internet users downloading music from P2P file-sharing services has fallen from a high of 16 percent in Q4 of 2007, to 9 percent in Q4 2010. While illegal downloading of this kind is on the decline, it is far from eradicated. NPD […]

Songwriters Salute Hank at the Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will present a special program honoring Hank Williams on April 16. Titled I Saw the Light: Songwriters Salute Hank, the program will feature Rodney Crowell, Ashley Monroe, the Secret Sisters and Steve Young. Family Tradition co-curator Michael McCall will host and each artist will perform one or more […]

Foster & Lloyd Reunite For New Album

Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd have reunited for their first album of new material since 1990. The acclaimed duo of the late ‘80s will release It’s Already Tomorrow to digital outlets April 26, followed by a CD release May 17 on ‘Effin ‘El Records. The duo co-produced and co-wrote all twelve songs on the set, […]

NuCorp Ent. Launches With Flagship Act Darren Warren

Artist manager Jeff Carver, whose career includes work with Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker, has teamed with businessman Joe McDaniel to form NuCorp Entertainment. The company has signed flagship artist Darren Warren and is prepping the release of his debut single. Handling distribution and promotion will be execs Chuck Rhodes, and longtime Warner Bros. staffer […]

The Roys Release Lonesome Whistle

The Roys‘ latest album, Lonesome Whistle, was released yesterday (3/22) on Rural Rhythm records. The duo is currently on a nine-day nationwide media tour. The 11-song album includes 10 Roy originals, and was co-produced by the duo and Andy Leftwich. The disc’s first single, “Coal Minin’ Man,” is climbing the bluegrass charts. The video, which […]

Musical Chairs

Jordan Zucker joins CO5 • Jerry Bailey retiring from BMI • Laura McKinley exits Sony • Emblem ups Haley Melikian

Benefits: Mow The Row In Memory of Joshua Ragsdale

Plus news from songwriter Harley Allen, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Steve Cropper, Lee Roy Parnell, Randy Owen and the Country Weekly Fashion Show

Alan Jackson Teams With Capitol's EMI Records Nashville

Alan Jackson is teaming with Capitol Records Nashville to release his next album. The superstar is heading into the studio soon and his new music will be released as a joint venture between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and Capitol/EMI Records Nashville.

NYT Feels Music Industry Pain

“If it was as easy as it looks, everyone would do it.” These words may best describe some of the early pain being felt by the New York Times as it struggles to adjust the rules, technology and concept of its, about-to-begin March 28, paywall. And although the music industry is just an onlooker in […]

Dolly's "Better Day" Still To Come

Dolly Parton is making plans to release her new studio album Better Day (Dolly Records) this summer, followed by an extensive worldwide tour. The iconic star will perform the album’s first single “Together You & I” live May 26 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The album’s exact release date is yet to be announced, but […]

Industry Ink Wednesday

CMA International Awards • TCN Adds Affiliates • Shock Ink Signs David St. Romain • Debut Broadcasting’s New Programs

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/23/11)

This week, we’re going from one extreme to the other. At one end of the sonic spectrum, we have the stone-country sound of Bradley Gaskin. He stopped the show with “Mr. Bartender” during the CRS Convention, and now his hardcore honky-tonk single of the same will leave you gasping for breath.

Steel Guitar Master Ralph Mooney Passes

Steel guitar great Ralph Mooney, the co-writer of the country standard “Crazy Arms,” died Sunday, March 20, at his home in Arlington, Texas. Mooney was noted for his distinctive playing behind such superstars as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. He can be heard on such early 1960s Owens hits as “Under Your Spell […]

Stealing Angels "Paper Heart"

Members: Caroline Cutbirth, Tayla Lynn, Jennifer Wayne Single: “Paper Heart” Album: Stealing Angels, releasing 2011 Label: Skyville Records Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn are STEALING ANGELS. In case any of their last names sound familiar…they should! These young women are descended from American icons, including country great Loretta Lynn, film legend John Wayne […]

Someone Else Getting A Payday

BMI toasted the No. 1 success of Luke Bryan’s latest single “Someone Else Calling You Baby” during a feel-good gathering on Monday, March 21 at the company’s Music Row offices. Written by Bryan and his producer Jeff Stevens, the song is Bryan’s third consecutive No. 1 off his Gold certified album, Doin’ My Thing. It […]

Photos: Chesney, Carter’s Chord, SXSW

Kenny Chesney’s Goin’ Coastal Tour, presented by Corona, kicked off last Thursday in West Palm Beach. He also performed recently in Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium to a sold-out crowd of over 50,000. The tour now sets the compass north for upcoming shows in Des Moines, IA (3/24); St. Paul, MN (3/25); and Omaha, NE […]

Wynn Varble Among CMT Next Superstar Finalists

Songwriter Wynn Varble is among the top 10 finalists on CMT’S Next Superstar, the competition series set to premiere Friday, April 8 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT. Varble has written or co-written hits including “Have You Forgotten” (Darryl Worley), “Waitin’ on a Woman” (Brad Paisley) and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” (Easton Corbin), and […]

Witherspoon, Pattinson To Present at ACM Awards

Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson have been added to the presenters list for the April 3 ACM Awards. Hosted by Reba and Blake Shelton, the show will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS. These Hollywood heavyweights join previously announced presenters Nancy O’Dell and Ryan Seacrest. In addition, […]

Rootmetrics Finds Verizon 4G Fastest

Rootmetrics, a Seattle-based company that compiles data about mobile networks has released a study showing that Verizon’s LTE 4G network delivered faster upload and download speeds in a test conducted inside the Seattle area market. Verizon’s LTE network also had better access. Other 4G networks sampled in the test included T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. [Download […]

Sugarland To Perform On "Idol"

Sugarland is slated to perform on Fox’s American Idol for Thursday’s (3/24) results show. This will be the Mercury duo’s first appearance on the series. Also set to perform is former Idol contestant and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson. The remaining 11 contestants will compete for the crown by singing the hits of Motown on Wednesday (3/23) […]

Ronnie Dunn To Release Solo Debut

Ronnie Dunn will be releasing his self-titled solo debut album on June 7. The 12 track collection, Ronnie Dunn, was produced soley by Dunn and includes eight songs that he wrote or co-wrote. Dunn’s first televised performance of the album’s debut single, “Bleed Red” will be on The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, […]

Bidding Continues For Warner Music Group

Bidding for Warner Music Group continues with today’s (3/22) news that six companies are participating in the second round of the auction, according to the Financial Times. Publishing giant BMG, in a partnership with private equity group KKR, is interested in buying Warner as a whole. Private investment group Tamares is also interested in the […]

Supreme Court Won't Review Eminem/UMG Royalty Dispute

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this afternoon (3/21) that it will not hear the appeal from Universal Music Group in a digital royalty dispute between Eminem’s former production company and the label. Last year the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Eminem’s former production company, who filed the suit claiming they […]

Urban Lines Up TV Shows, Tour Dates Down Under

Keith Urban is making the media rounds this week. The star will perform his latest single “Without You” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wed., March 23. Then he will visit Ellen for a performance set to air on Mon., March 28. “Without You” is No. 10 and climbing on MusicRow’s Country Breakout […]

Cher Switches Gears [Updated 3/22]

[Updated 3/22] Cher’s rep has revealed that the singer was originally planning to do a country project, but is now making a full-on dance record. Hitfix has the scoop. No word on whether Mark Bright is still producing the project. ******* Cher is working on a country-influenced album with stellar Nashville producer Mark Bright, known […]

Country Stars Taping NBC-TV Special Tonight

Some of country music’s biggest superstars will perform at a special event honoring former President George H. W. Bush tonight (3/21) in Washington D.C. On the schedule are Reba, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, rapper Cee Lo Green, and r&b icon Sam Moore. The event called All Together Now – […]

Industry Ink

Lambert’s Platinum single • CMA needs Music Festival volunteers • CRS seeking Agenda Committee • Bluewater signing • Mike Severson gets new gig

Dierks Bentley Offers First Music From Next Album

The first music from Dierks Bentley’s next album debuted on his social media pages and was sent to radio today. The party-hearty track shows residual influences of his previous bluegrass inspired album, mixed with plenty of southern rock stylings.

BMG Chrysalis To Represent Carly Simon's Catalog

No longer dreaming they’ll be her partner, the North American division of music rights giant BMG Chrysalis has signed an exclusive agreement with singer/songwriter Carly Simon. This agreement will extend to all of Simon’s administration, collection, and exploitation in the US and Canada for both catalog and futures. Simon’s remarkable career includes being inducted into […]

ACM Adds Performers, Web Series

The Academy of Country Music announced today that Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Reba, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band with James Taylor are scheduled to perform as part of the 46th Annual ACM Awards. In addition, Nancy O’Dell and Ryan Seacrest are scheduled as presenters. In related news, […]

David St. Romain

“Twenty Years Late” Aria Records / Turnpike Music David St. Romain’s latest single to hit country radio is the soulful ballad “Twenty Years Late,” which officially goes for adds April 4. The song comes from his just-released album All I Really Wanted To Say, which features songs by Brett James, Chris Tompkins and Jeffrey Steele […]

Nashville World Music Leader Aashid Himons Passes

Aashid Himons, 68, one of Nashville’s leading world-music exponents, died Saturday morning at Vanderbilt Hospital following a long illness. Himons is perhaps best known as the leader of Afrikan Dreamland, a group that fused reggae, new age, blues, jazz and African musical styles. As that band’s leader as well as a solo artist, Himons recorded […]

Ferlin Husky Funeral Today

The funeral for Ferlin Husky will be held this afternoon (3/21) in Hendersonville – the Country Music Hall of Fame member died on Thursday March 17 at age 85 following 30 years of heart problems. His funeral will be officiated by the Rev. Dallas Frazier. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Frazier was a protégée […]

Happy Birthday Sheri!!

On Friday, March 18, the Country Music Association Strategic Partnerships and Strategic Marketing departments presented Vice President Sheri Warnke with “Swarnke’s ‘Modern (work) Family’” plaque in honor of her birthday. POSTER: Featured are CMA staffers as “Modern Family” cast members (back, l-r: Chris Epperly as Cameron, Marty Filogamo as Lilly, Ben Bennett as Jay, Sheri […]

Eye On Idol

American Idol contestants took a trip back in time on Wednesday (3/16), selecting songs from the year they were born. Interscope head Jimmy Iovine and his team of producers were on hand to give the songs a modern touch and coach contestants through the performances. Ultimately New York native Karen Rodriguez was sent home on […]

Little Champion Signs Jennifer Kennard

Little Champion Music LLC and principals John and Martina McBride have signed Jennifer Kennard to Songs Of Blackbird (BMI). Senior Creative Director, Glenn Middleworth, says “We’re looking forward to a long term relationship with Jennifer and expect great songs to come from her skill set of creativity, energy, enthusiasm and networking. Jennifer comes to Songs Of […]

Benefit News

Stars Go Blue Benefits Blue Note Fund, Jimmy Wayne—Spokesperson for CASA, WMBA Top-Earner at Bowl For Kids’ Sakes, Jerry Douglas at the Bluebird, David St. Romain To Play Benefits, Register for MCTI, Steep Canyon Rangers at Garden & Gun Party

Church Hopes For Happy Ending

Eric Church is looking for a happy ending at the upcoming 46th Annual ACM Awards where he is nominated for Top New Artist of the Year. His latest viral video plays on his trophy hopes showing a hesitant hostess at a massage establishment being asked, even pleaded with, to do something special for her client. […]

TV Appearances

Sugarland Co-Hosts GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown, The Grascals Appear on RFD TV’s Larry Country Diner, The Marty Stuart Show Welcomes Loretta Lynn

Promotions at CMA Announced

The Country Music Association has promoted Tammy Donham, Ben Bennett, and Catherine Blackwell to new positions in the organization’s Strategic Marketing Department. Donham has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing from her previous position as Senior Director of Marketing. She began her employment with CMA in 1996. She is responsible for overseeing advertising and […]

Artists Out and About

Kenny Chesney ‘Coastal’ Living, Walker Hayes Visits CMA, Eagles at the Great Wall

Weekly Chart Report (3/18/11)

SPIN ZONE Thompson Square is just plain hot. The Stoney Creek duo has now spent three weeks on top of the CountryBreakout Chart with “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” racking up some impressive sales figures in the meantime. They’re looking like early breakout stars for 2011. Darius Rucker’s “This” moves to the No. […]

Kristofferson Flick To Open Nashville Film Festival

The Nashville Film Festival is always stacked with music-related events, ranging from screenings to the annual music supervisors panel. This year’s just-announced films include appearances by artists/actors Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, and Chely Wright. The festival takes place April 14-21 at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas. Making its Southeastern U.S. Premiere on NaFF opening night […]

Flatts Fest Tour Starts June 18

Rascal Flatts will join with opening acts Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Justin Moore on a 24-show tour that starts June 18 in Bristow, VA and ends Sept. 18 in san Diego, CA. Included will be an interactive, high-energy stage design plus a unique pre-show festival atmosphere and tailgating experience. Activities will be spread throughout […]

Lifenotes: Mark Russo

Longtime tour production manager Mark Russo has died at age 55. The Albuquerque, NM native passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Ferlin Husky Passes

Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ferlin Husky has died, according to a report from The Tennessean. The 85-year-old had been suffering from congestive heart failure and hospitalized in recent weeks. From 1953-1975, he charted almost 50 singles, including signature songs “Wings of a Dove,” and “Gone.” The Missouri native got his start in the […]

NYT Paywall Starts March 28

After months of speculation, The New York Times has announced a plan to charge  for digital subscriptions. In a letter sent to readers, the publication said, “Today marks a significant transition…[one] we hope you will see as an investment in The Times, one that will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality journalism to readers around […]