Artist Tidbits: Jay DeMarcus, Eddie Montgomery and Joanna Smith

Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus (L) and wife Allison DeMarcus (R) welcomed their first child on Fri., December 17. Madeline Leigh DeMarcus was born in Nashville at 4:49pm, weighing in at 6 pounds and 9 ounces. “Allison and I are thrilled!” shares Jay.  “Madeline is absolutely gorgeous; she looks just like her daddy! Both mom […]

Nashville’s Street Corner Symphony In “The Sing Off” Finale

Nashville’s own Jeremy Lister and Street Corner Symphony have made the finals of NBC’s The Sing Off, which will air live tonight (12/20) at 7 pm CT. The a capella singing competition began with 10 vocal groups and has been whittled down to a final four groups: Street Corner Symphony, Committed (Huntsville, AL), The Backbeats […]

Hot Schatz Adds Lorge; Al Brock Launches Spin Doctors

Hot Schatz PR has hired Michelle Lorge as Associate Publicist and Operations Manager. In this role, Lorge will be responsible for implementing regional media campaigns for Hot Schatz artists as well as overseeing the office’s day-to-day administrative functions. “I’m very excited about adding Michelle to the Hot Schatz PR team,” says President/Owner Schatzi Hageman. “With […]

Cannon Records Curtis and Luckey

Grammy winning producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon and KMG recording duo Curtis and Luckey recently recorded new music at Blackbird Studios. Cannon said of the duo, “The songs these guys are writing and recording offer a fresh, energetic and exciting take on country music.” (L-R): Cannon, Curtis Baxter and Luckey Moore (standing). • • •

Almon Opens Private Practice

Orville Almon has announced he will open a private practice on Jan. 3, 2011. Almon, a founding partner of Zumwalt, Almon and Hayes and known for his expertise in contract law, is now making the jump to focus more on business affairs for entertainment and corporate entities. “The business model for an entertainment law firm […]

iTunes And Amazon Consolidate Leads

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Amazon Can’t Dent iTunes,” when it comes to selling music. One of the key differences between the two music retailers is pricing. Amazon often employs steep discounts to draw consumers. For example, Amazon will sometimes price new front line albums $3.99. iTunes usually sells albums for $9.99 […]

Upcoming Media Appearances For Adkins and Reba

Trace Adkins will appear on CBS’ new daytime talk show The Talk today (12/17) at 1 pm CT as a guest and performer. He will talk with show hosts Julie Chen, Leah Remini, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Sara Gilbert as well as performing the holiday classic, “The Christmas Song.” Adkins […]

Weekly Chart Report (12/17/10)

SPIN ZONE Note: Today’s chart edition is the final one of 2010, and we will take the next two weeks off. The first chart of 2011 will be published on Friday, January 7. Happy Holidays! • • • • Keith Urban will close out 2010 with “Put You In A Song” at the top of […]

Paisley and Aldean Enjoy Two Times The Airplay

Recently, two country artists’ teams successfully deployed new singles and managed to keep their current singles on the rise. At the 44th edition of the CMA Awards, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean both debuted songs other than their current singles. Thanks to years of hard work at radio by the artists and labels, the move […]

Zumwalt Firm Embraces New Model

Entertainment law firm Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes, founded in 1975, is joining with Shackelford, Melton & McKinley creating the only law firm with offices in Nashville, Dallas and Austin. Beginning Jan. 1 the new group in Nashville will be named Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes. The newly combined firm brings together over 45 lawyers with experience […]

As Digital Revolution Continues, Artists Expand Reach

If, as pundits proclaimed 12 months ago, “flat is the new up,” then 2010 will have been a pretty good year for country music sales—at least on the surface. Happily, for the week ending 12/5/2010, YTD country sales (down 5.7%) are handily outperforming the all genre average (down 12.7%) compared with the same period in 2009…

Americana Conference and ACM Awards Dates Announced

Americana Dates Announced The Americana Music Association (AMA) has announced that the 12th Annual Festival & Conference will take place October 12-15, 2011 in Nashville. The event, hailed as  the “Best Music Festival” by Southern Living Magazine, features over 100 performing artists, 50 panels, and fans and industry professionals from all of the world. Past […]

JaneDear Girls Taking Over YouTube; Upcoming Marty Stuart Film

JaneDear girls in YouTube Challenge the JaneDear girls are one of 50 artists selected to participate in MyYouTube, an online promotion that encourages fans to help musicians score points and subscribers on their YouTube channel. The contest, which runs through February 4, 2011, features artists such as B.O.B., Justin Bieber and Rihanna. The JaneDear girls […]

Photos: BMI Honors Brice, CMA Christmas Cheer, and Ballard Hits the Road

BMI honored Lee Brice’s record-breaking Billboard Song of the Year, “Love Like Crazy,” at a reception at BMI’s Music Row office on December 14. The song, produced by Doug Johnson and co-written by Johnson and Tim James, was on the Billboard Country Singles cart for an unprecedented 56 weeks, breaking Eddy Arnold’s previous record of […]

Artist News: Rascal Flatts, Josh Thompson and More

Rascal Flatts performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 14 to wrap up their year-long celebration of their 10th anniversary year. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean presented the band with an official city proclamation to recognize the band for their charitable endeavors and honors, including the Jason Foundation and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital […]

Lee Ann Womack Aids Africa; Dierks Bentley is Tops in 2010

Womack Aids Africa Lee Ann Womack has joined forces with Join My Village, a click-to-commit social change initiative that hopes to release $500,000 of General Mills’ charitable dollars to leading international humanitarian organization CARE. CARE will use the money for economic and educational opportunities for girls and women in Malawi. Join My Village allows individuals […]

Lauren Thomas Promoted At Arista

Lauren Thomas has been promoted to Regional Promotion Manager, Arista Nashville. Her responsible territory will be confirmed soon. Sony Music Nashville VP Promotion Skip Bishop made today’s (12/15) announcement. “I’m so happy to escort Lauren to this next level of her promising career. She is a natural born promotion machine and her passion for music […]

The Judds and Garth Bid Farewell To Larry King

Garth Brooks and The Judds were among Larry King’s final guests, as his venerable CNN show comes to an end this week. Wynonna and Naomi Judd discussed their reunion/farewell tour. Brooks talked about his ongoing shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and flood relief benefits opening tomorrow night in Nashville. See video below. More […]

Jamey Johnson Gets Gold Plaque, Critical Praise

Jamey Johnson’s The Guitar Song has been certified gold by the RIAA and is making numerous best albums of 2010 lists. The 25-song double disc set came in at No. 5 on lists in Rolling Stone and SPIN. Hear Johnson talk about the songs here. The UMG Nashville project received two Grammy nominations, including Best […]

ACM Noms Close Today; Stealing Angels Visit

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn –collectively known as Stealing Angels to the office for a visit when they were in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Stealing Angels signed up for ACM professional membership and performed a few songs for the staff including their new single […]

2010 Rewind Issue—On The Cover: Brad Paisley

Click Here to Order the 2010 Rewind Issue Brad Paisley Label: Arista Nashville Current Album: The double-disc Hits Alive, released November 2, including 25 tracks, blending studio hits and live recordings from Brad’s H2O World Tour. Current Single: “This Is Country Music,” the first single from Brad’s new studio album, releasing spring of 2011. Current […]

Nick Hunter Passes

Longtime label executive Nick Hunter passed away early this morning (12/15). He was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and friends report he fought the disease with grace. Hunter’s career in radio promotion and sales included time among the top leadership at Warner Bros. Records, Giant Records, and as General Manager of Koch Records. […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (12/15/10)

The ladies rule the day. There were only two of them is this listening session, but they bested the fellows to take our top two awards. Meaghan Blanchard hails from Canada. This talented singer-songwriter with a songbird’s voice wins the DisCovery Award.

Country Stars To Appear In HBO Mini-Series

Several country stars have been recruited for roles in the upcoming HBO Civil War mini-series To Appomattox. Dwight Yoakam, Laura Bell Bundy, Kix Brooks and members of Rascal Flatts are expected to appear in the eight-hour event. They will play real Americans who were involved in the Civil War. Rascal Flatts are also on board […]

IEBA Convention Sets Dates, New Venue

The International Entertainment Buyers Association will move its annual conference to the newly renovated Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel in 2011. The event will be held October 2-4, 2011. IEBA Executive Director Tiffany Davis says the organization had outgrown its former location, thanks to an increasing number of registrants, showcases, and growing production needs. The Sheraton […]

Photos: Dallas Frazier; Crazy 8’s

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (12/11) honored Dallas Frazier in its quarterly Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters series. Frazier discussed his life, career and extensive repertoire, which includes “There Goes My Everything,” “Elvira,” “Beneath Still Waters” and “What’s Your Mama’s Name.” •••••• Local songplugging group the Crazy 8’s invited MusicRow […]

Artists and Comedians Support Armed Forces

Kix Brooks is on a USO Tour through the Middle East, which will continue through this weekend. Joining him on the run is hit songwriter Bob DiPiero, and stars Lance Armstrong, Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan and Robin Williams. “We just did our first show, and it went great!” reports Brooks. “This group of folks I’m […]

The Band Perry Earns Platinum Single

The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 1 million units. The self-penned song from the trio scored a Grammy nomination and is their first No. 1 single. “This song is about hope and contentment,” says lead vocalist Kimberly Perry. “Fans seem to have taken this […]

Praise For Hank Williams Box Set

The Hank Williams box set is showing up on numerous best of 2010 lists, earning raves from the Washington Post and CMT.com’s Chet Flippo. The meticulously compiled project won a Pulitzer Prize in May, and is nominated for a 2011 Grammy for Best Historical Album. Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings…..Plus! is culled from […]

House Foundation Signs Off Tomorrow

Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee Gerry House ends his venerable show, “The House Foundation,” tomorrow (12/15). During its 22 years on-air, the program on Clear Channel’s WSIX has become a Nashville institution. “The House Foundation” has been counting down the 12 Days of Christmas in celebration, featuring tons of celebrity guests leading up to […]

Nashvillians Score Golden Globe Nods

Two songs written by Nashville songwriters and with ties to the Sony Music Nashville label group earned Golden Globe nods this morning (12/14) for Best Original Song—Motion Picture. One nominee is “Coming Home,” performed by Gwyneth Paltrow for the Country Strong soundtrack and written by Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, and Troy Verges. Also […]

Lady A, Corbin and Brice Lead Recent Lists

Lady Antebellum will close out a huge 2010 atop several of Billboard’s year-end charts. The Capitol trio earned the No. 1 spot on the Top Country Album Artists chart, the Top Country Albums chart for Need You Now, the Hot Country Songs Artists recap, the Country Digital Songs list with “Need You Now” and overall […]

Garth Concert Update

On Thursday, Dec. 16 Garth Brooks will open his string of shows in Nashville to benefit flood relief. He has announced plans for a press conference at 3 PM on Thursday to discuss the event which sold out in record breaking time. Brooks will talk to reporters at the Bridgestone Arena, which will host the […]

Joe Nichols “Greatest Hits” In The Works

Joe Nichols is planning the January 25, 2011 release of a greatest hits package on Show Dog-Universal. The set dates back to his early career hits such as “Brokenheartsville,” and goes through his newest single, “The Shape I’m In.” Also, the album will include his recent major hit “Gimmie That Girl,” which spent multiple weeks […]

George Jones At The Ryman; Little Jimmy Dickens Turns 90

George Jones will perform at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium next year. The show is scheduled for Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Friday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, Ryman.com, and the Ryman box office. Tickets prices are $49.50 / $39.50 / $29.50. More upcoming shows at the Ryman: Amy […]

BMI Hires Nada Latto

Nada Latto has joined BMI’s Nashville office as Vice President, Human Resources, where she will be responsible for leading all aspects of human resources for the company. She will report directly to Bruce Esworthy, BMI Sr. VP of Finance/Administration and CEO. “Nada is a veteran HR executive with over 20 years of well-rounded leadership experience […]

Terra Firma Could Default on EMI Loan

News sites including London’s Sunday Times, are buzzing today (12/13) with reports that EMI Music Group may soon end up in the hands of Citigroup. The bank funded a more than $4 billion loan for Guy Hands’ private equity firm Terra Firma to purchase the record company in 2007. Sources told the New York Post […]

Jim Lauderdale Re-ups With Bug

Bug Music has renewed its multi-year publishing deal with Jim Lauderdale. The singer-songwriter has worked with and written songs recorded by Elvis Costello, George Strait, the Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless, and many more. Among his recent hits are Strait’s “I Gotta Get To You.” Lauderdale was honored with the career achievement “Inspiration Award” at the […]

Montana’s “1000 Faces” Video; Riversong Signs Hess

Randy Montana Stars in “1,000 Faces” Mercury Nashville artist Randy Montana recently shot a video in downtown Nashville for his upcoming single, “1,000 Faces,” written by Montana and Tom Douglas. The video, directed by Robert Deaton and George Flanigen, utilized over 60 extras to convert the closed city streets into a swarm of bustling pedestrians […]

Davidson Named Hot Country Songwriter of the Year

EMI Music Publishing’s Dallas Davidson will be honored in this year’s Billboard year-end issue as the Hot Country Songwriter of the Year. The award recognizes his nine charted country singles including multiple No. 1 country hits “That’s How Country Boys Roll” (Billy Currington), “Rain Is A Good Thing” (Luke Bryan), “Gimmie That Girl” (Joe Nichols), […]

Benefits: Toys For Tots, Music City Community Chorus

This event has been canceled (12/13): Toolpusher recording artist Jason Sturgeon will host “Jason Sturgeon and Friends,” benefiting Nashville’s Toys For Tots on Monday, December 13. The show, featuring Sturgeon with guests Matt Stillwell, Andy Griggs, and Sherrie Austin takes place 6-7:30 pm at The Listening Room. Attendees are asked to bring new toys, unwrapped, […]

CMA Songwriter Series; CMT Radio Live On Tour

CMA SONGWRITERS SERIES PLAYS LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Bob DiPiero, Brett James, Little Big Town and Lori McKenna headlined the most recent CMA Songwriters Series, held in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC on December 4. This was the second CMA-produced songwriters event held at the Library in 2010, with plans […]

Paisley Plans New Album, Offers Free Download

Brad Paisley’s “This Is Country Music” had a big platform when he debuted it at the 44th Annual CMA Awards in November, and it is already rapidly climbing the charts. It will also be the title track to the newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year’s new album, which is due out April 19, 2011. […]

Warner/Chappell Acquires 615 Music

Warner/Chappell Music, the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group Corp. and parent company of Non-Stop Music, today (12/10) announced the acquisition of 615 Music, a Nashville-based production music company. In addition, 615 Music’s President and CEO, Randy Wachtler, will take on the role of EVP, North America, for Warner/Chappell’s production music business. The agreement […]

Lynn Honored with Van Lear Rose

A new rose has been named in honor of country legend Loretta Lynn. The “Loretta Lynn Van Lear,” named after the Grammy-winning album Van Lear Rose, will be delivered to Lynn’s ranch in the spring of 2011 and will be available for purchase by the fall of 2011. “Roses have always been so special to […]

Weekly Chart Report (12/10/10)

The holidays are upon us, which means its almost time to take a break from number crunching and chart compiling. Next week’s chart, to be published on December 17, will be the final one of 2010. We’ll start back strong in 2011 on Friday, January 7. SPIN ZONE Slight changes occur in the penultimate CountryBreakout […]

Twitter, Music and You

Pew Research Center released a report today, stating that eight percent of American adults who use the Internet are also Twitter users. Twitter, which launched in 2006, serves as both a never-ending tournament in which users attempt to outwit each other in 140 characters or less and a thriving, active community ripe for sharing news […]

Sales Engine Whirring As Holiday Looms

Fa-la-la-la-la_____        la–la-la-la. That familiar melodic snippet nicely sums the panoramic view from your Scribe’s lofty perch, high upon the holiday hilltops watching the SoundScan ticker tape turn. A dozen CDs passed the 20k benchmark on the Top Current Country chart this week, and country’s album sales YTD deficit continued to improve from -6.1% to -5.7%. […]

Artists and Songwriters Perform Good Works

Ty Herndon has partnered with former NFL player Kevin Turner to raise awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and its emerging connection to athletes exposed to repeated head trauma. Turner is a former NFL fullback with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles who was diagnosed with ALS in […]

Sara Evans Album News; Cash Auction Raises Big Bucks

Sara Evans is Stronger Sara Evans will release her sixth full-length album, Stronger, on March 8, 2011 on RCA. The album includes her current single, “A Little Bit Stronger,” written by Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey and Hillary Scott. Evans is also featured in the December 13th issue of Country Weekly, in which she talks about […]