MusicRow’s digital content distribution engine [web site] has been enjoying a steady surge in traffic thanks to our dedicated readers. The above graph, compiled by Google analytics, compares www.musicrow.com traffic from Dec. 27, 2010 to Jan 26, 2011 with that of the same period one year ago. As the report shows, all key indicators are […]
American Idol’s Nashville auditions air tonight (1/27) on Fox at 7 PM/CT. The first round of auditions took place in July at the Bridgestone Arena, drawing 16,000 hopefuls. In October, judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez returned for the second round, held at the Ryman Auditorium. Of the historic venue, Tyler remarked, “There’s […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-01-27 14:13:242011-01-27 14:13:24Photos From GMA Hall of Fame Inductions
The Nashville Scene corresponded with 77 writers from across North America for this year’s Country Music Critics Poll. Jamey Johnson led the pack, being voted Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year. Meanwhile, his ambitious two-disc effort, The Guitar Song, as voted the year’s best album. Miranda Lambert’s […]
Great Britain’s Allan Watkiss Receives CMA International Broadcaster Award • Joe Galante Toasted at Surprise Party in His Honor • Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Entertainment Industry Relations Visits the WMBA
Web site Eventful has established a Nashville office to be headed by Ryan Bitzer as Director of Tour Marketing. Bitzer previously helped launch and run the Nashville division of Sparkart Group, Inc., a digital agency that specializes in online entertainment marketing. Prior to that he was Chief Strategy Officer at RPM Management, overseeing the web […]
Arrangements: Louvin’s funeral service will be at 1:30PM Sunday, Jan. 30 at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 11AM –4PM Saturday, Jan. 29, as well as one hour prior to the funeral on Sunday. Harpeth Hills Funeral Home is located at 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, […]
BMI honored sibling trio The Band Perry and their hit song “If I Die Young” at the company’s Music Row office. Written by Kimberly Perry and performed by her and her brothers Reid Perry and Neil Perry, the song marks Kimberly’s first trip to the top of the charts as a songwriter as well as […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00contributorhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngcontributor2011-01-27 08:59:252011-01-27 08:59:25The Band Perry Celebrates First No. 1
“Country Thang” Average Joes Entertainment Colt Ford will be playing at MusicRow’s Annual CRS Meet & Greet Tuesday, March 1, 2:30-5 pm at Cadillac Ranch. Colt Ford’s latest offering “Country Thang” is the title track to his upcoming album. He penned the song with the white-hot writing trio of Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, and Ben […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00ProgrammerPlaylisthttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngProgrammerPlaylist2011-01-27 08:55:192011-01-27 08:55:19Colt Ford
Nielsen Holdings (NLSN) concluded a successful IPO today with gains of over 9% as the company surged to $25.00 during trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange. The company which measures consumer behavior, and also gathers the SoundScan bar code information from music sales, originally offered to sell 71.4 million shares at $23 for […]
Yesterday (1/25) Nashville was beaming with pride when local songwriters Tom Douglas, Troy Verges, and Hillary Lindsey scored an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Together, with Bob DiPiero, they wrote “Coming Home” for the Country Strong soundtrack. So why isn’t DiPiero’s name on the official nominations list?
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/10195121/oscar-front.jpg260390Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-01-26 15:09:542011-01-26 15:09:54Give Credit Where Credit Is Due: Oscar Noms Omit Writer
If you had your pick of all the talented, and attractive women in country music for a night out who would you pick? Well, you don’t have to choose because the Academy of Country Music is making the decisions for you with the organization’s latest CBS TV Special to be called—Girl’s Night Out: Superstar Women […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2011-01-26 14:26:262011-01-26 14:26:26ACM Tapes Girls Night Out For CBS
One-by-one country music stars are taking off their cowboy boots and replacing them with army boots. The Boot Campaign, started by five Texas women—the “Boot Girls” (Ginger, Leigh Ann, Sherri, Heather and Mariae)—was inspired by retired US Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of the book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost […]
The Southern Region Division of the T.J. Martell Foundation introduced its new board members during the Board of Directors meeting on January 6. Joining the board are Charlie Brusco, Alliance Artists – Artist Management; Gil Cunningham, Neste Marketing; Holly Hawkins, Community Volunteer; Deana Ivey, Nashville Visitors and Convention Bureau; Brock Jones, Powers Management Group; Ben […]
Blake Shelton may have an important co-hosting gig with Reba coming up at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards April 3, but he’s certainly not going to sit around and worry about it. In fact, the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year is making use of the time by extending his first ever […]
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Wouldn’t it be nice? If you could just enjoy the present without worrying about the future? And, as a life recipe there may be merit in that approach. However, for Nielsen SoundScan number jockeys, we can’t help but peer around the corner, (even if it is piled high with snow) to see what lies ahead. Today, country music album sales are a healthy 10.6% ahead of last year. (So if all you want to know is today’s good news, stop reading and switch to another article.)
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2011-01-26 10:00:122011-01-26 10:00:12Living In The Sales Moment
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has received a $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which will allow the Museum to expand its Words & Music program. “The Museum has offered its Words & Music program, which allows students to express themselves creatively and to learn the craft of lyric […]
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BMI hosted a luncheon to honor the team behind Tim McGraw’s latest No. 1 hit “Felt Good on My Lips” Thursday, January 20 in Nashville. This is the first time brothers Jim Beavers and Brett Beavers and Brett Warren and Brad Warren have topped charts together. Their collaboration became the 23rd chart-topper for McGraw.
The lesson in today’s stack of platters is that there is life after major labels. Elizabeth Cook, Jeff Bates, Josh Gracin and Jason D. Williams are all here to tell us they’re still standing tall. So is singer-songwriter extraordinaire Lori McKenna, who wins the Disc of the Day with a stunning album that dropped just yesterday.
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Ronnie Dunn is releasing his first post-Brooks & Dunn single. “Bleed Red,” is the lead track from his upcoming solo debut album for Sony Music Nashville. Produced by Dunn, and penned by Tommy Lee James and Andrew Dorff, “Bleed Red” is a ballad that Dunn says, “knocked me out from the first listen. I genuinely felt […]
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Sony has rallied support among the major labels—Warner Bros., Universal and EMI—to form a streaming music service that the partners hope will challenge Apple’s iTunes (now passed the 10 billion downloads mark) and give their artists an additional platform form which to be heard.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00adminhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngadmin2011-01-25 15:27:432011-01-25 15:27:43Sony Music Unlimited Sets Sights On U.S.
This morning’s (1/25) Academy Award nominations included the song “Coming Home,” from the Country Strong soundtrack. Nominated for Best Original Song are songwriters Tom Douglas, Troy Verges, and Hillary Lindsey. Bob DiPiero also has a writing credit on the song, but only three songwriters are allowed to be nominated. (read why) “Coming Home” was performed […]
Ty Stone on Kid Rock tour • Billy Currington on Leno • The Band Perry team with Purina • Randy Montana’s free single • Brantley Gilbert new single • Ride/Capstone launch Glen Templeton • Clay Walker plays Pebble Beach • Gatlins on Craig Ferguson • Lorrie Morgan climbs Pink Ladders >>Atlantic Records newcomer Ty Stone […]
Dierks Bentley will be heading to Asheville, NC next week with producer Jon Randall Stewart and recording engineer Gary Paczosa to record his sixth Capitol Nashville studio album. The entire recording experience from the studio will be viewable online through a live video feed 24 hours a day beginning Jan. 30 on www.dierks.com. “I’ve been […]
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Kenny Chesney and producer Buddy Cannon are celebrating a milestone. Chesney’s latest No. 1 hit “Somewhere With You,” marked the star’s 21st time at the top of the charts, and his 20th charttopper produced by Cannon. Chesney says he knew the song by Shane McAnally and John Harding was very unique the first time he […]
Joanna Smith will be playing at MusicRow’s Annual CRS Meet & Greet Tuesday, March 1, 2:30-5 pm at Cadillac Ranch. Joanna Smith is releasing her new single, “Georgia Mud,” which she co-wrote with Jim McCormick and Aaron Scherz. The song will appear on her upcoming debut album for Columbia Nashville. “Aaron had the line about […]
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Dove nominations • Joe Galante new email • NaFF scores sponsorship • Production Music panel • ACM hiring • New Faces Show • Jay McCarthy joins Roxstarz
Radio promotion executives Matthew Hargis and Bobby Young have essentially traded posts. Hargis has left his role handling southeast regional promotion for Capitol Records Nashville, and joined Republic Nashville as National Director of Promotion. In turn, Young has exited his post as Republic’s National Promotion Director to fill the vacancy left by Hargis at Capitol. […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-01-25 10:25:252011-01-25 10:25:25Role Reversal For Radio Promoters Matthew Hargis, Bobby Young
Luke Bryan will release his third Spring Break themed EP, Spring Break 3…It’s A Shore Thing, on March 1, 2011. His third annual spring break show is set for March 8 and 9 at Spinnaker’s Beach Club in Panama City, FL. The EP features four never-before-released songs co-written by Bryan, “If You Ain’t Here To […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Michellehttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMichelle2011-01-25 10:19:362011-01-25 10:19:36Luke Bryan Plans New Spring Break EP
Paisley Joined By GB Packers QB Onstage • the JaneDear girls Go Shopping With A Fan • Newcomer Jacob Lyda Performs A Private Showcase Brad Paisley appropriately kicked off his H2O Frozen Over Tour in frozen Green Bay, WI last week (Jan. 21). The sold-out crowd was taken to another level of frenzy when Aaron […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Freemanhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngFreeman2011-01-25 10:04:132011-01-25 10:04:13Photos: Paisley, the JaneDear girls, Jacob Lyda
Skyville Records has entered an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Sony Music Nashville. The fall debut from Stealing Angels will be the first release via the new partnership. Under the agreement, Sony Music Nashville will offer manufacturing, sales, copyright administration and website development. Under the creative direction of producer Paul Worley, Skyville will find, develop […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-01-25 08:58:052011-01-25 08:58:05Skyville Records Scores Sony Distribution
Dear Friends & Family, The past few weeks have been indescribable for our family. Losing our beloved son Juri Bunetta was a tragedy like no other. But through this event, we found out so much more about him, the rest of our family and even ourselves. We learned that true friendship has no limits or […]
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Nashville-based business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) has announced that Julie Boos, business manager, Nashville; and Trey Dunaway, chief compliance officer and vice president of tax and royalties; have become vice presidents and owner/shareholders of the firm. Dunaway and Boos join founding owners Chuck Flood, Frank Bumstead and Mary Ann McCready, as […]
[Updated] Organizers are offering a live Internet stream for Nickfest, a celebration of Nick Hunter’s life and legacy to be held January 25, 2011, at 6 p.m. at 2602 Soundstage (2602 Westwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204). For those not able to make it to Nashville for Nickfest (or if you know friends of Nick that […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2011-01-24 15:15:102011-01-24 15:15:10[update] Nick Hunter Memorial Celebration
On Tues., Feb. 1 Miranda Lambert and Ronnie Dunn will announce the nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Nominations for the 46th annual event will be revealed that morning at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The ACM Awards, known as Country Music’s Party of […]
Lamar Fike, an enduring member of Elvis Presley’s so-called “Memphis Mafia,” as well as a Music Row businessman, has died in Arlington, Texas. Mr. Fike was 75 years old. Born in Cleveland, Mississippi on Nov. 11, 1935, he was briefly a radio disc jockey at KEBE in Jacksonville, FL. He joined Presley’s inner circle in […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2011-01-24 13:25:342011-01-24 13:25:34“Memphis Mafia” Member Lamar Fike Passes
The Country Music Association will be the 2011 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, it was announced today (1/24). The organization will be bestowed with the honor Tuesday, May 17 at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel. “Leadership Music is excited to recognize CMA as the 2011 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award,” says […]
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Kobalt Music Group is expanding its core business beyond music publishing to include the administration and marketing of other rights such as neighboring rights, synch rights for master recordings, and others to be announced later this year. The company has worked for the last 18 months to develop a global extended rights collections platform which […]
Jim Williamson, the recording engineer known for work with Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, passed away at his Nashville area home on Jan. 20. He was 75, and died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Williamson played a role in recordings classics such as Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Tammy […]
Thirty nine years is a long career span to be in one industry. But when it’s all at the same company—and as its leader for most of the time—then the proper word is “remarkable.” And so it seemed perfectly natural that a group of friends organized an evening with an invitation that read, “Join Us As We celebrate Joe Galante’s remarkable 39 years with RCA, BMG and Sony Music.”
The Grascals‘ video for “I Am Strong” has been added for airplay by GAC and The Country Network. Country Hall of Famer Dolly Parton makes a special guest appearance in the video, which was directed by David Corlew and produced by former TN Commission head David Bennett. The song, written by Jamie Johnson and wife […]
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Toby Keith will release a DVD compilation of his music videos on March 8. Titled 10, the DVD will include videos for songs such as his debut single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” his Willie Nelson collaboration “Beer For My Horses,” his latest “Bullets In The Gun” and others such as “I Love This Bar” and […]
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Mayor Karl Dean, along with the Nashville Music Council, have announced a partnership with the recently launched Nashville Entrepreneur Center. This agreement will provide local start-ups in digital media and entertainment with direct support. Initially the NEC will present business plans for the Music Council, providing entrepreneurs with executive level feedback. Additionally, the NEC will […]
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Wynonna Judd will travel to New York next week to make several media appearances for the upcoming release of her debut fictional novel, Restless Heart. The book will be released Jan. 25 and accompanied by appearances on programs such as The Today Show (NBC), The Joy Behar Show (HLN) and Access Hollywood (NBC). On Jan. […]
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Entrepreneur Glen Blaschke and hit songwriter Tammy Hyler announced the formation of Big Country Records and the signing of singer/songwriter Morgan Tobias during an industry launch at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this week. (L-R) standing: Joe Brazil, attorney for Morgan Tobias and Norman Gillis, attorney for Big Country Records. Seated: Glen […]
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MusicRow.com Traffic Bustin' Loose
/by adminMusicRow’s digital content distribution engine [web site] has been enjoying a steady surge in traffic thanks to our dedicated readers. The above graph, compiled by Google analytics, compares www.musicrow.com traffic from Dec. 27, 2010 to Jan 26, 2011 with that of the same period one year ago. As the report shows, all key indicators are […]
Sneak Preview of Tonight's Nashville "Idol" Auditions
/by Sarah SkatesAmerican Idol’s Nashville auditions air tonight (1/27) on Fox at 7 PM/CT. The first round of auditions took place in July at the Bridgestone Arena, drawing 16,000 hopefuls. In October, judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez returned for the second round, held at the Ryman Auditorium. Of the historic venue, Tyler remarked, “There’s […]
Photos From GMA Hall of Fame Inductions
/by Sarah SkatesBill “Hoss” Allen, Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key and the Golden Gate Quartet joined the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Monday.
Artist News: Swift Sets Nashville Dates
/by Sarah SkatesPlus the latest from Joanna Smith, Sarah Darling, Frankie Ballard, Kenny Chesney, Chuck Wicks, the JaneDear girls, and more.
"Nashville Scene" Compiles Country Critics Poll
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Scene corresponded with 77 writers from across North America for this year’s Country Music Critics Poll. Jamey Johnson led the pack, being voted Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year. Meanwhile, his ambitious two-disc effort, The Guitar Song, as voted the year’s best album. Miranda Lambert’s […]
Industry Photos
/by contributorGreat Britain’s Allan Watkiss Receives CMA International Broadcaster Award • Joe Galante Toasted at Surprise Party in His Honor • Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Entertainment Industry Relations Visits the WMBA
Eventful Launches Nashville Post
/by Sarah SkatesWeb site Eventful has established a Nashville office to be headed by Ryan Bitzer as Director of Tour Marketing. Bitzer previously helped launch and run the Nashville division of Sparkart Group, Inc., a digital agency that specializes in online entertainment marketing. Prior to that he was Chief Strategy Officer at RPM Management, overseeing the web […]
[Updated w/ Arrangements] Charlie Louvin Passes
/by Sarah SkatesArrangements: Louvin’s funeral service will be at 1:30PM Sunday, Jan. 30 at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 11AM –4PM Saturday, Jan. 29, as well as one hour prior to the funeral on Sunday. Harpeth Hills Funeral Home is located at 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, […]
The Band Perry Celebrates First No. 1
/by contributorBMI honored sibling trio The Band Perry and their hit song “If I Die Young” at the company’s Music Row office. Written by Kimberly Perry and performed by her and her brothers Reid Perry and Neil Perry, the song marks Kimberly’s first trip to the top of the charts as a songwriter as well as […]
Colt Ford
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Country Thang” Average Joes Entertainment Colt Ford will be playing at MusicRow’s Annual CRS Meet & Greet Tuesday, March 1, 2:30-5 pm at Cadillac Ranch. Colt Ford’s latest offering “Country Thang” is the title track to his upcoming album. He penned the song with the white-hot writing trio of Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, and Ben […]
Nielsen IPO A Success
/by adminNielsen Holdings (NLSN) concluded a successful IPO today with gains of over 9% as the company surged to $25.00 during trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange. The company which measures consumer behavior, and also gathers the SoundScan bar code information from music sales, originally offered to sell 71.4 million shares at $23 for […]
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due: Oscar Noms Omit Writer
/by Sarah SkatesYesterday (1/25) Nashville was beaming with pride when local songwriters Tom Douglas, Troy Verges, and Hillary Lindsey scored an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Together, with Bob DiPiero, they wrote “Coming Home” for the Country Strong soundtrack. So why isn’t DiPiero’s name on the official nominations list?
ACM Tapes Girls Night Out For CBS
/by adminIf you had your pick of all the talented, and attractive women in country music for a night out who would you pick? Well, you don’t have to choose because the Academy of Country Music is making the decisions for you with the organization’s latest CBS TV Special to be called—Girl’s Night Out: Superstar Women […]
The Boot Campaign
/by contributorOne-by-one country music stars are taking off their cowboy boots and replacing them with army boots. The Boot Campaign, started by five Texas women—the “Boot Girls” (Ginger, Leigh Ann, Sherri, Heather and Mariae)—was inspired by retired US Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of the book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost […]
Artist News
/by contributorACM Welcomes Steel Magnolia • Ty Herndon Fights ALS • Little Jimmy Dickens at The Palm • Adam Brand Aids Flood Relief
T.J. Martell Announces New Board
/by MichelleThe Southern Region Division of the T.J. Martell Foundation introduced its new board members during the Board of Directors meeting on January 6. Joining the board are Charlie Brusco, Alliance Artists – Artist Management; Gil Cunningham, Neste Marketing; Holly Hawkins, Community Volunteer; Deana Ivey, Nashville Visitors and Convention Bureau; Brock Jones, Powers Management Group; Ben […]
Shelton Extends "All About Tonight" Tour
/by FreemanBlake Shelton may have an important co-hosting gig with Reba coming up at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards April 3, but he’s certainly not going to sit around and worry about it. In fact, the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year is making use of the time by extending his first ever […]
Living In The Sales Moment
/by adminWouldn’t it be nice? If you could just enjoy the present without worrying about the future? And, as a life recipe there may be merit in that approach. However, for Nielsen SoundScan number jockeys, we can’t help but peer around the corner, (even if it is piled high with snow) to see what lies ahead. Today, country music album sales are a healthy 10.6% ahead of last year. (So if all you want to know is today’s good news, stop reading and switch to another article.)
Hall of Fame Receives NEA Grant
/by MichelleThe Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has received a $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which will allow the Museum to expand its Words & Music program. “The Museum has offered its Words & Music program, which allows students to express themselves creatively and to learn the craft of lyric […]
Beavers & Warrens Top Charts
/by contributorBMI hosted a luncheon to honor the team behind Tim McGraw’s latest No. 1 hit “Felt Good on My Lips” Thursday, January 20 in Nashville. This is the first time brothers Jim Beavers and Brett Beavers and Brett Warren and Brad Warren have topped charts together. Their collaboration became the 23rd chart-topper for McGraw.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/26/11)
/by Robert K OermannThe lesson in today’s stack of platters is that there is life after major labels. Elizabeth Cook, Jeff Bates, Josh Gracin and Jason D. Williams are all here to tell us they’re still standing tall. So is singer-songwriter extraordinaire Lori McKenna, who wins the Disc of the Day with a stunning album that dropped just yesterday.
Songwriter Signings
/by contributorUMPG Nashville signs Ray Scott • Singer/Songwriter Pete Best Signs with Dan Hodges Music, LLC
Writers Nights
/by contributorBMI & KUPL Partner to Present Songwriters Night with Kix Brooks & Friends • Singles Only presents “A Night of Hits”
First Music From Dunn's Solo Debut
/by Sarah SkatesRonnie Dunn is releasing his first post-Brooks & Dunn single. “Bleed Red,” is the lead track from his upcoming solo debut album for Sony Music Nashville. Produced by Dunn, and penned by Tommy Lee James and Andrew Dorff, “Bleed Red” is a ballad that Dunn says, “knocked me out from the first listen. I genuinely felt […]
Sony Music Unlimited Sets Sights On U.S.
/by adminSony has rallied support among the major labels—Warner Bros., Universal and EMI—to form a streaming music service that the partners hope will challenge Apple’s iTunes (now passed the 10 billion downloads mark) and give their artists an additional platform form which to be heard.
Song From "Country Strong" Earns Oscar Nod
/by Sarah SkatesThis morning’s (1/25) Academy Award nominations included the song “Coming Home,” from the Country Strong soundtrack. Nominated for Best Original Song are songwriters Tom Douglas, Troy Verges, and Hillary Lindsey. Bob DiPiero also has a writing credit on the song, but only three songwriters are allowed to be nominated. (read why) “Coming Home” was performed […]
Artist News
/by Sarah SkatesTy Stone on Kid Rock tour • Billy Currington on Leno • The Band Perry team with Purina • Randy Montana’s free single • Brantley Gilbert new single • Ride/Capstone launch Glen Templeton • Clay Walker plays Pebble Beach • Gatlins on Craig Ferguson • Lorrie Morgan climbs Pink Ladders >>Atlantic Records newcomer Ty Stone […]
Dierks Lets Fans In On Recording Process
/by MichelleDierks Bentley will be heading to Asheville, NC next week with producer Jon Randall Stewart and recording engineer Gary Paczosa to record his sixth Capitol Nashville studio album. The entire recording experience from the studio will be viewable online through a live video feed 24 hours a day beginning Jan. 30 on www.dierks.com. “I’ve been […]
Josh Kelley Sets Release Date
/by Sarah SkatesNews on upcoming albums from Josh Kelley, Thompson Square, the JaneDear girls, and Steve Earle
Chesney, Cannon Reach Milestone
/by Sarah SkatesKenny Chesney and producer Buddy Cannon are celebrating a milestone. Chesney’s latest No. 1 hit “Somewhere With You,” marked the star’s 21st time at the top of the charts, and his 20th charttopper produced by Cannon. Chesney says he knew the song by Shane McAnally and John Harding was very unique the first time he […]
Joanna Smith
/by ProgrammerPlaylistJoanna Smith will be playing at MusicRow’s Annual CRS Meet & Greet Tuesday, March 1, 2:30-5 pm at Cadillac Ranch. Joanna Smith is releasing her new single, “Georgia Mud,” which she co-wrote with Jim McCormick and Aaron Scherz. The song will appear on her upcoming debut album for Columbia Nashville. “Aaron had the line about […]
Industry Round-Up
/by Sarah SkatesDove nominations • Joe Galante new email • NaFF scores sponsorship • Production Music panel • ACM hiring • New Faces Show • Jay McCarthy joins Roxstarz
Role Reversal For Radio Promoters Matthew Hargis, Bobby Young
/by Sarah SkatesRadio promotion executives Matthew Hargis and Bobby Young have essentially traded posts. Hargis has left his role handling southeast regional promotion for Capitol Records Nashville, and joined Republic Nashville as National Director of Promotion. In turn, Young has exited his post as Republic’s National Promotion Director to fill the vacancy left by Hargis at Capitol. […]
Luke Bryan Plans New Spring Break EP
/by MichelleLuke Bryan will release his third Spring Break themed EP, Spring Break 3…It’s A Shore Thing, on March 1, 2011. His third annual spring break show is set for March 8 and 9 at Spinnaker’s Beach Club in Panama City, FL. The EP features four never-before-released songs co-written by Bryan, “If You Ain’t Here To […]
Photos: Paisley, the JaneDear girls, Jacob Lyda
/by FreemanPaisley Joined By GB Packers QB Onstage • the JaneDear girls Go Shopping With A Fan • Newcomer Jacob Lyda Performs A Private Showcase Brad Paisley appropriately kicked off his H2O Frozen Over Tour in frozen Green Bay, WI last week (Jan. 21). The sold-out crowd was taken to another level of frenzy when Aaron […]
Skyville Records Scores Sony Distribution
/by Sarah SkatesSkyville Records has entered an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Sony Music Nashville. The fall debut from Stealing Angels will be the first release via the new partnership. Under the agreement, Sony Music Nashville will offer manufacturing, sales, copyright administration and website development. Under the creative direction of producer Paul Worley, Skyville will find, develop […]
A Message from Al & Dawn Bunetta
/by Sarah SkatesDear Friends & Family, The past few weeks have been indescribable for our family. Losing our beloved son Juri Bunetta was a tragedy like no other. But through this event, we found out so much more about him, the rest of our family and even ourselves. We learned that true friendship has no limits or […]
FBMM Promotes Julie Boos, Trey Dunaway
/by Sarah SkatesNashville-based business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) has announced that Julie Boos, business manager, Nashville; and Trey Dunaway, chief compliance officer and vice president of tax and royalties; have become vice presidents and owner/shareholders of the firm. Dunaway and Boos join founding owners Chuck Flood, Frank Bumstead and Mary Ann McCready, as […]
[update] Nick Hunter Memorial Celebration
/by Sarah Skates[Updated] Organizers are offering a live Internet stream for Nickfest, a celebration of Nick Hunter’s life and legacy to be held January 25, 2011, at 6 p.m. at 2602 Soundstage (2602 Westwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204). For those not able to make it to Nashville for Nickfest (or if you know friends of Nick that […]
ACM Nominations Coming Next Week
/by Sarah SkatesOn Tues., Feb. 1 Miranda Lambert and Ronnie Dunn will announce the nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Nominations for the 46th annual event will be revealed that morning at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The ACM Awards, known as Country Music’s Party of […]
“Memphis Mafia” Member Lamar Fike Passes
/by Robert K OermannLamar Fike, an enduring member of Elvis Presley’s so-called “Memphis Mafia,” as well as a Music Row businessman, has died in Arlington, Texas. Mr. Fike was 75 years old. Born in Cleveland, Mississippi on Nov. 11, 1935, he was briefly a radio disc jockey at KEBE in Jacksonville, FL. He joined Presley’s inner circle in […]
CMA To Receive LM's Dale Franklin Award
/by FreemanThe Country Music Association will be the 2011 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, it was announced today (1/24). The organization will be bestowed with the honor Tuesday, May 17 at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel. “Leadership Music is excited to recognize CMA as the 2011 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award,” says […]
Publishing Notes: Kobalt, BMG
/by Sarah SkatesKobalt Music Group is expanding its core business beyond music publishing to include the administration and marketing of other rights such as neighboring rights, synch rights for master recordings, and others to be announced later this year. The company has worked for the last 18 months to develop a global extended rights collections platform which […]
Engineer Jim Williamson Passes
/by Sarah SkatesJim Williamson, the recording engineer known for work with Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, passed away at his Nashville area home on Jan. 20. He was 75, and died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Williamson played a role in recordings classics such as Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Tammy […]
Surprise Party Honors Galante
/by adminThirty nine years is a long career span to be in one industry. But when it’s all at the same company—and as its leader for most of the time—then the proper word is “remarkable.” And so it seemed perfectly natural that a group of friends organized an evening with an invitation that read, “Join Us As We celebrate Joe Galante’s remarkable 39 years with RCA, BMG and Sony Music.”
Video Roundup: Grascals, Jesse and Noah, Adam Craig Band
/by FreemanThe Grascals‘ video for “I Am Strong” has been added for airplay by GAC and The Country Network. Country Hall of Famer Dolly Parton makes a special guest appearance in the video, which was directed by David Corlew and produced by former TN Commission head David Bennett. The song, written by Jamie Johnson and wife […]
Toby Keith Releases DVD 10
/by MichelleToby Keith will release a DVD compilation of his music videos on March 8. Titled 10, the DVD will include videos for songs such as his debut single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” his Willie Nelson collaboration “Beer For My Horses,” his latest “Bullets In The Gun” and others such as “I Love This Bar” and […]
Music Council Partners With Nashville Entrepreneur Center
/by FreemanMayor Karl Dean, along with the Nashville Music Council, have announced a partnership with the recently launched Nashville Entrepreneur Center. This agreement will provide local start-ups in digital media and entertainment with direct support. Initially the NEC will present business plans for the Music Council, providing entrepreneurs with executive level feedback. Additionally, the NEC will […]
Wynonna Debuts Novel, Book Signing in Nashville and NYC
/by MichelleWynonna Judd will travel to New York next week to make several media appearances for the upcoming release of her debut fictional novel, Restless Heart. The book will be released Jan. 25 and accompanied by appearances on programs such as The Today Show (NBC), The Joy Behar Show (HLN) and Access Hollywood (NBC). On Jan. […]
Big Country Signs Morgan Tobias
/by contributorEntrepreneur Glen Blaschke and hit songwriter Tammy Hyler announced the formation of Big Country Records and the signing of singer/songwriter Morgan Tobias during an industry launch at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this week. (L-R) standing: Joe Brazil, attorney for Morgan Tobias and Norman Gillis, attorney for Big Country Records. Seated: Glen […]