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 […]

[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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

Big Country Records • CRS unemployment rate • Joseph Conner joins Lotos Nile • Americana Festival submissions • HFA/Napster >>Entrepreneur Glen Blaschke and hit songwriter Tammy Hyler (Martina McBride “I Love You,” Collin Raye “I Can Still Feel You”) launched Big Country Records and Big Country Entertainment with an industry party yesterday. Singer/songwriter Morgan Tobias […]

Jaclyn North won the Jan. 13 Country Showdown at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, taking home a $100,000 grand prize. The 29th annual competition, with new title sponsorship by Texaco, has been a starting ground for numerous country stars. 
North, representing radio station KHOZ/Harrison, AR, competed against four other finalists. LeAnn Rimes hosted the show where contestants […]

Lost Highway Records will mark its tenth anniversary with a series of vinyl reissues and a blowout SXSW showcase. On March 18, Lost Highway will team with BMI for a SXSW concert at the new Austin City Limits studio, The Moody Theater. Set to perform are Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen, Hayes Carll, and Black […]

Colt Ford is giving fans a free download of the tune “Hip Hop In A Honky Tonk” featuring Texas star Kevin Fowler. Get it here with no strings attached, or check out the new video at CMT.com. In more news from the Average Joes artist, Ford has debuted the Mr. Goodtime Show on his website […]

Reminder—Nick Hunter memorial• Derek Crownover welcomes baby • Sony’s Joe Freel’s father passes • Chris Lucas of LoCash Cowboys loses father

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has named Jeff Schwartzenberg to the position of Sr. Dir. of Marketing. Schwartzenberg will report to VP Sales and Marketing Sharon Burns and will oversee advertising, promotions, creative, digital marketing and related initiatives for the museum. Schwartzenberg most recently served as Sr. Dir. of Marketing and Communications […]

Heather Conley has joined Cindy Heath’s Monarch Publicity as Director, Marketing. With the company’s expansion, it will begin offering consumer, third-party marketing and sales support, as well as publicity services. Conley was previously Marketing Director at Disney’s Lyric Street Records and most recently with Big Machine Label Group. “Heather is a great creative mind who […]