Songwriter of the Year: Taylor Swift Publisher of the Year: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville Song of the Year: “You Belong With Me,” written by Liz Rose and Taylor Swift, published by Sony/ATV Tree, Taylor Swift Music, Wagnerville Music BMI Icon: Billy Sherrill •••••• Taylor Swift became the youngest person ever to be named BMI Country […]

Josh Kelley shared new music from his debut for MCA Nashville at a lunch and listening party today (11/9). Media and guests gathered at Ben Folds’ studio on Music Row for a first listen of his Georgia Clay project. The country outing is due in the spring, but in the meantime, UMG is planning the […]

CMA Awards week continues for Music Row revelers. It’s only Tuesday and Bobby Karl has already put in a week’s worth of party-going, check out his column about last night’s SESAC Awards, and other events. ••Many members of the industry are gearing up for tonight’s (11/9) BMI Country Awards. Billy Sherrill will be honored as […]

Forbes’ new ranking of Hollywood’s Highest Earning Women includes Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. Swift comes in at No. 9 on the list with estimated earnings of $45 million. Like most entertainers who scored a slot, a significant chunk of her income came from touring and endorsement deals. According to the magazine, she grossed $54 […]

The Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge 50th Anniversary Celebration took place last night (11/7) at the Ryman Auditorium. Among those on the line-up were Kris Kristofferson, Mel Tillis, Randy Houser, Joanna Smith, Terri Clark, Lorrie Morgan, Colt Ford, Mark Chesnutt, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ronnie McDowell, The Grascals, Mandy Barnett, and Dean Miller. •••••••••••••• Many of the same […]

BMI has announced the promotion of Jodie Gleason to Vice President & Controller. Based in BMI’s Nashville office, Gleason will report directly to BMI Sr. VP Finance/Administration and Chief Financial Officer Bruce Esworthy. Gleason was formerly Assistant VP, Financial Accounting, Tax & Reporting. “Jodie epitomizes the highest standards of professionalism,” said BMI President Del Bryant. […]

  The Country Network (TCN) hit airwaves last month and is staffing up accordingly. TCN is available in 23 markets, including on WNAB Channel 58.2 in Nashville. It has agreements in place to add several more markets by early next year, which will provide it coverage of 25% of US television homes. TCN embraces its […]

CMAawards.com is streaming with activity surrounding Wednesday’s (11/10) Awards. For the first time, the official site will offer live footage from the CMA Awards Black Carpet presented by Jack Daniel’s, the Pre-Telecast ceremonies, and the backstage Press Room. Black Carpet coverage will begin at 5:00 PM/ET, followed by Pre-Telecast cermonies between approximately 7:25-7:55 PM/ET, and […]

CMT is dedicating special coverage leading up to “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” giving fans an in-depth look at the nominees. CMT Insider host Katie Cook will conduct exclusive interviews with nominees including Miranda Lambert on Saturday, November 6th at 1:30 pm ET/PT. The music network will also air a special Stacked featuring videos from […]

Jim Lauderdale will be honored with SESAC’s “Inspiration Award” at their upcoming Nashville  Music Awards, to be held on November 8th at the SESAC Nashville headquarters. This invitation-only event honors the top country and Americana songwriters and publishers. Two-time Grammy winner Lauderdale, who is being recognized for his timeless, genre-defying music, has penned songs for […]

Hit country songwriter Ronny Scaife died Wednesday, November 3 at age 63. The creator of such hits as “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin,’” and “Hearts Are Gonna Roll,” suffered a brain hemorrhage at his home in Perry Country on October 25 and was life-flighted to St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. He never regained consciousness. “He was […]

SESAC has announced the appointment of Maxine Edwards to Vice President, Broadcast Operations. Edwards previously served as Vice President, Licensing Administration & Process Development. In her new position, she will be responsible for directing and evaluating strategic licensing initiatives within the broadcast and digital media industries. She will continue to work out of the SESAC […]

Juice Newton‘s Duets Album Grammy and CMA award-winning artist Juice Newton will release a duets record, Duets: Friends & Memories, on November 16th, featuring a soulful twist on classic pop songs. Newton’s first single, “Funny How Time Slips Away,” with Willie Nelson, is out now. Newton also joins forces with Glen Campbell, Frankie Valli, Melissa […]

••••Over 30 stars turned out to honor Bill Anderson with a special episode of Country Music’s Family Reunion Show on RFD-TV. Anderson, who regularly hosts the show, found himself switching roles with Vince Gill for the salute featuring Roy Clark, Jamey Johnson, Jon Randall, Jessi Alexander, Rhonda Vincent, Con Hunley, Jeannie Seely, Jean Shepard, The […]