Lifenotes: Ella Tomlinson, Mother of Troy Tomlinson

Condolences to Sony/ATV President/CEO Troy Tomlinson and his family on the passing of his mother, Ella Tomlinson, on May 30. The devoted wife and mother was born in Sumner County, TN and retired from Eaton Corp. in Gallatin in 1984. She is survived by four sons, James (Faye) Wright of Gallatin; Bobby (Polly) Wright of […]

The Flying Cowboy Passes

Longtime Fan Fair favorite Jimmy Kish, known as “The Flying Cowboy,” died in Nashville last Thursday at age 84. Mr. Kish was a guitarist, songwriter, publisher, actor, square-dance caller, radio personality and licensed pilot. He had a booth at the first Fan Fair celebration in 1972 and has been a fixture there ever since. Initially, […]

Country Singer Judy Lynn Passes

Country singer, Las Vegas headliner and former beauty-pageant queen Judy Lynn has died at age 74. Ms. Lynn recorded more than a dozen albums and had hit singles with such titles as “Footsteps of a Fool” (1962) and “My Secret” (1963). She was also renowned as the most flamboyantly costumed country star of her generation. […]

Throwdown Forced To Trim Dates

The Country Throwdown Tour has announced it will cancel four upcoming shows in Houston (6/9), Dallas (6/10), San Diego (6/17) and Phoenix (6/18). In addition, the Bakersfield date (originally set for 6/16) has now moved to Friday, 6/18. Tickets from the above listed shows will be honored at all other Country Throwdown tour dates and […]

Country Sales Slide Continues

After a 38% drop over the previous three years (2007—2009), we are again facing declines. We started 2010 with an 18% YTD gain, but as we near the end of May country album sales have slipped to -5.6%, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

WMG’s Pickin’ On The Patio a “Smashing Success”

Last night (5/27) Warner Music Nashville hosted the first Pickin’ On The Patio party and it was a smashing success. Thanks to sponsors Aramark, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall and Red Bull, the packed crowd of 200 attendees munched on appetizers, beer and enjoyed a sneak peak of music […]

Lost Trailers Going Separate Ways

After tens of thousands of miles, songs that were heard all over America on country radio, and years on the road together, members of The Lost Trailers will pursue their own projects by the end of the year. The band will continue to tour this year which includes the Country Throwdown tour. “I’m thrilled to […]

ASCAP’s “We Write The Songs” Heads To DC

On May 11, the ASCAP Foundation and the Library of Congress jointly celebrated the first anniversary of the ASCAP Collection at the Library of Congress, the gift by the ASCAP Foundation of documents, photos, sheet music and other artifacts. For the second straight year, a musical concert at the Library’s Coolidge Auditorium called We Write […]

Cold Stares Finalists in Hard Rock Battle

Nashville rockers The Cold Stares are among 10 finalists in the running to perform at Hard Rock Calling 2010 in London’s Hyde Park with Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam and more. The rock duo are to be international representatives for Nashville in the online voting to commence May 25 via  http://battle.ambassadorsofrock.com/thecoldstares/ Back in April, the Cold […]

McCartney To Play Music City

Paul McCartney will make his first-ever Nashville appearance Monday July 26, 2010, when he brings his Up and Coming 2010 Tour to the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. The tour will feature the former Beatle and his band in unique venues, places and locations; cities he’s never before played as well as familiar markets he’s not […]

Lambert Hosts “Cause For Paws” Fundraiser

Miranda Lambert hosted the 3rd Annual Cause for Paws Event last weekend and the numbers are in – $91,000 was raised through ticket sales, sponsorships and auction items at the sold-out event. GAC’s Nan Kelley donated her time to guest host the crowd of over 800 people. Purina Chef Michael’s Canine Creations was the main […]

Greg Oswald Promoted At WME

[Developing Story] MusicRow has learned that Greg Oswald has been named the new Co-Head of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment’s country division, along with Rick Shipp. Oswald is the agent responsible for artists such as Taylor Swift, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson, Kenny Rogers, and Hank Williams Jr. COO Paul Moore will continue to oversee the overall Nashville […]

Bassists Unite For Flood Benefit

Acclaimed bassist Steve Bailey will headline Low Notes For Nashville, a benefit concert to raise funds for Nashville flood relief. The event will also include performances by many top bassists from around the world. The concert will take place 8:00 PM, Thursday, June 17, at Douglas Corner (2106 8th Ave. South). Created less than three […]

Viewership Down For “Idol” Finale

Lee DeWyze emerged victorious last night, as the ninth season of American Idol came to a close. The show drew 24.2 million total viewers, down 15.9% from the 28.8 million that watched last year’s Idol finale, according to Nielsen Media Research. Last night was the lowest-rated season finale for the show since the first season, […]

Chris LeDoux Honored In Wyoming

Fans of the late country star Chris LeDoux will crowd tiny Kaycee, Wyoming (population 300) on Father’s Day weekend as one of the most popular entertainers to perform his music on the rodeo circuit across the U.S. is memorialized in bronze. The new Chris LeDoux Memorial Park is landscaped on downtown Kaycee property LeDoux and […]

Canadians Join Nashvillians For Flood Relief

Two weeks after Nashville and areas of Tennessee declared a disaster area due to devastating flooding, American and Canadian artists have joined to record and release a song and video for the Red Cross flood relief cause. The project came together after Canadian singer/songwriter Victoria Banks penned the song “City of Dreams” after seeing the flood […]

Sony Music Promotes McKinley

Sony Music Nashville Marketing Vice President Tom Baldrica today announced the promotion of Laura McKinley to the position of Associate Director, Marketing & Artist Development, working with the label group’s Arista Nashville and RCA Nashville imprints. McKinley most recently represented the labels as Manager, Marketing & Artist Development. “Laura’s passion, drive, and attention to detail […]

Asset Mgt. Firm Eyes EMI Music Publishing

The New York Post is reporting today (5/27) that asset management firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) is in talks to buy a stake in EMI Music Publishing and combine those operations into a separate entity that would be 51 percent controlled by EMI, with the rest being controlled by KKR-owned BMG Rights Management. Post sources […]

JoggleBug Gives Social Networking a Voice

JoggleBug, a new technology giving social media a voice throughout the Internet and on mobile phones, has officially launched. JoggleBug allows celebrities and politicians to “speak” to their fans in real voice, real time. The patent-pending JoggleBug technology allows personalities to pick up their cell phone and leave voice messages within the JoggleBug network, which […]

DISClaimer Reviews (5/26/10)

There is plenty of activity on the Row this week. Legal Aid reached out to the music community with a get-to-know-us breakfast at Sunset Grill yesterday. It was a real who’s-who gathering.

Joey + Rory Prep Annual “Bib & Buckle Fest”

Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records artist Joey + Rory are readying the 2nd Annual Bib & Buckle Fest, which has been dubbed the Unofficial CMT Can You Duet Season I Reunion. On Saturday, June 5 in Pottsville (45 minutes south of Nashville), the duo will be joined by Can You Duet cast members Caitlin & Will and […]

Big Kenny Joins “Rock Band”

Country music’s Big Kenny is partnering with the gaming phenomenon Rock Band to bring relief and donations to Nashville’s flood victims. Kenny is one of the many artists joining Rock Band Relief, an organization that helps artists convert their music into playable songs for the Rock Band video game series. These tracks can be purchased […]

CMT Awards Lines Up Celeb Presenters


Celebrities from all facets of the entertainment industry have lined up to present at the 2010 CMT Music Awards, including celebrity cook Paula Deen, American Idol’s Kara Dioguardi, the NFL’s Terrell Owens, actress Hayden Panettiere, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson. In addition, country superstars Trisha Yearwood and Zac Brown Band […]

Reading, Writing & Rhythm For Second Harvest

The 10th Annual Reading, Writing and Rhythm benefit concert has just added country group SHeDAISY to the star-studded lineup. The concert, set for June 8 at TPAC’s James Polk Theater in Nashville at 8:00 PM, will also have drop boxes for fans to donate non-perishable food items for Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank which suffered greatly […]

Lady A Steps Up For Flood Relief 

ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum and their fans are joining together to help out Nashville flood recovery efforts. The trio announced today that all proceeds from their sold out fan club event on June 10 will benefit Nashville flood relief. In addition, a live stream of the intimate concert will be available […]

Gibson Unveils Flood Relief Donation Banks

Gibson Guitar and the Gibson Foundation have announced the list of Nashville venues and businesses where Music City Flood Relief Donation Banks have been placed to help aid the victims of the recent Nashville floods. Gibson Guitar donation banks created from actual Gibson guitar cases have been placed throughout the city for visiting patrons to […]

Zac Brown and Dodge Request “Letters For Lyrics”

More than 70,000 people have shown their appreciation to U.S. soldiers stationed across the world by submitting letters at their local Ram Truck dealership or Zac Brown Band’s recent concerts. However, for the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band that is simply not enough. The Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band partnered for […]

Big Kenny Signs With RPM Management

Country star and humanitarian Big Kenny announced today (5/25) that he and his Glotown entertainment company have partnered with Scott Siman of RPM Management for personal management and strategic oversight of his entertainment and humanitarian endeavors. Big Kenny embarked on a solo career last fall and in April launched Big Kenny’s Love Everybody Traveling Musical Medicine […]

Digital Summit and Next Big Nashville Join Forces

Nashville’s two most progressive music events, Next BIG Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music Digital Summit (LMDS) have united to create the best of both within a week-long conference and festival. The combined events will take place September 28-October 2 in Nashville. Both NBN and LMDS have had major impacts on the cultural landscape of Music […]

Summer NAMM Headed To NCC

June is shaping up to be a particularly busy month for Tennessee’s entertainment industry, with the CMT Music Awards, CMA Music Fest, and Bonnaroo all happening in its first two weeks. But wait, there’s more: the 2010 Summer NAMM will be held June 18-20 at the Nashville Convention Center, and will feature over 400 exhibitors […]

Morgan Tells Troops You’re Not Alone

Artist Craig Morgan has become a spokesperson for Not Alone, an organization that empowers warriors and families dealing with combat stress through training, education, counseling and support. “When I heard about what Not Alone was doing, I knew I wanted to be involved,” said Morgan. “We can’t sit quietly aside while our country’s bravest are struggling. […]

Shane Barrett Departs Ole Music

Shane Barrett has exited ole Music Publishing to pursue his next opportunity after five years as the company’s Creative Director. Other recent changes at ole include the addition of Arthur Buenahora as Senior Creative Director. In addition, publishing veteran Mike Sebastian joined ole as a consultant following ole’s recent puchase of Blacktop Music Publishing, Sebastian’s […]

Bluebird Hosts “Birdsongs” Benefits

Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe is getting ready to kick off “Birdsongs,” a series of shows presented to benefit the Bluebird. BirdSongs will kick off June 1 with an extra special evening of songs and stories; Nashville Hall of Fame songwriters Sonny Curtis, Richard Leigh and Jim Weatherly will start the evening with a 6:00 PM show. […]

BMI’s Website Goes Mobile

BMI has launched a mobile version of its award-winning website www.bmi.com for iPhone, Android, Palm, Symbian and the upcoming Blackberry 6.0 phones. Mobile users will see the new mobile site when they log onto www.bmi.com. “We know that tens of thousands of visitors to BMI.com already access information via smart phones,” said BMI President & […]

Steve Wariner Unveils New Website/Contest

Grammy-winning recording artist, songwriter and guitarist Steve Wariner, in connection with BubbleUp, Ltd., will launch a completely revamped Web site at www.stevewariner.com on Monday, June 7. The new site will feature exclusive videos and photos, the latest news and tour dates, regular posts from Steve, and much more. “I’m excited about all of the possibilities […]

Brian Clough Wins CMA Int’l Broadcaster Award

British radio personality Brian Clough was surprised with the CMA International Broadcaster Award during a recent lunch in Durham, England. The Award was presented to him by Bobbi Boyce, CMA International Consultant. “I’m still trying to come to terms with the honor given to me by the Country Music Association and ponder as to why […]

Bonnaroo To Donate To Flood Relief

Bonnaroo will donate up to $50,000 to aid the flood relief efforts for Music City. Great Stage Park, the home of Bonnaroo, escaped flood damage but the cleanup efforts to help rebuild Nashville after one of the most devastating natural disasters in this city’s history have only just begun, and the festival has created several ways […]

“Girls With Guitars” Gather For Flood Relief

Tomorrow night (5/25) at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, Girls With Guitars will get together and make some great music to benefit Nashville flood relief. Singer/songwriters including Mary Gauthier, Lisa Carver, Robin Ruddy, Kimberley Dahme, Cheley Tackett, Lani Nash, Tammy Fowler, Annie Mosher and Mindy Smith will come together for a very special night of music […]

Landon Michael

“You’re Invited” Big Dog Records/Lofton Creek When Landon Michael decided to pursue a career in music, he knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But, he knew the industry was changing and that he needed to approach it differently. “I came to Nashville with the intent to record songs as much and as often as […]

“CRS: One-On-One” Reprising In June

Based on the success of its inaugural CRS: One on One mentoring session in May, Country Radio Broadcasters has announced a June 18 follow-up installment, focusing on new media marketing opportunities at radio. Industry veterans Paul Williams (Senior Director, Strategic Marketing, Sony Music Nashville) and Roy Elkins (CEO, Broadjam) are this session’s featured speakers. Attendees will […]

Alan Jackson Honors Fallen Miners

Country music superstar Alan Jackson honored the fallen miners and rescue workers from April’s Upper Big Branch mining disaster on Saturday (5/22) with a benefit concert performance at the Charleston, West Virginia Civic Center. The 31 families affected and 230 rescue workers who were on site at the nation’s biggest mining disaster in four decades […]

Opry Presents Stars With Guitars

When Grand Ole Opry superstars Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Wariner pick up their guitars and hit the Opry stage next Tuesday, the world will be able to watch them live. The show will be available via live stream, powered by iClips, at opry.com beginning at 8:00 CT. The show will also […]

Hall of Fame Inducts Sherrill, Husky

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM Chapter 337 There are three things you can count on at Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. First and foremost, your ears are going to be treated to absolutely extraordinary music. Plus, your taste buds are going to be delighted by the food. Plus-plus, your eyes will be dazzled […]

Wynonna CD Helps Wounded Warriors

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is joining forces with five-time Grammy winner Wynonna Judd to support Wounded Warrior Project. Wynonna’s new CD and exclusive line of retail products have arrived at Cracker Barrel, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each item will be donated to Wounded Warrior Project. Additionally, from now until […]

Bentley Wows Reverent Ryman Crowd

Dierks Bentley’s Up On The Ridge tour closed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on May 22 after visiting 24 cities in 30 days to build demand for the album’s release on June 8. The final show featured Bentley’s backing band the Travelin’ McCourys and the Punch Brothers with Chris Thile (Nickel Creek) on mandolin […]

MusikPitch Offers Jingle-Writing Opportunity

Nashville based company MusikPitch has found a niche in the songwriting business by providing a platform where songwriters and composers compete to win jingle contests. MusikPitch allows any company looking for jingle songs or branding music to run a contest. Companies simply describe the type of jingle they need, decide on the prize amount, then […]

Physical Still Country Fan Favorite

It’s not uncommon for debut week albums to sell 20% and more in digital format. But what happens to hit albums over the long term? Are country album sales compensating for shrinking shelf space at mass merchants by increasing their digital share? The answer is yes….and no. Only five country artists placed in the Top […]

Bug Music Publishing is On a Roll

Bug Music Publishing, the largest independent contemporary music publisher in the world, has claimed eight songs in the Top 100 for the first quarter of 2010, as reported in Billboard’s publishers quarterly, up 29% from a year ago. The company currently holds the No. 6 spot in Billboard’s Top Publishers Chart and the No. 7 […]

Chelsea Field Visits MusicRow

Moxy Records artist Chelsea Field stopped by the MusicRow offices recently to perform her rocking debut single, “Things I Should Have Said” for company staffers.

Gokey’s Sophia’s Heart Foundation Helps Flood Victims 

Sophia’s Heart Foundation has announced the opening of a Flood Relief Center in the Nashville area. The devastating floods that hit the area have left many without the basic essentials. American Idol finalist and country music artist Danny Gokey had a vision to provide hands on relief to families in the Antioch area. The vision was to […]