Weekly Chart Report 7/02/10

SPIN ZONE There’s a new CountryBreakout No. 1 song this week, and it comes courtesy of the same label who was on top last week. Keith Urban’s “I’m In,” one of the fastest rising singles we’ve seen in some time, now sits in the No. 1 position after only eight weeks charting. Little Big Town’s […]

Artists Step Up and Speak Out

With the summer touring season in full swing and seasonal singles lighting up country radio, MusicRow checked in with some busy country artists to find out what’s on their minds and what’s motivating their music and their life on the road. Check out the audio clips below to hear their responses. Danny Gokey Danny Gokey […]

Terrestrial Radio Technology Challenge Rising

Terrestrial radio, like many media properties, has recently faced sobering economic challenges, not the least of which could be a fast approaching showdown with Internet radio.

Adkins and Petty Go Head to Head For Headache Powder

Longtime competitors BC Powder and Goody’s Headache Powders have recruited country star Trace Adkins and NASCAR legend Richard Petty for what has been dubbed the Pick A Powder campaign. As part of the campaign, the two celebrities will play out a humorous rivalry of one-upsmanship about who experiences the toughest pain, with their respective brands […]

Nashville Music Council Outlines Goals For Future

The Nashville Music Council is made up of 50 of the industry’s most experienced players who are working with Mayor Karl Dean’s office to turn this city into a “Global Music Capital.” After a year of assessing the situation, the Mayor and Music Council leaders presented their goals to a group assembled at the W.O. […]

Songwriter Joshua Ragsdale Passes

Former Lyric Street artist, singer/songwriter Joshua Ragsdale passed away today in a Nashville hospital after battling leukemia. He was 32. Ragsdale was a staff writer with Sony/ATV. His song, “Ain’t Much Left Of Lovin’ You,” was the recent debut for Mercury Records artist Randy Montana. Along with legendary songwriter Bill Anderson, Ragsdale co-wrote “Papaw’s Sunday […]

John Simson To Exit SoundExchange

Last month, Executive Director John Simson announced to the SoundExchange Board that he would be leaving the role he’s held for the past ten years in order to return to his creative roots. The Board has requested that he remain in his current position until a successor can be found and Simson said he would […]

Fontanel To Host Songwriters Flood Benefit

On Saturday, July 17 between 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members will gather at Fontanel Mansion for “Songwriters Sing For Nashville,” a benefit for flood relief. The benefit show will also serve as the inaugural event for the new Woods at Fontanel amphitheater. Currently confirmed performers include Matraca Berg, Kye […]

Grant And Gill Plan Christmas Tour

When the holiday season comes around,  superstar couple Amy Grant and Vince Gill will embark on their fifth Christmas tour. The Twelve Days of Christmas Tour kicks off December 8 in Sarasota, FL and wraps with two shows in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. “Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, […]

MCN Promotes Dunn To VP Client Services

Web design and e-commerce shop Music City Networks has named Craig Dunn as Vice President of Client Services. After spending seven years on the road with Sara Evans, Dunn served as Music City Network’s Senior Account Manager, leading MCN’s internal team in the brainstorming and execution of online creative, marketing and community building strategies for […]

Producer Worley Launches Skyville Records

Renowned music producer Paul Worley, along with partners Wally Wilson and Glen Morgan, have formed a new record label, Skyville Records. The label is the latest venture of the threesome who formed Skyline Music Publishing six years ago. “This label is a natural extension of the artist development that we have always done,” Worley says. “It […]

Trailer Choir Releases Debut CD

Show Dog-Universal Music will release Trailer Choir’s debut CD, Tailgate, on July 6. The group’s first full-length CD features its upcoming new single release, “Shakin’ That Tailgate,” a song they premiered on the recent CMT Music Awards. Fans that loved their signature song, “Rockin’ the Beer Gut,” won’t be disappointed, as that song as well […]

ICE Slams Movie Pirates

In a high profile crackdown, federal authorities seized the domain names of nine websites accused of illegally distributing first run movies such as Toy Story 3 and The A-Team. All nine sites had domain names that were registered via U.S. registration services according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Some computers used to […]

Buddy Miller Is Hall of Fame’s Artist in Residence

Acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Buddy Miller will bring his guitar, his songs and some of his favorite collaborators when he takes the Ford Theater stage as the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s 2010 Artist-in-Residence. Miller will serve as host and curator for the intimate evening performances, which are slated for August 10, 17 and 24 at […]

Gokey’s Latest Single “Most Added”

19 Recordings/RCA Nashville artist Danny Gokey has this week’s most added single at country radio, with the poignant “I Will Not Say Goodbye” topping the most-added lists. It’s an exciting week all around for Gokey, who’ll celebrate the 4th of July with a return to his Milwaukee hometown and a headlining performance on the final […]

Buffett Reschedules Gulf Coast Concert

UPDATED CMT AIRTIME SCHEDULE: Due to the uncertainty of the weather surrounding tropical storm Alex, Jimmy Buffett has postponed his Jimmy Buffett & Friends concert. Originally scheduled for Thursday, July 1 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the concert, with scheduled guests Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Allen Toussaint, Sonny Landreth and Jesse Winchester, has been rescheduled […]

Universal Ups Forman to Sr. Creative Dir.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the promotion of Cyndi Forman to Senior Creative Director, Nashville. Forman was previously Creative Director. Reporting directly to Pat Higdon, President, UMPG Nashville, Forman will focus on furthering artist and writer development and finding key opportunities for UMPG writers both past and present. Forman has secured many cuts […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/30/10)

I don’t really have a Song of the Day category, but maybe I should. Dave Gibson’s “King Me,” Donna Beasley’s “Under the Rushes” and Flynnville Train’s “Preachin’ to the Choir” are all excellent examples of song craftsmanship.

Artist Roster To Add Categories

The first round of listing updates for the 2010 Artist Roster went out via e-mail, earlier this week, to labels, managers, publicists and talent agents who were included in last year’s edition. The new edition is scheduled to hit streets on August 25. This year’s offering will also include free listings for promotion companies, web […]

Craig Morgan’s “All Access” Reality Show

BNA Records artist Craig Morgan will debut his own reality-based show this weekend when Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors comes to the Outdoor Channel on July 3 at 10 AM/CT. 

Morgan will take viewers along with him on tour, at home and on his outdoors adventures. Whether he’s bungee jumping in New Zealand or playing […]

DeMarcus Family Expecting

Rascal Flatts bassist Jay DeMarcus and his wife, former Miss Tennessee and CMT personality, Allison, are anticipating the birth of their first child in January of 2011. “Allison and I are thrilled about becoming parents, DeMarcus said. “I am confident Ali will be a wonderful mother because she has done an incredible job raising me […]

Kobalt Music Upgrades Digital Services

Nashville songwriters and content owners will soon be able to take advantage of Kobalt Music Group’s latest advancement in transparent copyright administration. This week Kobalt is officially rolling out its next version of its online tools – Next Generation Portal Digital 3.0 – which offer clients unprecedented access to detailed information on collections in digital […]

Americana Festival Announces Performers

Texas singer/songwriter Hayes Carll, punk legend Exene Cervenka, country music icon Charlie Louvin and former Mavericks frontman Raul Malo are among the first artists selected to perform at the Americana Music Association’s upcoming 2010 Americana Music Festival, slated for Wednesday, September 8 through Saturday, September 11. The event will feature nearly 100 different musical performances over four […]

615 Music Wins Daytime Emmy

Nashville’s 615 Music is the Winner of a 2010 Daytime Emmy Award in the “Outstanding Original Song” category. Company President Randy Wachtler and songwriter Greg Barnhill were on hand in Los Angeles on Friday, June 25 to receive the honor in person, during the 37th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment Emmy Awards event. “The team here at […]

Tour Updates: Flatts; Paisley; Aldean

••Rascal Flatts launched its JC Penney Presents Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This Tour over the weekend with shows in Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta in front of 50,000 fans. The tour has Kellie Pickler and Chris Young as openers and will continue through September 19. •••Brad Paisley played sold-out shows at London’s Shepherd Bush Empire on […]

McEntire, Keith Lead Big July 4th Events

Country stars will be making national media appearances this weekend to celebrate the 4th of July holiday, here’s where to catch them. Reba McEntire is headlining A Capitol Fourth, being broadcast live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, to mark the country’s 234th birthday. Also on the bill are Darius Rucker, Gladys […]

Country Hitmakers Compilation Album

Stadium Entertainment Holding Corp. is releasing My Country: Smash Hits on Tuesday August 24, with songs from a list of hitmakers. The superstar line-up includes Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Jypsi, Randy Houser, Big & Rich and Montgomery Gentry. The […]

Vincent Extends Her Own 360 Brand

Bluegrass star and seven-time IBMA Female Vocalist winner, Rhonda Vincent has added a Record label division to her in-house company, Upper Management which already boasts management and tour booking divisions and oversees her annual Bluegrass Cruise. Upper Management was founded in 2006 by the artist’s manager Herb Sandker. “I’m thrilled and a bit overwhelmed,” Vincent […]

Underwood Ends First Leg of Tour On Strong Note

Carrie Underwood wrapped the first leg of her Play On Tour over the weekend in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She has performed for nearly 400,000 fans since the outing launched on March 11, including selling out nearly all 54 dates throughout North America. The show received wide-ranging critical praise noting the elaborate stage sets, numerous costume […]

Little Big Town Ride For A Cure

Capitol Nashville Recording artist Little Big Town will once again host the Ride For A Cure on Sunday, July 11, benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation. This marks the fourth year of the band’s involvement in the charity motorcycle outing, beginning at the Tin Roof in Nashville and riding to the Harley-Davidson Superstore in Columbia. Registration […]

MR Awards Issue (July 2010)

~ON THE COVER~ Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) BMI’s Jody Williams & his writer relations team Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is one of the pillars of Nashville’s songwriting business. Since opening its doors in 1939, an ambitious standard of service has guided the company. The establishment of BMI’s Nashville office was an active embodiment of that standard—a commitment […]

Photos: Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Jennette McCurdy

Check out Dierks goes unplugged for “Kimmel,” Rodney and fam hang with Jeff Fisher, Jennette turns 18 and more fun photos.

Wireless Spectrum Set To Double

President Obama is scheduled to sign a presidential memorandum today (6/28) that would seek to double the bandwidth available for wireless communications over the next decade. The plan involves the auction of over 500 megahertz of wireless spectrum now controlled by the federal government and private companies. Obama’s move falls in step with recommendations previously […]

Sugarland Sets October Release

Sugarland’s fourth studio album, The Incredible Machine, is joining the list of major releases coming in the final quarter. While waiting for the Oct. 19 release date, fans will get a taste of the new offering when lead single “Stuck Like Glue” goes to radio on July 26. Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush wrote […]

Trace Adkins Album Due In August

Trace Adkins is opening a new chapter in his career with the Aug. 17 release of his first album for Show Dog-Universal. Cowboy’s Back In Town is being described as vintage Adkins, running the gamut from love songs like “Still Love You,” to the rowdy side of country life in the hilarious “Hold My Beer.” […]

Big Machine Adds Two Staffers

Big Machine Label Group has hired Ashley Heron for the newly created position of Director of Strategic Marketing, and added Karen Light as Administration Analyst. In his new role, Heron will work to establish brand partnerships as well as provide creative and new media support for the Big Machine, The Valory Music Co. and Republic […]

Stealing Angels

“He Better Be Dead” Skyville/Nine North Country trio Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn—collectively known as Stealing Angels—is releasing its debut single “He Better Be Dead” to country radio. Impact date is Monday, July 12. The ladies have been recording songs for their debut album with renowned producer Paul Worley (Lady Antebellum, Dixie Chicks, […]

Eminem Bringing Year’s Best Debut

The new album from superstar rapper Eminem is expected to be the year’s biggest debut when sales tallies come in this week. Numerous early chart watchers are predicting sales upwards of 700,000 units. Recovery has seen strong reviews (Rolling Stone gave it four stars), hit singles and a pre-release leak yielding good word-of-mouth. Among the […]

19/Oglesby Rework Relationship

Chris Oglesby is resuming his role as head of Oglesby Writers Management (OWM), the company he founded in 2004. In 2006 OWM partnered with 19 Entertainment, taking seat as the company’s Nashville office. Oglesby will continue his close relationship with 19 Entertainment under the new arrangement between 19/CKX and OWM. Among other changes at 19 […]

Gill At Clapton’s Crossroads Festival

Vince Gill was among the guitar gods who took the stage at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival over the weekend. He joined fellow headliners B. B. King, Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Buddy Guy and, of course, Clapton at the Chicago event. Sheryl Crow performed as well, pairing with Gill for the Clapton classic “Lay Down […]

Weekly Chart Report 6/25/10

Hats off to Little Big Town, whose “Little White Church” has earned the Capitol quartet its first CountryBreakout™ No. 1 since 2006’s “Bring It On Home.”

Texas Songwriters Honored

A quartet of iconic Texas-born, Nashville-based songwriters whose work has been recorded and performed by major award-winning entertainers, have been selected as 2011 inductees in the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association (TxHSA) Hall of Fame. Bruce Channel (“Hey! Baby”), Delbert McClinton (“Two More Bottles of Wine,” “Givin’ It Up for Your Love”), Gary Nicholson (“That’s The […]

Del McCoury Honored With Nat’l Heritage Fellowship

Bluegrass master Del McCoury is a 2010 recipient of The National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship. McCoury was tapped for the honor this year alongside championship fiddler Texas Shorty. Both McCoury and Texas Shorty (Jim Chancellor) will be honored at the Library of Congress and at a special concert on September 24 in […]

Nashville Rising Wrapup Video

Nashville Rising, a benefit concert for flood recovery was held on June 22, 2010 at the Bridgestone Arena to benefit the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Over 20 performers donated their talents including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill who spearheaded the event, plus Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and many […]

Friday News Bits & Pieces

Garth Brooks Joins Daytime Emmys Garth Brooks will be taking part in next month’s Daytime Emmy Awards. HollywoodReporter.com reports that the country superstar is among the celebrities who’ve signed on to help celebrate American Bandstand and its iconic host, Dick Clark, at the event. Others confirmed for the Bandstand salute include Cher, The Spinners, and […]

MusicRow Readers Name “House” Song of the Year

Bobby Karl Works The Room, Chapter 341 Photos: Alan Mayor Host Clay Bradley has the magic touch: He actually got the capacity crowd of schmoozers to shut up during the presentation of the MusicRow Awards in the notoriously loud BMI lobby on Thursday (6/24). Anthony Smith, Frank Myers, Trisha Walker-Cunningham, Alan Kates, Chuck Thompson, Preston […]

Rodney Atkins Scores With “Farmer’s Daughter”

Curb Record artist Rodney Atkins’ latest single, “Farmer’s Daughter,” is currently racing up the iTunes download charts and the song’s just-released video is now airing on Turbo Track rotation on Great American Country (gactv.com). Atkins’ tune about a hot summer romance that turns to true love has become the fastest climbing single in the singer’s […]

Raul Malo Readies “Sinners & Saints”

Former Mavericks frontman Raul Malo is getting ready to release his new album, Sinners & Saints. Self-produced in the singer’s home studio, Sinners & Saints is being touted as “the most intimate, honest and complex album Malo has made in an already distinguished career.” The album is set for a September 28 release on Fantasy […]

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/24/10)

I just love discovering new music, don’t you? For me, it’s a very, very good week when there are four solid contenders for a DisCovery Award.

New Single, New Video For Miranda Lambert

Hot on the heels of her four-week, No. 1 single “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert is ready to release follow-up single “Only Prettier,” from her ACM Album of the Year, Revolution. The single, which shipped to radio Monday was written by Lambert and Natalie Hemby. “To me, ‘Only Prettier,’ is an anthem, it’s […]