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 […]

Red Mountain To Produce Fontanel Shows

Dale Morris and Marc Oswald, co-owners of Nashville’s newest live music venue, The Woods at Fontanel, have announced that live music producer Red Mountain Entertainment will serve as the producer for events at the facility. In addition to operating the venue, Red Mountain’s responsibilities will include booking and producing concerts, selling sponsorships and special seating […]

David Andersen – Nashville’s Musical Ambassador

Multifaceted guitarist David Andersen, known as the Ambassador of Music City from his daily appearances at the Country Music Hall of Fame, recently donated a portion of his CD sales to the American Red Cross Flood Relief to support those affected by the Nashville flood. Andersen is thankful to fans who sent letters, emails, phone […]

Jimmy Webb Records With Nashville’s Finest

On June 29, Songwriting legend Jimmy Webb (“By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” Wichita Lineman,” “Highwaymen”) will release Just Across The River, a collection of new and old material recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium with a supporting lineup of some of Nashville’s finest musicians. Among the album’s songs are “If You See Me Getting […]

Kellie Pickler Announces Engagement

Kellie Pickler is engaged. The singer has announced her betrothal to Nashville songwriter Kyle Jacobs. People magazine reports that Jacobs proposed on June 15 during a Florida beach vacation. The couple met about two and a-half years ago, and the proposal fell on the same day as Pickler’s late grandmother’s birthday. “It turned out to […]

Michael Martin Murphey’s “Westfest” Returns

After a five year break, Western Music Hall of Fame member Michael Martin Murphey’s Westfest® 2010, is officially set to be held at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle, Colorado, August 12-15.  

For 2010, talent has been booked with a sensitivity to the love of the outdoors of the Western Colorado region. Many of the […]

Larry Wayne Clark Benefit a Success

The Nashville Sings for Larry Wayne Clark benefit has met its initial goal of raising $5,000 to help the popular and influential songwriter as he undergoes cancer treatment.

 The June 14 event at the Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall featured live performances by some of Music City’s most talented singers and songwriters, as well […]

BMI Announces Flood Relief Campaign

BMI has announced the creation of a two-part campaign designed to help fuel rebuilding efforts after the historic flood that devastated Middle Tennessee last month. The initiative was unveiled by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville Jody Williams during Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s all-star Nashville Rising: A […]

Rascal Flatts Steps Up For Suicide Prevention

Country supergroup Rascal Flatts have been named as Ambassadors, or celebrity spokesmen, for The Jason Foundation (JFI). In addition to their roles in public service announcements, public awareness programs and fundraising, they will also promote the foundation’s newly created “B1” project. The “B1” project is a nationwide effort specifically geared to educate youth and students […]

U.S. To Target Music, Movie Piracy

Vice President Joe Biden announced Tuesday (6/22) that the United States will target foreign websites that pirate American music and movies. It’s all part of a new national strategy to reduce intellectual property theft. “This is theft, clear and simple,” Biden said at a meeting with Attorney General Eric Holder, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano […]

New Chesney Album Coming This Fall

SoundScan watchers received good news today, with the announcement that Kenny Chesney has set a Sept. 28 release date for his latest studio album, Hemingway’s Whiskey. Named for the title track penned by Guy Clark, this will be Chesney’s first mainstream studio effort in three years, since Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. During […]

ASCAP Hires Jessica Draper

ASCAP has hired former Performing Songwriter Music Editor Jessica Draper as Manager, Creative Services for its Nashville branch. She had served at the magazine since 2008 and worked there until it ceased publcation in June 2009. Her other career stops include time as a Public Relations Associate at classical music PR and artist management firm […]

Brooks & Dunn Hall of Fame Show Rescheduled

Regular tickets to Brooks & Dunn’s farewell show are sold out, but a few VIP packages are still available. The August 10 [rescheduled to 9/2] concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena is a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Check out the VIP offerings below and help a great cause. Hillbilly Deluxe Package […]

Songwriter Larry Jon Wilson Passes

Songwriter Larry Jon Wilson died yesterday (6/21) at age 69. The Georgia native was recognized for his songs about rural life and for his association with contemporaries such as Townes Van Zandt, Mickey Newbury, Guy Clark, John Prine, and Kris Kristofferson. Wilson didn’t start writing songs until age 30, but within a few years he […]

Rascal Flatts Embarks On New Tour

Top ticket seller Rascal Flatts will launch a new tour Friday, June 25 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The first leg of the JC Penney Presents Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This Tour is scheduled for 28 shows, running through September 19. On board are opening acts Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. The recently wrapped Rascal Flatts […]