Foster Headlines Benefit Tonight; Lisa Smoot Update

A group of top songwriters and musicians are set for tonight’s (11/3) benefit for Sylvan Park Elementary. Radney Foster, Jeff Black, Matthew Ryan and Jonathan Yudkin will play at 3rd & Lindsley starting at 7 PM. Fans can expect a 90 minute set. All proceeds go to improve the school’s auditorium. Tickets are $12 at […]

Country Week on Letterman

Carrie Underwood opens Country Week on The Late Show With David Letterman tonight (11/2) at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York. She’ll perform a new song from her album Play On, set to be released tomorrow. This week the Late Show offers a mix of the genre’s biggest stars like Brad Paisley and Keith […]

Swift’s Record Breaking Chart Run

Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album broke the record this week as the longest charting album of the decade on the Billboard Top 200. Released in October 2006, the album is spending its 157th week on the all-genre chart, surpassing the previous record held by Nickelback. Her more recent quadruple-platinum album Fearless has spent more weeks […]

Country Throwdown Tour In The Works

The brains behind the Vans Warped Tour are getting together a Country tour for this summer. Montgomery Gentry will headline 4 FINI, Inc.’s first Country Throwdown Tour, running May 13 through June 20. Also set for the amphitheater run are Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Jack Ingram, Eric Church, the Eli Young Band, Jonathan Singleton […]

ACM Taking Noms For Radio Awards

Submissions opened today (11/2) for the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards radio categories. The nominations will end at 12 noon PT on Fri., Dec. 11, 2009. The eligibility period runs Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 11, 2009. Nominees for the radio awards listed  below, will be announced in the spring of 2010. •   […]

DJ and Radio Hall of Fame Names Inductees

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced that Bill Bailey, Laurie DeYoung and Rudy Fernandez will be honored as the 2010 Country Music DJ inductees, while Cy Blumenthal, Dan Halyburton and Michael Hammond will be inducted into the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame. The class of 2010 will be officially instated at a dinner ceremony on […]

Book Review: Appetite For Self-Destruction

Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age by Steve Knopper (The Free Press, 2009) Ever wonder how the music industry REALLY got into such a problem with the Internet, illegal downloads and all that? Well, this is the book for you. Steve Knopper takes the reader on the […]

CMA Research: Country Fans And The Economy

Country consumers are feeling the effects of the economic downturn and have reduced spending in the last year, according to a new survey commissioned by the Country Music Association, called the CMA Prime Prospect Study. Data indicates that the most devoted fans, called CountryPhiles and MusicPhiles, are less likely to monetize their support for the […]

Cumulus Radiothon; Josh Ragsdale Reminder

Cumulus Broadcasting in Nashville is hosting an all-day radiothon tomorrow (11/3) to benefit Feed The Children, which helps hungry families in Middle Tennessee. Stations in the local cluster (92Q WQQK, i106 WNFN, 97.1 WRQQ, 95.5 WSM, 99.7 WWTN) will go commercial-free from 6 AM-7 PM and ask for donations via toll-free call 888-582-4453 (888-58-CHILD) or […]

Industry News: APA Inks Tritt, Bass Berry Moves, Etc.

The digital music delivery platform AirPlay Direct held a Summit / Think Tank in Nashville last week led by CEO Robert Weingartz. Board Members, investors, and advisers met to exchange ideas and discuss company growth.

Testing Google Music Search

Google’s new music search plan makes finding and listening to music a breeze. To test the new system that is a partnership with MySpace and Lala for streaming, plus includes links to services such as Rhapsody, Pandora and imeem, I searched for “Need You Now,” a current hit from Lady Antebellum, and Billy Currington’s “People […]

Sony Wins Melrose Meat and Greet

Ryan Beuschel, Joe Fisher, Van Haze, Brian Wright, Juli Newton Griffith, Joe Putman, and Damon Moberly. Photo: Shannan Neese The 2nd Annual Melrose “Meat” & Greet was held this week. Sony Music won first place in the grilling competition, followed closely by Universal Music in second place, and Curb Records in third. The event also […]

Shelton/Adkins Video Premieres on Yahoo

The video for “Hillbilly Bone,” Blake Shelton’s new single featuring Trace Adkins, premieres exclusively on Yahoo! Music today (10/30). Both artists star in the video and it will be available for purchase on iTunes beginning Nov. 3. “Hillbilly Bone,” written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, is the first single from Shelton’s forthcoming CD release—the follow […]

Pickler On TV, JMC Plays Nashville

Kellie Pickler will guest on today’s (10/30) Halloween episode of Ellen. Fans can also tune in to see her lend a hand to build a new home for the Terpenning family on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, airing Nov. 8 on ABC. As the celebrity volunteer, Pickler swaps her stilettos for a hard hat and hammer, […]

Alan Jackson Debuts Collection At Cracker Barrel

Alan Jackson is headed for a home cooked breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Mt. Juliet on Mon., Nov. 2 to celebrate the release of his new line of merchandise at the store. He will be there greeting fans and autographing items. Included in the Alan Jackson Collection are more than 40 products ranging from a […]

Veronica Ballestrini

“Out There Somewhere” TimBob Records Veronica Ballestrini is returning to country radio airwaves with her new release “Out There Somewhere.” The followup to “Amazing,” which landed on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout™ Chart, “Out There Somewhere” appears on Ballestrini’s debut album What I’m All About, which was released online in September. Veronica might not be the household name […]

Rogers’ New 3-Disc Set, Symphony Show

Music icon Kenny Rogers has released a new career retrospective set and signed on to join the Nashville Symphony for a special performance in February. His first-ever appearance with the orchestra will be Fri., Feb. 5, 2010 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center at 8 PM. Tickets, starting at $37.50, go on sale to the general […]

Urban To Visit Verizon In Franklin

Keith Urban will be at the Verizon Wireless store in Franklin, TN, at 2 PM today (10/30). He will perform an acoustic set and participate in a brief Q&A session. Through the partnership between Urban and the wireless carrier, fans with certain Verizon phones can download three free tracks from his popular summer tour. The […]

Nashville Underground Turns 10

(Party Date updated 10/30/09; see below) The Nashville Underground record label started by artist/songwriters Lari White and Chuck Cannon to showcase Music City’s elite group of tunesmiths is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The occasion will be highlighted by a concert and CD release party at 3rd & Lindsley on Dec. 10 at 7 PM, featuring […]

Lifenotes: Kimberly Kilgore Wilson

Kimberly Kilgore Wilson, daughter of the late songwriter Merle Kilgore, passed away October 27, 2009 in Nashville after a battle with cancer. The 51-year-old mother of three was born in Shreveport, LA and moved to Nashville at a young age following her father’s success in the music business. Friends say Wilson was an musician, animal […]

Updated: Ed Salamon Exits CRB

Ed Salamon is departing his role as Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters Inc., MusicRow has confirmed. Although there has been no official report, it appears that Salamon has exited the organization effective immediately. Official CRB spokesperson, Aristomedia’s Jeff Walker noted, “CRB does not comment on employment matters,” but MusicRow has verified reports which began […]

Brad, Reba Head To NYC For TV

Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley will be making media rounds in New York City on Tuesday (11/3). The redhead’s itinerary includes a morning visit to Live with Regis & Kelly for a chat and full band performance, airing on ABC at 9 AM/CT. Later that evening, she will perform “I Want A Cowboy” during her debut […]

Jimmy Wayne Reveals Album Details

Jimmy Wayne’s new album, Sara Smile, will land in stores Mon., Nov. 23. The lead single is his remake of the Hall & Oates pop classic and includes them as guests vocalists, adding up to the highest chart debut of Wayne’s career. For the project, Wayne had a hand in writing four songs, and also […]

DISClaimer (9/25/09)

Yikes: How did it get to be the end of September already? The official first day of Autumn was Tuesday, and everyone is polishing up their late-year releases. Tim scores big points in this column with “Southern Voice,” the title tune of his Oct. 20 CD. Last night, Miranda debuted her Revolution at the Ryman. […]

DISClaimer (9/18/09)

No cash this week, because there’s not a clunker in sight. Everybody is playing at the top of their game, especially the ridiculously talented Steve Wariner, Gene Watson and Darius Rucker. Programmers are going to hate this next sentence. All 10 of these platters deserve airplay. Polish off a DisCovery Award for Chris Heers. He […]

DISClaimer (9/16/09)

The Americana music convention begins today in Nashville, so what better time to run a column about the genre? The artists we’re talking about today are all up for awards at Thursday’s gala at the Ryman Auditorium. So we’re talking the cream of Americana, here. Earlier in the year, I raved about nominees such as […]

DISClaimer (9/11/09)

It’s country collaboration day! Ronnie Milsap is singing with Trace Adkins. Bruce Springsteen turns up as a guest on John Fogerty’s album. Billy Gibbons meets Brooks & Dunn in a roadhouse rumble. And in the most unlikely scenario of all, Hank Williams Jr. takes a ride in Appalachia with The Grascals. And mostly the match-up […]

The CO Signs With RPM Management

Nashville based rock band The CO has inked a representation agreement with RPM Management. “We are excited to be working with this great young band,” said RPM President Scott Siman. “They went in our studio to cut some sides and just blew us away with the music.” The band was founded with Collin Brace and […]

DISClaimer (9/4/09)

This is quite a mixed bag. Leeann Atherton clocks in with a dreamy blues tune. Rocker Ronnie Godfrey has a Tennessee Titans fight song. We have excellent Nashville songwriter albums from Bill Luther and Kent Blazy. And there’s a whole flurry of newcomers. Among them, Melanie Denard wins our DisCovery Award. And to add some […]

ABC to Air Nashville Special With Robin Roberts

As part of the CMA Awards excitement, ABC will present the hour long special In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville Tues., Nov. 10 at 9pm CT. The Good Morning America co-anchor will spotlight some of Nashville’s biggest stars, giving viewers all-access looks into their homes and private lives. […]

DISClaimer (8/28/09)

The stars are twinkling so brightly that I am temporarily blinded. That is to say, I simply can’t make up my mind. Should I choose the hearty male country vocal? What about our teen-queen sales champion? And then there’s the refreshingly rocking group performance. All three qualify for a Disc of the Day prize, yet […]

New CMT Specials: McGraw, Larry The Cable Guy

CMT is debuting specials this month from Tim McGraw and Larry The Cable Guy. Invitation Only: Tim McGraw premieres Fri., Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. CT on CMT. Taped earlier this year in Nashville, the show features McGraw performing before a small studio audience, and taking questions from fans. Produced by High-Five Entertainment, the one-hour […]

DISClaimer (8/21/09)

We live in an era of singles and tracks, but there are still a few out there who buck the trend. It pleases me to report that there are several folks in this week’s stack of platters who still make true ALBUMS. There is an art to this that many mainstream country artists seem to […]

DISClaimer (8/14/09)

It is independents’ day. We are in what are known as the dog days of summer, when major-label releases slow to a trickle in anticipation of the big fall product push. What better time for the indies to scurry about and make some noise? As is generally the case in surveying indie singles, the quality […]

DISClaimer (8/7/09)

This stack of platters is a nice mix of veterans and baby acts. In the former column are Marty Raybon and Brady Seals, both of whom have splendid CD’s coming your way. Somewhere in between vet and baby are Trey Hensley, The Coal Men, Emma Jacob, Mica Roberts and Lee Brice, all of whom competed […]

McGraw Debut Tops Country Chart

Ghosts and goblins will no doubt be out in force this weekend, but hopefully they’ll also drive consumers into their favorite stores to add Halloween music to their trick or treat treasure bags. Country sales gained momentum for the week ended 10/25/09 with debuts from Tim McGraw and Lyle Lovett who perhaps helped several other […]

Gone Pink: Artists, Radio Fight For A Cure

Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry has been sporting pink Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers all over town lately in honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He wore them on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and in the studio where he and Eddie Montgomery are finishing up their latest album. Gentry explained, “I have three […]

Big Kenny Solo Debut Coming Nov. 10

Big Kenny is prepping for the Nov. 10 release of his first solo album, The Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farm Boy. He visited the Today show on Monday and was set for Fox And Friends today (10/28) and Imus In The Morning tomorrow (10/29). The lead single, “Long After I’m Gone,” can […]

WB Artists Secure NASCAR Connection

Warner Music Nashville has entered a marketing partnership with the NASCAR Sprint Cup racing team, BAM Racing. Through the agreement, WMN artists will be promoted at NASCAR events, through artist tie-ins, sponsorships and promotional appearances covering racetrack video screens and event stages. Warner artists including Blake Shelton, Whitney Duncan, James Otto and Michelle Branch will […]

Gibson Plans Free Les Paul Tribute

Gibson Guitar, the musical instrument manufacturer known for crafting the Les Paul guitar, will hold a special tribute to the late innovator on Thurs., Nov. 19 at the Ryman. The free concert will feature Paul’s godson Steve Miller, John Rich, Emerson Drive, JD Souther, Steve Wariner, Joan Jett, Ace Frehley, Zakk Wylde, Jennifer Batten, and […]

CNet: Big Champagne’s Eric Garland; Media Meltdown

Big Champagne has been collecting data on file sharing for over 10 years and enjoyed a front row seat as the music and entertainment industry has grappled with the changes mandated by an evolving digital world. In this CNet.com interview by Greg Sandoval, CEO/co-founder Eric Garland turns his attention from music to movies to highlight […]

CMA Sets Awards Presenters, Gets “GMA” Spot

The first group of presenters have been announced for The 43rd Annual CMA Awards, including NASCAR superstar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.; stars of ABC’s The Middle Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton; Julianne Hough; nominee Randy Houser (for both New Artist and Music Video of the Year for “Boots On”); nominee Jake Owen (New Artist of […]

Nichols Partners With TheHopeLine

Joe Nichols has partnered with TheHopeLine, to create a website to help people struggling with addictions. Nichols song “An Old Friend Of Mine,” from his just released CD Old Things New was the inspiration for the partnership and the site is www.anoldfriendofmine.com. “Partnering with Joe Nichols to help people struggling with addictions is very exciting,” […]

Nashville Scene: Dolly Parton Box Set

A hefty new collection reflects the many facets of Dolly Parton’s talent.

Signings And Musical Chairs

Golden Music Nashville has hired Lisa Strickland as Regional Director Northeast Promotion and Marketing, effective Mon., Nov. 2. She has spent the last two years at Citadel Media as Director of Affiliate Relations and Distribution Sales, working on American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks. The move to Golden, whose roster includes Williams Riley and Benton […]

Underwood; McBride; ABC Goes Country

To celebrate Carrie Underwood’s Nov. 3 release of Play On, Underwood will travel to New York City where she will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman (11/2), sing in Lincoln Center on Good Morning America (11/3) and appear on Live with Regis and Kelly (11/5). Underwood is also preparing for her performance and […]

Jo Dee Messina Plans New Album, Single

Jo Dee Messina is planning her first new studio album in five years. Unmistakable is on track for a spring release and lead single “That’s God” will hit radio in January 2010. The Curb artist co-produced the album. Messina is busy on the “Music Room Series Tour” which wraps Nov. 29 with three nights in […]

Industry Items: CMT Awards Date, CRS Panel

Save The Date: The 2010 CMT Music Awards will take place June 9, 2010 in Nashville. ——————- The popular consumer focus group panel will return to Country Radio Seminar® 41 when the event hits Nashville Feb. 24-26, 2010. This will be the first time a live focus group has been held at Country Radio Seminar […]

McGraw’s Early Sales Numbers And 2010 Tour

Tim McGraw has more than 60 dates on the books for his Southern Voice Tour, opening Feb. 11, 2010 in Omaha. The album of the same name was released on Tuesday (10/20), so first week sales tallies aren’t in yet, but HitsDailyDouble’s building chart has it as the top selling Country title. It is McGraw’s […]

Armiger Sets Chart Record

Katie Armiger’s single “Trail of Lies” recently landed at No. 19 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart, making her the highest charting independent female of 2009. The song is from her second album, Believe, on Cold River Records. Now she is working the charts with the follow-up single “Gone.” Armiger, who co-wrote “Trail of Lies” […]