Keith Urban made a grand exit at the end of his tour earlier this week. Now Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night outing is winding down. Meanwhile, Sara Evans is planning a Christmas tour, and Taylor Swift is already selling out her 2010 outing. One of Paisley’s dreams came true this week when he played at […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-23 12:30:182009-10-23 12:30:18Paisley Run Ends; Swift and Evans Gear Up
The CMA Songwriter Series continues Tuesday Nov. 10 with a special Nashville performance at Limelight. Scheduled to appear are Bob DiPiero, Randy Houser, Brett James, Rivers Rutherford and Victoria Shaw. Among the performers who have benefited by recording songs from this elite group of songwriters are artists such as George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Trace […]
Jake Owen returns this year to ABC.com to host a series of five-minute daily updates prior to the CMA Awards. Beginning Nov. 4, The Countdown to Country Music’s Biggest Night will offer daily specials leading up to the 43rd CMA Awards which airs Nov. 11 on ABC. Owen is set to escort fans backstage and […]
Local indie label Blue Steel Records has added Burns & Poe to its roster. The duo made up of Michelle Poe and former Trick Pony member Keith Burns is prepping its next single, “Don’t Get No Better Than That,” to be released to radio Nov. 9 via CDX. Burns wrote the song with Mark Oliverius, […]
PewResearch has released new findings pertaining to Twitter usage. According to the research, 19% of Internet users are using Twitter or another similar service to “share updates about themselves, or to see updates about others.” Previous April 2009 surveys showed only 11%. The growth was fueled mostly by three distinct groups—social network website users, those […]
Chris Janson is celebrating his newly inked record deal with Sony Music Nashville’s BNA Records. The 23-year-old Missouri native moved to Nashville at age 19 and landed a gig at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, performing four shows a day, seven days a week for a year. Now the singer-songwriter plays monthly at Puckett’s Grocery in Leiper’s […]
Alan Jackson is debuting a merchandise line exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on Nov. 2. The 40+ items in The Alan Jackson Collection include clothing, food, collectibles, his Signature Rocker, and a CD—Songs Of Love And Heartache, with hits and two previously unreleased songs. The popular restaurant and retail concept has been growing […]
————————— Megan Mullins has been playing with pop star Shakira lately, adding keyboard, fiddle and background vocals. As part of the gig, Mullins has appeared on Dancing With The Stars, America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Saturday Night Live, and will tour Europe and Latin America. In the meantime, her label Stoney Creek is readying […]
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9 star acts. 14,000 screaming fans. $500,000 raised and counting. By all accounts Keith Urban’s first We’re All For The Hall concert was a dazzling success. The event benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was held last week (10/13) at the Sommet Center, and featured Urban, Vince Gill, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-22 12:18:172009-10-22 12:18:17We’re All For The Hall Nets $500,000 And Counting
Keith Urban (see video above) ended his tour’s North American dates in a taxi. While playing the final bars of “Better Life,” the Aussie guitar hero left the stage at Buffalo’s HSBC Arena, walked through the hallways and into the street where he hopped a cab. The sold out crowd, watching the exit on the […]
Danny Gokey, who placed third on last season’s American Idol, has signed with Nashville-based RLM/Mission Management. “As a huge fan of American Idol, I couldn’t be more excited,” remarked RLM/Mission Management’s Tracy McGlocklin. “Danny has an amazing gift and Rendy and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to help guide his career.” “This […]
Grand Ole Opry Group President Steve Buchanan has been named the new Country Music Association Board of Directors President. The election meeting was held earlier this week, but the new Board year will not go into effect until January 1, 2010. At that time, current President AEG Sr. VP Steve Moore will transition to the […]
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“Barn On The Rooftop” Cherry Heart Ty Williams is releasing his single “Barn On the Rooftop” to country radio and the video, shot by Chad Denning, is currently gaining momentum at video outlets and dance clubs around the country. The song is a perfect introduction to the world of Ty Williams. It’s rowdy, loud and […]
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“That’s Love” Matchless Music Group/Edgehill America got a taste of David St. Romain’s promising talents when he made the finals of Nashville Star in 2007. Now David is delivering on that promise, releasing a brand-new single called “That’s Love” through newly formed Matchless Music Group that showcases what his followers have been raving about for […]
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Loads of Nashville hitmakers received plaques from the RIAA during August and September. Earning Platinum bling for the first time were Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, and Lady Antebellum. The awards were for Rucker’s Learn To Live (Capitol Nashville), ZBB’s The Foundation (Homegrown/Atlantic Records), and Lady Antebellum (Capitol Nashville). During those months, it’s probably no […]
The Gospel Music Association’s star-studded Save The GMA concert raised over $350,000 last week for the struggling organization. Billed as the Concert of the Decade, performers at the Loveless Barn included the genre’s most-loved figures: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Jason Crabb, Martha Munizzi, the Fisk Jubilee […]
Kenny Chesney may not be mounting his huge tour in 2010, but he will play several summer dates, including two just-announced festivals. He has signed on for the Enterprise, Alabama Bama Jam & Arts Festival and Baton Rouge’s Bayou Country Superfest. “For us to be able to get out there and rock at a few of these […]
Label: Arista Nashville Current Album: Growing Up Is Getting Old Current Single/Video: “Hurry Home” Current Producer: Don Gehman Hometown: Youngsville, NC Management: Red Light Management Booking: Creative Artists Agency Recent Hits: “Hurry Home” and the Top 10 “Where I’m From” are the first two hit singles from his sophomore album, Growing Up Is Getting Old. […]
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Carrie Underwood spent last week visiting with Asian media and promoting her upcoming album, Play On, set for US release Nov. 3. While in Singapore, she performed as part of the grand opening of ION Orchard, a futuristic shopping center with luxury retailers, and internationally award-winning architecture. It is also the largest open-air sheltered venue […]
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Outlets including TechCrunch are reporting that Google has a music service in the works. Possibly called Google Audio, the company has been securing licensing from major labels. No details on whether it will offer streaming, downloads, or both. Wired.com says the site, which includes a video component, could launch next week in the U.S. The […]
Vince Gill and Martina McBride will perform Tuesday (10/20) at the Rally For Rocketown. The fundraiser for the teen music venue/skate park will be hosted by its founder, Christian artist Michael W. Smith. Super Bowl-winning coach and best-selling author Tony Dungy will be the keynote speaker during the 11:30 AM luncheon at Lipscomb Univerity’s Allen […]
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The CMA Songwriters Series, which usually shares the Nashville songwriting tradition with other cities, is set to play the home turf on Nov. 10, the night before the CMA Awards. Universal Records South artist Randy Houser will be the featured artist/songwriter when the 9:30 PM show takes place at Limelight. Hit tunesmiths Brett James, Rivers […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-20 12:46:102009-10-20 12:46:10CMA Songwriters Series In Nashville
More than 1500 songwriters, industry VIPs and big name artists such as Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride gathered last night (10/19) at the ASCAP Country Awards to celebrate its most performed songs of the year. Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year for his hits “Start A Band,” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” The […]
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Faith Hill is launching her first fragrance with a series of short webisodes. Included in the series are conversations with other women, behind- the-scenes videos from her photo shoot, and more. Hill also appears in a new public service announcement encouraging Americans to volunteer their time. The 30-second spot is one of a series of […]
Information from the CMA’s recently completed Prime Prospects Study, focusing on consumer trends related to radio and radio Web sites, will be shared with attendees at the upcoming Country Radio Seminar. The study’s findings will be discussed at the CMA Research Presentation on Thurs., Feb. 25 at 11 AM, during CRS-41. That session will be […]
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October is breast cancer awareness month and several country stars are stepping up to fight the disease. Universal Records South artist Ashley Ray led her “A Ray of Hope” team to raise over $5500 at Race For The Cure. Women Rock For The Cure is hosting an eBay auction with hot ticket items including a […]
It’s called Droid and it’s coming on strong, directly challenging the iPhone. Scheduled to be available on the Verizon network as early as Oct. 30, the new phone, which runs the Android 2.0 operating system is a technology partnership between Motorola, Verizon and Google. Some of the new handset’s features include a 3.7-inch touch screen, […]
How The Beatles Destroyed Rock ’n’ Roll by Elijah Wald (Oxford University Press, 2009) Review by Belmont professor Don Cusic: This isn’t really a book about the Beatles; rather it is a book that notes the distortion of the history of popular music through the years. Wald, who wrote an excellent book on Robert Johnson, […]
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“One Beer Away From Loving You” Bodell Records/Edgehill 22-year-old North Carolina native Jamie Tate is releasing her single “One Beer Away From Loving You.” She’s enlisted the help of Edgehill Music to promote and market the single as it hits country programmers’ desktops. It goes for adds Monday, October 26. A performer since the age […]
The invitation-only ASCAP Country Awards take place tonight, honoring the 50 most performed songs of the year…. Also at ASCAP, songwriter Andy Dodd, the pen behind hits for Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Camp Rock and Jesse McCartney, moved to Nashville recently and visited the organization’s local office. ————————- The star-packed lineup for “The 43rd […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-19 10:03:362009-10-19 10:03:36Nashville Draws Dave Matthews to CMAs, Mizrahi to Fashion Show
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-19 08:04:352009-10-19 08:04:35Garth Video: Watch The Big Announcement
Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Tracy Lawrence were among the winners at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Award Show, held last night (10/16) at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium. Skaggs was selected Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and joined The Whites to perform “Salt of The Earth.” Morgan received Video of […]
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Charlie Daniels has released a holiday CD/DVD package and is planning his annual Christmas 4 Kids fundraiser. Joy to the World: A Bluegrass Christmas features a mix of Christmas standards, and a number of originals written by Daniels and his band. The two-disc CD set boasts guests Kathy Mattea, Dan Tyminski, Jewel, Suzanne and Evelyn […]
Oklahoma based artist Shawna Russell has been making big moves in her home state recently, including headlining a concert in Oklahoma City, performing on the Fox 25 News morning show, and entering an endorsement deal with Sheplers Western Wear/OKC. Russell and Way Out West Records have also formed a marketing and regional publicity alliance with Joe […]
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Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Tracy Lawrence were among the winners at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Award Show, held last night (10/16) at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium. Skaggs was selected Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and joined The Whites to perform “Salt of The Earth.” Morgan received Video of […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-16 12:49:002009-10-16 12:49:00Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners
NBC Universal is starting an “Artists in Residence” program with Bon Jovi as the first act set to participate. Featured artists will be exposed across NBCU’s multiple platforms and brands, including interviews, musical guest appearances, and guest-starring roles. The “Artists in Residence” project coincides with the Nov. 10 launch of the band’s new studio album, […]
Garth Brooks is planning a five year residency at the Wynn hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The one-man show will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for 15 weeks per year. Brooks and casino magnate Steve Wynn revealed details today from a Vegas press conference. Concerts begin December 11, 2009. “I told him he […]
Zac Brown Band keeps adding to the line-up for its Georgia Theatre benefit show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The Oct. 30 date will include Little Big Town, Joey + Rory, Shawn Mullins, Aslyn and Oliver Wood. Proceeds from the show will go to rebuild the beloved and recently decommissioned Georgia Theatre in Athens. […]
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With only two weeks until the Halloween deadline, October 31, 2009, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is encouraging songwriters to submit their best tunes to the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT. The contest is designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a […]
Hank Williams III treated both devoted fans and Museum visitors to a special interview and performance on Saturday (10/10) at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. During the program, which was held in conjunction with the Museum’s major exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Williams spoke about his family’s musical legacy and […]
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Tim McGraw will perform at the CMA Awards for the first time since 2005 when the event lands at the Sommet Center on Wed., Nov. 11. The star-packed lineup continues to grow dramatically with the addition of McGraw, a special Vince Gill/Daughtry duet, and Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, and Zac Brown […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-15 12:55:302009-10-15 12:55:30McGraw, More Added To CMA Awards
Brad Paisley played the Los Angeles area recently as the headliner at KKGO’s Go Fest 2009, and some of his Nashville team members were on hand for support (see above). Paisley’s “Welcome to the Future,” is at No. 3 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart and is the second smash from his acclaimed American Saturday Night […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-10-15 12:39:012009-10-15 12:39:01Free Downloads, New Music And More
Taylor Swift will be hosting NBC’s Saturday Night Live on Nov. 7. This is her first time to host the show, though she performed on SNL in January. “I’ve been thinking about skit ideas for a long time,” Swift told the Associated Press. “There are definitely some hilarious things that have happened to me over […]
Toby Keith debuted at No. 1 on SoundScan’s Country Album chart with about 90K first week sales (10% digital) of his album American Ride (according to Nielsen SoundScan, a division of The Nielsen Company). Luke Bryan’s sophomore album landed at No. 2 on the Country list with a respectable 58K units (16% digital). On the […]
Jason Morris has been hired to the post of Sr. Creative Director for Zavitson Music Group, LLC, the publishing company jointly owned by Debbie Zavitson, Russ Zavitson, and Beverly Miller. Prior to joining Zavitson, Morris headed his own company, Morris Code Music. Additionally he has held creative offices for Big Picture Entertainment, Hori Pro Music, […]
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Even the ushers were dancing in the aisle last night (10/13) as Keith Urban blazed through “Sweet Thing,” “Better Life,” and a slew of other hits during his We’re All For The Hall concert at the Sommet Center. He spearheaded the benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and recruited the stellar […]
Musician Joshua Ragsdale is suffering from CML Leukemia and is in dire need of a bone marrow donor, which most often does not require surgery on the donor. Ragsdale, a songwriter and former Lyric Street artist, has been unable to find a match in the national bone marrow registry. Blood Assurance is organizing a blood […]
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is holding open enrollment for membership beginning tomorrow, Thurs., Oct. 15. Women who are working in the music business and are interested in joining WMBA or learning more about the organization, are invited to attend an open meeting on Tues., Oct. 20, 6:30 PM at the NSAI studio. Please […]
Taylor Swift leads the nominations for the 2009 American Music Awards with a total of six, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist (in both Pop/Rock and Country) and Favorite Album (in both Pop/Rock and Country). Swift is followed by Michael Jackson, who received five nominations, and Eminem, who received four. Nashville rockers Kings […]
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Paisley Run Ends; Swift and Evans Gear Up
/by Sarah SkatesKeith Urban made a grand exit at the end of his tour earlier this week. Now Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night outing is winding down. Meanwhile, Sara Evans is planning a Christmas tour, and Taylor Swift is already selling out her 2010 outing. One of Paisley’s dreams came true this week when he played at […]
CMA Songwriter Series Hits Nashville
/by adminThe CMA Songwriter Series continues Tuesday Nov. 10 with a special Nashville performance at Limelight. Scheduled to appear are Bob DiPiero, Randy Houser, Brett James, Rivers Rutherford and Victoria Shaw. Among the performers who have benefited by recording songs from this elite group of songwriters are artists such as George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Trace […]
Jake Owen Hosts on ABC.com
/by adminJake Owen returns this year to ABC.com to host a series of five-minute daily updates prior to the CMA Awards. Beginning Nov. 4, The Countdown to Country Music’s Biggest Night will offer daily specials leading up to the 43rd CMA Awards which airs Nov. 11 on ABC. Owen is set to escort fans backstage and […]
Twitter Usage Hits 19%
/by adminPewResearch has released new findings pertaining to Twitter usage. According to the research, 19% of Internet users are using Twitter or another similar service to “share updates about themselves, or to see updates about others.” Previous April 2009 surveys showed only 11%. The growth was fueled mostly by three distinct groups—social network website users, those […]
Alan Jackson Collection Coming To Cracker Barrel
/by Sarah SkatesAlan Jackson is debuting a merchandise line exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on Nov. 2. The 40+ items in The Alan Jackson Collection include clothing, food, collectibles, his Signature Rocker, and a CD—Songs Of Love And Heartache, with hits and two previously unreleased songs. The popular restaurant and retail concept has been growing […]
Magnolia, Mullins, Messina, And More
/by Sarah Skates————————— Megan Mullins has been playing with pop star Shakira lately, adding keyboard, fiddle and background vocals. As part of the gig, Mullins has appeared on Dancing With The Stars, America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Saturday Night Live, and will tour Europe and Latin America. In the meantime, her label Stoney Creek is readying […]
We’re All For The Hall Nets $500,000 And Counting
/by Sarah Skates9 star acts. 14,000 screaming fans. $500,000 raised and counting. By all accounts Keith Urban’s first We’re All For The Hall concert was a dazzling success. The event benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was held last week (10/13) at the Sommet Center, and featured Urban, Vince Gill, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, […]
Urban Taxi; Terri Clark Tour; Free Bucky
/by adminKeith Urban (see video above) ended his tour’s North American dates in a taxi. While playing the final bars of “Better Life,” the Aussie guitar hero left the stage at Buffalo’s HSBC Arena, walked through the hallways and into the street where he hopped a cab. The sold out crowd, watching the exit on the […]
Mission Management Gets Gokey
/by adminDanny Gokey, who placed third on last season’s American Idol, has signed with Nashville-based RLM/Mission Management. “As a huge fan of American Idol, I couldn’t be more excited,” remarked RLM/Mission Management’s Tracy McGlocklin. “Danny has an amazing gift and Rendy and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to help guide his career.” “This […]
Buchanan Named CMA Board President
/by FreemanGrand Ole Opry Group President Steve Buchanan has been named the new Country Music Association Board of Directors President. The election meeting was held earlier this week, but the new Board year will not go into effect until January 1, 2010. At that time, current President AEG Sr. VP Steve Moore will transition to the […]
Ty Williams
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Barn On The Rooftop” Cherry Heart Ty Williams is releasing his single “Barn On the Rooftop” to country radio and the video, shot by Chad Denning, is currently gaining momentum at video outlets and dance clubs around the country. The song is a perfect introduction to the world of Ty Williams. It’s rowdy, loud and […]
David St. Romain
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“That’s Love” Matchless Music Group/Edgehill America got a taste of David St. Romain’s promising talents when he made the finals of Nashville Star in 2007. Now David is delivering on that promise, releasing a brand-new single called “That’s Love” through newly formed Matchless Music Group that showcases what his followers have been raving about for […]
RIAA Awards Country Certifications
/by Sarah SkatesLoads of Nashville hitmakers received plaques from the RIAA during August and September. Earning Platinum bling for the first time were Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, and Lady Antebellum. The awards were for Rucker’s Learn To Live (Capitol Nashville), ZBB’s The Foundation (Homegrown/Atlantic Records), and Lady Antebellum (Capitol Nashville). During those months, it’s probably no […]
Save The GMA Raises $350,000
/by Sarah SkatesThe Gospel Music Association’s star-studded Save The GMA concert raised over $350,000 last week for the struggling organization. Billed as the Concert of the Decade, performers at the Loveless Barn included the genre’s most-loved figures: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Jason Crabb, Martha Munizzi, the Fisk Jubilee […]
Chesney Sets Festival Dates
/by Sarah SkatesKenny Chesney may not be mounting his huge tour in 2010, but he will play several summer dates, including two just-announced festivals. He has signed on for the Enterprise, Alabama Bama Jam & Arts Festival and Baton Rouge’s Bayou Country Superfest. “For us to be able to get out there and rock at a few of these […]
On The Cover: Jason Michael Carroll
/by contributorLabel: Arista Nashville Current Album: Growing Up Is Getting Old Current Single/Video: “Hurry Home” Current Producer: Don Gehman Hometown: Youngsville, NC Management: Red Light Management Booking: Creative Artists Agency Recent Hits: “Hurry Home” and the Top 10 “Where I’m From” are the first two hit singles from his sophomore album, Growing Up Is Getting Old. […]
Country Overseas: Underwood, Lady A
/by Sarah SkatesCarrie Underwood spent last week visiting with Asian media and promoting her upcoming album, Play On, set for US release Nov. 3. While in Singapore, she performed as part of the grand opening of ION Orchard, a futuristic shopping center with luxury retailers, and internationally award-winning architecture. It is also the largest open-air sheltered venue […]
Google Making Music?
/by Sarah SkatesOutlets including TechCrunch are reporting that Google has a music service in the works. Possibly called Google Audio, the company has been securing licensing from major labels. No details on whether it will offer streaming, downloads, or both. Wired.com says the site, which includes a video component, could launch next week in the U.S. The […]
Rally For Rocketown With Gill, McBride, More
/by Sarah SkatesVince Gill and Martina McBride will perform Tuesday (10/20) at the Rally For Rocketown. The fundraiser for the teen music venue/skate park will be hosted by its founder, Christian artist Michael W. Smith. Super Bowl-winning coach and best-selling author Tony Dungy will be the keynote speaker during the 11:30 AM luncheon at Lipscomb Univerity’s Allen […]
CMA Songwriters Series In Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesThe CMA Songwriters Series, which usually shares the Nashville songwriting tradition with other cities, is set to play the home turf on Nov. 10, the night before the CMA Awards. Universal Records South artist Randy Houser will be the featured artist/songwriter when the 9:30 PM show takes place at Limelight. Hit tunesmiths Brett James, Rivers […]
Ashley Gorley, Alan Jackson Big Winners At ASCAP Awards
/by Sarah SkatesMore than 1500 songwriters, industry VIPs and big name artists such as Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride gathered last night (10/19) at the ASCAP Country Awards to celebrate its most performed songs of the year. Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year for his hits “Start A Band,” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” The […]
Faith Launches Fragrance, Taylor Gets Signature Guitar
/by Sarah SkatesFaith Hill is launching her first fragrance with a series of short webisodes. Included in the series are conversations with other women, behind- the-scenes videos from her photo shoot, and more. Hill also appears in a new public service announcement encouraging Americans to volunteer their time. The 30-second spot is one of a series of […]
New CMA Research Will Be A CRS Highlight
/by Sarah SkatesInformation from the CMA’s recently completed Prime Prospects Study, focusing on consumer trends related to radio and radio Web sites, will be shared with attendees at the upcoming Country Radio Seminar. The study’s findings will be discussed at the CMA Research Presentation on Thurs., Feb. 25 at 11 AM, during CRS-41. That session will be […]
Celebrity-Studded Charity Auction Fights Cancer
/by Sarah SkatesOctober is breast cancer awareness month and several country stars are stepping up to fight the disease. Universal Records South artist Ashley Ray led her “A Ray of Hope” team to raise over $5500 at Race For The Cure. Women Rock For The Cure is hosting an eBay auction with hot ticket items including a […]
Droid To Battle iPhone
/by bossrossIt’s called Droid and it’s coming on strong, directly challenging the iPhone. Scheduled to be available on the Verizon network as early as Oct. 30, the new phone, which runs the Android 2.0 operating system is a technology partnership between Motorola, Verizon and Google. Some of the new handset’s features include a 3.7-inch touch screen, […]
Book Review of “How The Beatles Destroyed Rock ’n’ Roll”
/by DonCusicHow The Beatles Destroyed Rock ’n’ Roll by Elijah Wald (Oxford University Press, 2009) Review by Belmont professor Don Cusic: This isn’t really a book about the Beatles; rather it is a book that notes the distortion of the history of popular music through the years. Wald, who wrote an excellent book on Robert Johnson, […]
Jamie Tate
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“One Beer Away From Loving You” Bodell Records/Edgehill 22-year-old North Carolina native Jamie Tate is releasing her single “One Beer Away From Loving You.” She’s enlisted the help of Edgehill Music to promote and market the single as it hits country programmers’ desktops. It goes for adds Monday, October 26. A performer since the age […]
Nashville Draws Dave Matthews to CMAs, Mizrahi to Fashion Show
/by Sarah SkatesThe invitation-only ASCAP Country Awards take place tonight, honoring the 50 most performed songs of the year…. Also at ASCAP, songwriter Andy Dodd, the pen behind hits for Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Camp Rock and Jesse McCartney, moved to Nashville recently and visited the organization’s local office. ————————- The star-packed lineup for “The 43rd […]
Garth Video: Watch The Big Announcement
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks and Steve Wynn discuss the upcoming concert series.
Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners
/by Sarah SkatesRicky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Tracy Lawrence were among the winners at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Award Show, held last night (10/16) at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium. Skaggs was selected Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and joined The Whites to perform “Salt of The Earth.” Morgan received Video of […]
Charlie Daniels And Others Plan Holiday Music, Benefits
/by Sarah SkatesCharlie Daniels has released a holiday CD/DVD package and is planning his annual Christmas 4 Kids fundraiser. Joy to the World: A Bluegrass Christmas features a mix of Christmas standards, and a number of originals written by Daniels and his band. The two-disc CD set boasts guests Kathy Mattea, Dan Tyminski, Jewel, Suzanne and Evelyn […]
Indies On The Rise: Russell Works Oklahoma, Armiger on AOL
/by Sarah SkatesOklahoma based artist Shawna Russell has been making big moves in her home state recently, including headlining a concert in Oklahoma City, performing on the Fox 25 News morning show, and entering an endorsement deal with Sheplers Western Wear/OKC. Russell and Way Out West Records have also formed a marketing and regional publicity alliance with Joe […]
Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners
/by Sarah SkatesRicky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Tracy Lawrence were among the winners at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Award Show, held last night (10/16) at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium. Skaggs was selected Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and joined The Whites to perform “Salt of The Earth.” Morgan received Video of […]
NBC Debuts Artists in Residence Partnership
/by Sarah SkatesNBC Universal is starting an “Artists in Residence” program with Bon Jovi as the first act set to participate. Featured artists will be exposed across NBCU’s multiple platforms and brands, including interviews, musical guest appearances, and guest-starring roles. The “Artists in Residence” project coincides with the Nov. 10 launch of the band’s new studio album, […]
Nashville Scene: Johnny Jones, 1936-2009
/by contributorA vital piece of Nashville’s R&B history fell silent Wednesday, Oct. 14 with the death of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Jones. Read more.
It’s Official: Garth Set For Wynn Residency
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks is planning a five year residency at the Wynn hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The one-man show will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for 15 weeks per year. Brooks and casino magnate Steve Wynn revealed details today from a Vegas press conference. Concerts begin December 11, 2009. “I told him he […]
ZBB, Friends To Save Georgia Theater
/by Sarah SkatesZac Brown Band keeps adding to the line-up for its Georgia Theatre benefit show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The Oct. 30 date will include Little Big Town, Joey + Rory, Shawn Mullins, Aslyn and Oliver Wood. Proceeds from the show will go to rebuild the beloved and recently decommissioned Georgia Theatre in Athens. […]
NSAI Song Contest Deadline Nears
/by Sarah SkatesWith only two weeks until the Halloween deadline, October 31, 2009, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is encouraging songwriters to submit their best tunes to the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT. The contest is designed to help unsigned songwriters navigate the road to becoming professional hitmakers. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a […]
New Hank Williams Recordings, Hank III At The Hall
/by Sarah SkatesHank Williams III treated both devoted fans and Museum visitors to a special interview and performance on Saturday (10/10) at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. During the program, which was held in conjunction with the Museum’s major exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Williams spoke about his family’s musical legacy and […]
McGraw, More Added To CMA Awards
/by Sarah SkatesTim McGraw will perform at the CMA Awards for the first time since 2005 when the event lands at the Sommet Center on Wed., Nov. 11. The star-packed lineup continues to grow dramatically with the addition of McGraw, a special Vince Gill/Daughtry duet, and Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, and Zac Brown […]
Free Downloads, New Music And More
/by Sarah SkatesBrad Paisley played the Los Angeles area recently as the headliner at KKGO’s Go Fest 2009, and some of his Nashville team members were on hand for support (see above). Paisley’s “Welcome to the Future,” is at No. 3 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart and is the second smash from his acclaimed American Saturday Night […]
Swift To Host “SNL”
/by MichelleTaylor Swift will be hosting NBC’s Saturday Night Live on Nov. 7. This is her first time to host the show, though she performed on SNL in January. “I’ve been thinking about skit ideas for a long time,” Swift told the Associated Press. “There are definitely some hilarious things that have happened to me over […]
Keith, Bryan Post Solid Debuts
/by Sarah SkatesToby Keith debuted at No. 1 on SoundScan’s Country Album chart with about 90K first week sales (10% digital) of his album American Ride (according to Nielsen SoundScan, a division of The Nielsen Company). Luke Bryan’s sophomore album landed at No. 2 on the Country list with a respectable 58K units (16% digital). On the […]
Morris Joins Zavitson Music Group
/by FreemanJason Morris has been hired to the post of Sr. Creative Director for Zavitson Music Group, LLC, the publishing company jointly owned by Debbie Zavitson, Russ Zavitson, and Beverly Miller. Prior to joining Zavitson, Morris headed his own company, Morris Code Music. Additionally he has held creative offices for Big Picture Entertainment, Hori Pro Music, […]
Urban Recruits Country’s Finest For Hall Fundraiser
/by Sarah SkatesEven the ushers were dancing in the aisle last night (10/13) as Keith Urban blazed through “Sweet Thing,” “Better Life,” and a slew of other hits during his We’re All For The Hall concert at the Sommet Center. He spearheaded the benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and recruited the stellar […]
Joshua Ragsdale Donation Drive, More Benefits
/by Sarah SkatesMusician Joshua Ragsdale is suffering from CML Leukemia and is in dire need of a bone marrow donor, which most often does not require surgery on the donor. Ragsdale, a songwriter and former Lyric Street artist, has been unable to find a match in the national bone marrow registry. Blood Assurance is organizing a blood […]
WMBA Recruitment; Upcoming Auditions
/by Sarah SkatesThe Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is holding open enrollment for membership beginning tomorrow, Thurs., Oct. 15. Women who are working in the music business and are interested in joining WMBA or learning more about the organization, are invited to attend an open meeting on Tues., Oct. 20, 6:30 PM at the NSAI studio. Please […]
Swift Leads American Music Awards Noms
/by FreemanTaylor Swift leads the nominations for the 2009 American Music Awards with a total of six, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist (in both Pop/Rock and Country) and Favorite Album (in both Pop/Rock and Country). Swift is followed by Michael Jackson, who received five nominations, and Eminem, who received four. Nashville rockers Kings […]