NOW That’s What I Call A Country Christmas!

Now That’s What I Call A Country Christmas is set for an Oct. 6th release. The double disc offering builds on the success of NOW That’s What I Call Country Volumes 1 and 2. It includes 29 of the most beloved holiday favorites from idols like Elvis and Johnny Cash, alongside current country stars Kenny […]

IEBA Plans Conference, Awards

The International Entertainment Buyers Association’s annual conference is set for Oct. 11-13 in Nashville, offering a variety of panels to discuss current issues facing live entertainment. Actor Luke Perry will host the IEBA Honors, Oct. 12 at the Ryman Auditorium. Industry pioneer Joan Saltel will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the winners […]

Jason Crabb

“Somebody Like Me” Spring Hill/Nine North Spend half your life doing any one thing, and at some point, you’re bound to question whether or not that one thing was the right thing. For Jason Crabb, longtime powerhouse lead vocalist for The Crabb Family, that has never been a question. With a soulful voice like his, […]

Bobby Karl Works The Room: IBMA Awards

Chapter 321 This year’s IBMA awards belonged to Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, who picked up five trophies, but last year’s champs Dailey & Vincent snagged the biggest prizes of all. Cleveland and company won the Instrumental Group, Instrumental Performance and the Fiddler, Bass Player and Mandolin Player of the Year awards. Dailey & Vincent triumphed […]

Bluegrass DISClaimer (10/2/09)

The best part of the bluegrass-music week starts today. Up until now it has been mostly panel discussions, showcases, a trade show and last night’s awards gala. Today begins the Bluegrass Fan Fest part of the IBMA’s convention. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you get nothing but music, music, music on the lower level of […]

Gloriana

“How Far Do You Wanna Go?” Emblem Music Group/Warner Bros. By any measure, Gloriana has become one of country music’s hottest young acts. Taylor Swift called on the four-member group to open her Fearless 2009 tour, and Brooks & Dunn and LeAnn Rimes have also chosen them for opening slots. They have appeared on Good […]

Opry Plans Annual Birthday Bash

Some of country music’s favorite artists will be part of the excitement as the Grand Ole Opry® celebrates its 84th birthday with birthday shows and special events Oct. 9 and 10. The weekend will include three Opry shows, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers in concert, backstage tours, and an Opry Plaza Birthday Party presented […]

Taylor Swift Stars In Band Hero Video Game

Players will soon be able to perform as video game character Taylor Swift in Activision’s new Band Hero game. Available Nov. 3, just in time for holiday shopping, the game allows fans to act as Swift’s playable character and perform her hits “You Belong With Me,” “Picture To Burn” and “Love Story.” Other new characters […]

Artist News From David Nail and Gloriana

The Chicago White Sox and WUSN celebrated “Country Music Night” on Sept. 22 and featured MCA Nashville artist David Nail performing the national anthem and a four-song acoustic set on the field. He is also acting as MLB.com’s first ever celebrity blogger and will post weekly updates through the World Series. Nail will return to […]

Carrie’s Single Sales Explosion

Superstar Carrie Underwood has the nation’s No. 1 country digital single as “Cowboy Casanova” scored first-week sales of more than 110,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, a division of The Nielsen Company. With this achievement, Underwood remains the only solo country artist this year to debut a digital single above the 100,000 mark. It’s the […]

Writer’s Den Emerges From Montage Ashes

Hedgewood International founder John Simmons, CEO Thad Leach, COO Erik Haag and Head of Publishing Bobby Rymer have re-launched Montage Music Publishing as Writer’s Den Music Group. A full staff is on board and the company has signed songwriters Bonnie Bishop, Ben Cooper, Tami Hinesh and Trent Jeffcoat. An open house will celebrate the transition […]

Updated: Lifenotes: Rick Schulman

Entertainer Rick Schulman Finney died suddenly Tuesday morning, September 29, at his home in Nashville at age 63. During his colorful career as Rick Schulman, he was a songwriter, studio sideman, advertising pitch man, movie actor and Nashville nightclub star. He was the co-writer of the hit 1980 George Jones and Johnny Paycheck duet “When […]

Robin Roberts Joins “Opry Goes Pink”

When the Grand Ole Opry joins the fight against cancer in this Friday’s (10/2) special “Opry Goes Pink,” one of America’s favorite morning news personalities will be on hand to help. Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, who is a breast cancer survivor, will serve as a special guest announcer for part of the night’s […]

Music Video Debuts From Nichols, Adkins, Bowers & Covington

The video for Trace Adkins’ “All I Ask For Anymore” made its premiere on CMT and GAC earlier this week. The video was directed by the award-winning team of Robert Deaton and George Flanigen of Deaton Flanigen Productions, and was shot on location at the Tennessee Air National Guard in Nashville. The video features soldiers […]

YouTube Music, Aristo Int’l Report, And Unpaid Royalties

YouTubers in the U.S. watched more than 10 billion videos during the month of August, many of which were music videos, reports the latest data from comScore. Worldwide, the site hit an all time high of 25 billion videos watched by 161 million pairs of eyes. The popularity of music related content on YouTube is clear […]

All For The Hall In LA Tomorrow

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s All for the Hall Los Angeles benefit takes place tomorrow (10/1) night at Club Nokia with a fantastic line-up set to perform. Multi-talented writer and artist Chris Isaak has been confirmed to host the one-of-a-kind musical evening, the centerpiece of which will be a guitar pull featuring […]

All Star Concert Hopes To Save The GMA

Christian and Gospel music’s premier artists will gather in Nashville on Monday night, Oct. 12, for the Save The GMA concert at the Loveless Cafe Barn. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Fisk Jubilee Singers and The Booth Brothers are all on board for the show […]

GAC Nights Radio Show Shuts Down

The syndicated radio show GAC Nights: Live From Nashville is coming to an end tomorrow (9/30). It was on-air almost two years but couldn’t find another home when its contract with Citadel radio ran out. Exiting are Executive Producer Donna Hughes, co-host Buzz Brainard, and Associate Producer Renee McNeill. Hughes, with 21 years of experience in […]

Around Town: Paramore, Pop Songwriter, And Fire Prevention

Members of Franklin, TN based rock band Paramore gave MTV News a tour of their hometown recently. The band stopped at Puckett’s Restaurant and Grocery in Historic Downtown for lunch. Paramore’s third studio album, Brand New Eyes is releasing nationwide today (9/29) through Fueled by Ramen. The feature can be seen on the MTV News Web site. […]

LeAnn Rimes/ACM Building Playground For Charity

LeAnn Rimes is teaming up with volunteers from The Home Depot, Academy of Country Music, KaBOOM!, the United Way and community members to build a playground in just one day at Spring Valley Apartments in Murfreesboro. Rimes was honored as the 2009 recipient of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the 44th Annual Academy of […]

Photos From The Road: Aldean, Covington, Lambert

Miranda Lambert’s new album, Revolution, comes out today (9/29) and she started this morning with a performance of her current single, “White Liar,” on Good Morning America. While there she ran into the Arizona Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald (R) who was also guesting on the ABC show. She continues the Revolution tonight with a live performances […]

Writer Cup and Coat Drive This Week

The Writer Cup golf tournament, which benefits the homeless outreach of Nashville Mission and Room In The Inn, takes place Wednesday (9/30) and Thursday (10/1) at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, TN. The normal entry fee has been waived, but participants will have to pay the green fees and any incidentals. Hole sponsorships […]

Music Row Rally Raises $1340 & 150 lbs of Food

The first ever Music Row Rally (9/25) had Craig Wiseman and friends stationed at both ends of Music Row collecting money and canned food from cars passing by. On hand to help the emergency food supply in Middle Tennessee were the Second Harvest Food Bank volunteers, Wiseman’s Big Loud Shirt gang, and artists Joey + […]

Bryan Plots Promotional Push For New Album

Luke Bryan will promote his new album Doin’ My Thing with an industrious tour visiting nine cities in nine days. The launch for his second album will kick-off Oct. 5 in Statesboro, Georgia, with Bryan’s previously announced Farm Tour benefit show. On release day, Oct. 6, the Capitol artist will head to Leesburg, Georgia for […]

Music Garden Will Be In Full Bloom Tomorrow

Brenda Lee, Ray Walker (the Jordanaires), Manuel and the families of Loretta Lynn and Merle Kilgore are the latest additions to the growing list of celebrities participating in tomorrow’s (9/29) dedication of the Nashville Music Garden. The event will be emceed by Ralph Emery, with Barbara Mandrell and Lynn Anderson serving as celebrity hosts. The […]

BBR Adds To Roster

Broken Bow Records CEO/President Benny Brown has signed Blake Wise to a recording deal with BBR and a publishing deal with Magic Mustang Music. The rising artist is working on songs for his upcoming debut album for the label. Wise is managed by Hallmark Direction Company, which is helmed by managers John Dorris and Shelia […]

Grascals Strike Black Gold

The IBMA’s World of Bluegrass opened today in Nashville with events including a special media luncheon to announce The Grascals securing sponsorship by Mobil Delvac heavy duty diesel engine oil. Band member Jamie Johnson said it best when he proclaimed, “We’re the new Jed Clampett of bluegrass—we struck oil in our backyard!” Following the luncheon, […]

Country Stars Croon With Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin has long been a respected part of the Americana/folk community, but recent collaborations with mainstream artists Dierks Bentley and Jack Ingram should raise her profile among country fans. Bentley is offering a free download of “Beautiful World,” his song featuring Griffin on CMT.com beginning today (9/28). “This is definitely one of my favorite […]

Lifenotes: CRS Founder Tom McEntee

Tom McEntee, a longtime music businessman best know as founder of Country Radio Seminar, passed away in Florida on Sept. 24, 2009. After starting CRS, now in its 41st year, McEntee spent a decade as the organization’s Executive Chairman/President. McEntee started the radio tip sheet Country Music Survey, and spent time as country chart editor […]

Miranda Revs Up Her “Revolution”

Miranda Lambert’s third album Revolution comes out tomorrow (9/29) and the release is already garnering raves from Rolling Stone (4 stars) and Entertainment Weekly (A). She performed the album in its entirety last Thursday night (9/24) to a sold-out mix of industry and fans at the Ryman Auditorium. In addition to the 15 new tracks, […]

Underwood To Receive Symphony’s Harmony Award

Carrie Underwood will be honored with the prestigious Harmony Award at the white-tie Nashville Symphony Ball on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The Harmony Award is presented annually to individuals who support the varied kinds of music that exist in Nashville, and contribute to the development of the city’s musical culture. Previous […]

Artist Photos

Joe Nichols was surrounded by WIVK Believers when he performed at the Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville. The Universal Records South artist will release his first album in almost two years on Oct. 27. Old Things New, features his hit single “Believers.” Pictured (L-R) are:  WIVK air personalities Josh Blanchard and Ashley King; WIVK Promotions […]

Stars For Second Harvest & Music Row Rally

Luke Bryan, Joey & Rory, Jeffrey Steele, Tony Mullins and comedian Gary Mule Deer have been added to the lineup for the 5th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit on Tues., Sept. 29 at the Ryman Auditorium. Hosted by Craig Wiseman, the concert will also feature Rodney Atkins, Phil Vassar and Heidi Newfield in an […]

Delilah Showcases Art in Nashville

National radio personality and author Delilah will showcase her artistic talents Friday, October 9 with a charity event exhibiting 25 original paintings and photographs at Nashville’s Rymer Gallery. The exhibit starts at 7 pm, and proceeds from sales of her works will go to Point Hope, a non-profit founded by Delilah in 2004 that aims […]

Gill and Harris Take LA; Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will get some love next Thursday (10/1) at its All For The Hall Los Angeles fundraiser featuring Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Melissa Etheridge and friends at LA’s Club Nokia. This one-of-a-kind event will be preceded with a special performance the evening before (9/30) when Gill […]

Next Big Nashville Offers Array of Talent

Next Big Nashville, Music City’s quickly growing festival and music conference, is now less than two weeks away. The four-day extravaganza gets underway Wednesday, October 7, and runs through Saturday, October 10 with performances in numerous Nashville venues. The lineup of over 150 musical performers includes an eclectic mix of locals and out-of-towners such as […]

Colonel Tom Parker Exhibit Opens

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled a special spotlight exhibit dedicated to the life and career of the late Colonel Tom Parker. The revolutionary music business figure served as Elvis Presley’s longtime manager. The exhibit, which is located within the Museum’s permanent exhibition, is titled after one of Parker’s famous slogans, […]

ole Scores Third CCMA Publisher Award

The Canadian Country Music Awards named ole its Publisher of the Year for a third consecutive year. The accolade was announced during the CCMA’s annual Awards week celebration which took place this year in Vancouver, British Columbia. Toronto-based ole also has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. “ole is very pleased to have been chosen […]

Yearwood to Perform For Michelle Obama and Guests

Country music and global politics will intersect tomorrow (9/25) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to an article on theboot.com, President Barack Obama will be greeting world leaders for the G20 economic summit in Pittsburgh and First Lady Michelle Obama be guiding the leaders’ spouses through a tour of the city’s fine arts scene. First stop on […]

Artists Sign On For Bentley’s “Miles & Music For Kids”

The Nashville kick-off event for Dierks Bentley’s “Miles & Music For Kids” is set for 1pm Sunday, Oct. 11. Joining previously announced guests Bentley and his Capitol labelmates Darius Rucker and Eric Church for the event will be Wynonna, Heidi Newfield and Michelle Branch. Tickets for the ride and concert are available online. Ride participants […]

Twitter Chart and Artist Wall High Traffic Destinations

Have you visited Music Row’s Twitter chart and/or Artist Chat Wall? Over the past 30 days, the two sites have been consistent top 10 traffic destinations on MusicRow.com. In fact, Twitter and its related pages are now the No. 1 referrer of traffic to Musicrow.com followed by Facebook and Nashville’s City Paper. What Are They […]

Artist News—Covington, West, Church & More

Bucky Covington was featured on last night’s (9/23) episode of CMT’s Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader with host Jeff Foxworthy (R) and walked away with $25,000 for charity The Arthritis Foundation. Currently, Covington is on the road playing dates across the country and the next stop is Rockingham, NC for his first hometown […]

“Eat and Greet” With Zac Brown Band

In addition to being a fiercely talented musician and songwriter, Zac Brown is also something of a food connoisseur. A few lucky fans will get to experience that first hand on Zac Brown Band’s Breaking Southern Ground Tour, when the band hosts an “Eat and Greet” at several tour dates. Pass holders will not only […]

Big Tractor Music Signs Matthews

Big Tractor Music has signed tunesmith Jason Matthews, who has writing credits on songs such as Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and Luke Bryan’s “Country Man.” Even before he earned Music Row’s 2006 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honor, Matthews was building a catalog of hits, including cuts for Julie Roberts (‘Break Down […]

Jewel Asks You to “Give A Drop”

Recording artist Jewel and her non-profit charity Project Clean Water have announced a partnership with the Voss Foundation (www.thevossfoundation.org) and Virgin Unite (www.virginunite.com), to launch the Give A Drop campaign. The program’s goal is to support water projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and its first venture will be the village of Pel in Dogon, Mali. “I’m […]

ACM Honors Pay Tribute To Industry Greats

“It’s a lump in the throat to be here this evening, thanks,” said Poet’s Award recipient Merle Haggard, neatly summing up the evening. The 2nd Annual ACM Honors event, hosted by Lee Ann Womack, was held 9/22 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center in order to recognize winners from the 44th Annual ACM Awards. A large […]

Artist Confidential on SIRIUS XM

SIRIUS XM has announced the 2009 fall season for its popular Artist Confidential series, which will kick off next Monday, September 28 and feature some of music’s biggest names giving candid interviews and live performances. The first presentation on 9/28 will feature Reba McEntire, whose segment will air on SIRIUS 61 and XM 17, as […]

Chesney Curbs Tour

First hand reports indicate that Kenny Chesney’s final show from his Sun City Carnival tour was an emotional moment for the Luttrell, TN troubadour. Guests who took part in front of 45,000 screaming Indianapolis fans included Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and others. “It’s hard to believe we’re putting this thing up on blocks,” […]

Big and Rich Greatest Hits Includes DTC Piece

Big & Rich will release the duo’s first greatest hits collection on Sept. 29. The DVD/CD combo Big & Rich: Greatest Hits, will include 15 hits plus the unreleased track, “The Man I Am Right Now.” The DVD includes nine music videos. A specially created direct-to-consumer piece will also be available only from the band’s […]

Worley’s River Run Raises $175k

Darryl Worley’s 8th Annual Tennessee River Run, which took place Sept. 10-13 near Savannah, Tennessee, raised $175,000 for the Darryl Worley Foundation. The benefit included numerous events spread over four days, and benefited the building of a cancer treatment center at the Hardin County (Tennessee) Medical Center. Tennessee River Run 2009 kicked off with an […]