Swift’s Global Sales Soar

Taylor Swift, who sold more albums last year than any other artist, is making a significant impact on the global music scene, earning Gold and Platinum sales certifications in fourteen countries. Her Fearless album, rapidly approaching quadruple-Platinum in the US, has earned the following international sales awards: Triple Platinum in Australia and Canada; Platinum in […]

New Music From Dolly and More

Dolly Parton’s latest single, “Change It,” is from the Broadway Musical, 9 to 5. It is being delivered exclusively through AirPlay Direct. ——————————– Radney Foster has added a slew of tour dates in support of his album Revival, to be released Sept. 1 on his own Devil’s River label. The project features Dierks Bentley and […]

Social Media: Revolution Or Fad?

This video presents a strong case for the “Revolution” answer…

S1 Signs Sheryl Crow

S1 Songs Group global CEO Steve McMellon has announced the acquisition of the Sheryl Crow music publishing catalogue and also the execution of a co-publishing agreement for her future works. The deal sees S1 Songs add 153 songs released by Crow between 1993 and 2008 to its existing portfolio of more than 30,000 songs, as […]

MusicRow Strategy Swells Stats

MusicRow.com is pleased to announce it has been enjoying record-setting traffic. Recent weekly page views from the week of August 10 jumped over 35% compared with the week of July 20. The record for most number of views in a single day was established on July 28 topping over 5,600 and then reset again slightly […]

Strait’s Sales, CMA’s Songwriters Series, Redmond’s New Company

As reported in this morning’s @MusicRow sales analysis article, George Strait’s new release is the top selling album in the U.S. this week. Twang debuted at No. 1 today on The Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart selling over 155,000 units. This is the fourth time in Strait’s career that a new release […]

MySpace Purchases iLike, Stops Auto-Song Play

MySpace has purchased music based social networking site iLike for an estimated $20 million. The sites will continue to operate separately but will begin sharing technology, such as iLike’s search capabilities, syndication network and discovery tools. MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta says the acquisition is about technical talent, as well as promoting MySpace across the […]

Alan, Wy, Willie, Bluebird, and Bucky

Wynonna Judd won $50,000 on last night’s episode (8/18) of ABC’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, 100% of which she will donate to Backpack Mission Ministries charity. Wynonna was presented with a puzzling mathematical scenario and with the help of a ‘Phone-A-Friend’ lifeline—her Aunt Margaret Mandell—Wynonna provided the correct answer to win the money […]

SouthComm buying “Scene,” “Nfocus”

Nashville, TN (8/19/09)– SouthComm Inc., the parent of MusicRow Magazine and other niche publications, has signed an agreement to buy the assets of Nashville Scene and Nfocus magazine from City Press LLC. “The Scene is the strongest arts and entertainment brand in Nashville,” said SouthComm CEO Chris Ferrell. “Pairing it and Nfocus with our other […]

Chesney To Debut Clothing Line

Kenny Chesney has inspired a clothing line called Blue Chair Bay which is set for an official launch Sept. 1 at the MAGIC Marketplace, a nationwide clothing event in Las Vegas. Reflecting his casual beach lifestyle, the clothing for men and women is described as classic, with an emphasis on all-natural fabrics. During the fashion […]

Dolly Box Set Coming This Fall

A four-CD box set simply-titled Dolly, will debut Oct. 27. Comprising 99 songs, it is the first multi-CD, multi-label deluxe box set compilation ever to represent her life’s work and will be released through RCA Nashville/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Dolly Parton is distinguished for having charted at least one Top 5 country […]

Leadership Music, CMA Industry InSite, and the “Just Plain Folks” Awards

Grammy winner Steve Wariner and noted studio owner John McBride have been added to the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award salute to Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks, set for Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Renaissance Hotel. Wariner (co-writer of Brooks’ hit “Longneck Bottle”) joins in the tribute to Brooks with his wife Trisha […]

Wanna Dunk An Exec, Critic, or Charlie Monk?

Well, now’s your chance. Because several good sports—many of them from MusicRow’s In Charge list—will be sitting in the dunking booth at the Country Cares party on Thurs., Aug. 20. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® will host a street party from 5-8 PM at Roy Acuff Place as a thank-you to the music industry for […]

TV Shuffle: Reba, Billy, Shania, Brad, Love & Theft

Reba McEntire will be on this week’s CMT Top 20 Countdown, chatting with host Lance Smith about her new album, and her installment of CMT’s Invitation Only which premieres this Friday, August 21 at 8:00 PM/CT. Tomorrow, (8/19) from 2:45-3:15 PM/CT, Reba will conduct a live Web chat from New York City in partnership with […]

Paid Downloads On The Rise, But CD Still Rules

According to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, while CDs remain the most popular format for paid music purchases, digital music sales are making up an ever-greater share of U.S. music sales. CDs comprised 65 percent of all music sold in the first half of 2009 compared to paid digital downloads, which comprised […]

Sneak Preview of CRS 41

Organizers of this year’s Country Radio Seminar have tweeked the format of the educational panels for the coming event, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, at the Nashville Convention Center. Panels which were previously tailored to radio station market size, will offer information that can be applied to all  markets, as well as the music […]

Combustion Forms Joint Venture With New West

Under the terms of a deal announced by Combustion President/Founder Chris Farren and New West Music President/Founder Cameron Strang, New West has acquired an interest in the Combustion catalog resulting in the formation of a new partnership between the two companies. The new arrangement creates an independent force with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville. […]

Benefits Roundup

Darryl Worley’s Tennessee River Run, scheduled for September 10-13 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Savannah, Tennessee will feature performances from Worley, Craig Morgan, Caitlin & Will, Jonathan Singleton & The Grove and more. Other activities include a 5k run/walk, fishing tournament, and live auction. Another bass fishing tournament, also benefitting the Darryl Worley Foundation, […]

Republic Nashville Signs The Band Perry

If everyone in this photo buys a CD the group will be well on its way to Gold sales. (TOP ROW, Left to Right): David Crow, Milom, Joyce, Horsnell & Crow, PLC; Bob Doyle, Bob Doyle & Associates; Scott Borchetta, CEO of Republic Nashville; Allison Jones, A&R Republic Nashville; Marie Perry; Steve Perry; Jimmy Harnen, […]

ON THE COVER: Anthony Smith

Label: Stroudavarious Forthcoming Album: Sunshine, set for release in 2010 Current Single & Video: “Bringin’ Back The Sunshine” Current Producer: James Stroud and Anthony Smith Interesting Facts: #1: The album is scheduled to include an instrumental track called “Anaconda Cowboys,” performed with Smith’s band of the same name. #2: Smith’s first album was on Mercury […]

NoShoesRadio.com Partners with Hooters

Atlanta-based Hooters restaurants partnered with NoShoesradio.com, Kenny Chesney’s new online radio station which launched last week. The station located at www.noshoesradio.com reflects Kenny’s eclectic taste, ranging from country to reggae to rock, and beyond. The radio station promotional launch takes place in major cities across the country. Chesney appeared at last week’s kick off at […]

McGraw Offers Fans Southern Voice

Tim McGraw will release Southern Voice on Curb Records, Oct. 20. The new album will contain his current single “It’s A Business Doing Pleasure With You” written by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and Brett James. This release, recorded in Nashville with producer Byron Gallimore, marks McGraw’s first studio set in almost 2 and a half years. […]

Possum Returns, Sony Sign, Katie Armiger & Craig Morgan

Murray Lands Premiere Position

Entertainment marketing veteran Rick Murray joins the Premiere Radio Networks team as Director of Marketing and Brand Development for After Midnite with Blair Garner. Murray will report to Premiere Radio Networks SVP of Programming Jennifer Leimgruber and handle all promotions for the program. He will also manage marketing and branding initiatives for www.BlairGarner.com. Murray brings […]

Aldean’s Wide Open Live & More

Jason Aldean’s live concert DVD Wide Open Live & More will be released Aug. 25, but has already been certified gold by the RIAA. The 15 song hi-definition special includes his current single “Big Green Tractor,” “She’s Country” and hits from his first two albums, Jason Aldean and Relentless. Aldean’s ticket sales have doubled since […]

Veronica Ballestrini

“Amazing” Timbob Records Veronina Ballestrini’s latest single “Amazing” is currently making its mark on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart and beyond. Veronica might not be the household name that our American Idol-era industry is capable of producing overnight—yet. But there’s no doubt that she is well on her way to mastering the art of our new media age […]

Live Nation Giving Away Tickets Via Twitter

Twitter users are coming up with new ways to use the service all the time…the latest is contest giveaways. During the month of August Live Nation is giving concert fans a chance to win the Ultimate Concert Access Pass, which allows the winner and a guest to attend any and every show at any and […]

Friday Photos: “People” Party, Country At The White House, More

Nathan Lee Jackson

“Desperate Man” StarCity/Nine North “Desperate Man” is the latest single from StarCity/Nine North artist Nathan Lee Jackson. The song comes from Jackson’s debut album Complicated Hearts, recorded with the help of Jeff Glixman, producer of famed ‘70s rock legends Kansas. Hailing from Winchester, Kentucky, Jackson came of age during country music’s new wave of the […]

O’Reilly Opens Nashville Office, Signs Buddy Jewell

Buddy Jewell has signed with O’Reilly International for management, company president Louis O’Reilly announced today. Brad Allen, president of the newly-formed ALL Entertainment, will co-manage Jewell with O’Reilly. O’Reilly International, one of Canada’s leading artist management companies, recently opened an office in Nashville. The company, in partnership with its two independent award-winning Canadian record labels, […]

Otto And Houser Set For Buds-n-Suds

The 12th Annual Buds-n-Suds Benefit Concert has lined up Randy Houser and James Otto to play the outdoor fundraiser at Loser’s Bar and Grill on Wednesday, August 26th, 7-11 PM. The event started by friends and music businessmen Cory Gierman and Jason Krupek supports the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Tennessee Chapter. There […]

Miley Pole Dances At Teen Choice Awards, More From The Web

If she was trying to get attention, I guess it worked… Miley Cyrus’ pole dance at the Teen Choice Awards (of all places) is being bashed by bloggers all over the Internet. EW.com says, “But the stripper-esque choreography, coupled with Cyrus’ questionable red-carpet attire, came off completely inappropriate and ill-advised.” The LA Times blog has […]

Benefits, Video Golf, TV Appearances and More

Jack Ingram will be featured on the Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader game show for charity this week to support his new philanthropic partner Friends of TOMS, the non-profit partner of TOMS Shoes. He will also make his Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien debut on Fri., Aug. 14., where he will perform “Barefoot […]

Petition Seeks To Add Buxton To Urban Tour

A fan petition addressed to Keith Urban and management firm Borman Entertainment is circulating the social network corridors, urging Urban to add Sarah Buxton to his Escape Together Tour. “Being an opening act on the tour would be a great way for Sarah Buxton to gain more recognition as an artist,” the web page says […]

Les Paul Has Died

From Gibson Guitar: New York, NY…August 13, 2009…Les Paul, acclaimed guitar player, entertainer and inventor, passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plain, New York, surrounded by family and loved ones. He had been receiving the best available treatment through this final battle and in keeping with his […]

Vancouver Emerges As CCMA Country Music Hotbed

Packed Agenda Includes Showcases, Songwriter Events, Networking Opportunities, Industry Awards, Superstar Performances, More…Sept. 10-13 (Nashville, TN) Aug. 12, 2009 – Vancouver, British Columbia, will host this year’s Country Music Week, featuring four days of showcases, seminars, industry events and musical performances from some of the biggest stars in both American and Canadian Country music. Country […]

Tyminski Leads Bluegrass Award Nominees

Today the IBMA announced the nominees for the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, to be hosted by Kathy Mattea and legendary bluegrass band, Hot Rize, on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The Dan Tyminski Band, including Union Station alumni Adam Steffey and Barry Bales, lead with nine nominations […]

RFD Planning New Show “Larry’s Country Diner”

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson will be the first musical guest on a new show being created in Nashville at RFD-TV called Larry’s Country Diner, scheduled to debut on Sept. 3. Taped in a typical diner setting, the show is hosted by broadcast personality/producer Larry Black, who is joined by regular cast members, along with announcer Keith […]

Hall Hosts Cindy Walker Donation Ceremony, Reveals Project

When songwriter Cindy Walker died in March 2006, she left the writer’s share of her cherished catalog of songs to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Befittingly, the organization celebrated her life and work with a donation ceremony yesterday (8/12) and also revealed plans for a new Walker project. The 1997 Country Music […]

Toby Keith Releases Animated Video, Receives Million Air Awards

Toby Keith is spending the summer on his America’s Toughest Tour and has released an animated music video. BMI’s David Preston and Jody Williams recently traveled through severe weather conditions to join Keith at his Memphis stop. There they presented him with two awards, one as a publisher and one as a writer, for his hit […]

Michelle Branch

“Sooner Or Later” Warner Bros. Nashville Grammy-winner Michelle Branch is back with “Sooner Or Later,” her first solo effort after enjoying country success with the acclaimed Stand Still, Look Pretty by The Wreckers. As part of that duo, Branch was nominated for both a CMA Award and a Grammy. The popularity of The Wreckers helped […]

Due West Rocks The MR Conference Room

Nine North’s Larry Pareigis brought the trio to MR’s conference room for an unplugged performance. “I Get That All Time” is No. 33 this week on the Country Breakout Chart. Due West (seated) hangs on the MusicRow front steps after a well received mini-concert. Standing (L-R): Music Row’s Michelle Ross, Christie King, Sarah Skates, David […]

EYB, Larry, Dierks, Tracy and Reba News

Dierks Bentley will host his fourth annual “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and concert on Sunday, Oct. 11 in Nashville.  Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The hour-long ride will weave through Williamson County […]

Lawrence Hospitalized, Rucker, Clint Black, And More

Suffering from a respiratory infection, Tracy Lawrence was hospitalized yesterday in Nashville. He has been diagnosed with early signs of pneumonia and is receiving treatment. He was forced him to cancel his August 13 appearance at the Wildhorse Saloon in Lufkin, TX. The status of his remaining shows this weekend in San Antonio, TX and […]

Songwriter Shows To Benefit NSAI

NSAI’s successful concert series, “It All Begins With A Song,” continues with the Charlie Daniels Band on Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Wildhorse Saloon. Prior to the CDB, Old Union will take the stage. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, as well as at www.wildhorsesaloon.com. General Admission tickets start at […]

ASCAP Planning Songwriters Workshops

ASCAP is planning two separate songwriters workshops focused on Pop and Christian music. They will both run for six consecutive weekly sessions beginning in September, with each meeting featuring prominent music industry guest speakers giving advice on A&R, music publishing, legal issues, and more. Serving as moderator for the Pop workshop will be songwriter/artist Robert Ellis Orrall. […]

Web Initiatives Help Nichols Support Troops, Single

Joe Nichols is supporting the troops as well as promoting his new single, “Believers,” with several viral initiatives. While he was on a tour in Iraq performing for the servicemen and women, he had the video crew documenting the excursion also interview the soldiers about what they believe in. The result is a moving video […]

Dierks Celebrates “Sideways” With Tailgate Party

Dierks Bentley’s team celebrated his latest No. 1, “Sideways,” with a Summer Tailgate Party outside the Sony/ATV offices on Monday, August 10th. Bentley co-wrote the hit with Jim Beavers and it is the second consecutive chart-topper form his album Feel That Fire. His new single is the romantic tune “I Wanna Make You Close Your […]

Rucker Goes Platinum, Plus Updates From 821, CMHF, And CMT

Darius Rucker’s debut country album Learn To Live on Capitol Records Nashville has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. His third single from the album, “Alright,” helped push shipments over the 1 million mark. The song spent one week at the top of MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart and also landed at No. 1 on other […]

Touring News: ZBB, Paisley, Lucinda, Miranda

The Zac Brown Band embarks on its first headlining tour Sept. 24 in Cary, NC. The band will spread its message of “Love, Peace and Chicken Grease” throughout the Southeast, with current dates lined up in the Carolinas, Tennessee and Texas. The 2009 Breaking Southern Ground Tour will hit mainly amphitheaters and theaters during September […]