Stephen Allen Davis, Mark Brown Start Publishing Co.

Longtime Music Row publisher Mark Brown and songwriter Stephen Allen Davis recently stopped by BMI to affiliate their new publishing venture, Molet Music. While the two were in the organization’s Music Row offices, BMI’s Jody Williams surprised the Grammy-nominated Davis with a Million-Air certificate recognizing more than 3 million performances of his composition “Stand Beside […]

Video Sites: Vevo Launching, Hulu Expanding

Music video site Vevo has set a Dec. 8 launch date, while the already popular Hulu, which offers mostly films and TV shows, is gearing up to become a music destination. Vevo has Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group on board, with YouTube powering the back-end video technology. A launch party will be held […]

Superstar Strait Tour With Lee Ann Womack And Reba

The upcoming George Strait tour will be a huge outing, with Lee Ann Womack just added to the dates, alongside previously announced superstar Reba McEntire. The arena tour kicks off in early 2010 and continues through late Spring. On the schedule are more than 20 nationwide dates, starting in late January, and going through April. […]

File Sharing Harms Paid Music Purchases

Some observers believe that music file sharing can fuel paid purchases because it exposes listeners to new music they might not have heard otherwise. To test this theory, Jupiter Research surveyed 5000 European consumers to see how illegal trading affects music spending and found that the overall impact of file sharing is negative. The results […]

Clay Walker Helms Soundtrack For Flick Ft. Lee Ann Womack

New movie Noble Things features an appearance by Lee Ann Womack and a Clay Walker-produced soundtrack with offerings from numerous Country artists. The film opened in select theaters Oct. 30 and the soundtrack is available via iTunes and other digital outlets. Walker’s EL Music released the soundtrack which contains 14 never before heard songs from […]

Jeff Walker, Gail Davies–Int’l Country Ambassadors

AristoMedia Group President and CMA board member Jeff Walker, and singer, songwriter and producer Gail Davies were honored with the 2009 International Country Music Ambassador Awards last week during events surrounding the CMA Awards. Davies received her award from Brazilian Country artist Rodrigo Haddad, and Walker received his award from international Country music promoter Judy […]

Hall of Fame Salutes Mary Martin

Last night (11/17) the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presented an in-depth interview with visionary music industry executive Mary Martin. The program was the 2009 installment of the Museum’s Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum, made possible by the Gibson Foundation. Martin spoke with host Jay Orr for nearly two hours, sharing highlights of her […]

Chesney 3D Movie Trailer Out Today

The trailer for Kenny Chesney’s upcoming 3D concert movie hits the Web today (11/18). Fans can get a preview of Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D at Noon PT at Moviefone, AOL Music, The Boot and KennyChesney.com. The 3-D movie is slated for national theater release in April 2010 via Sony Pictures Entertainment’s The Hot Ticket. […]

ACM Announces Additions to Board of Directors

The Academy of Country Music has announced its new board of directors for 2010 in six categories elected by the Academy members. Director-at-large positions have also been named by Chairman John Grady, President Bill Mayne and Vice President Sarah Trahern. Each director serves staggered two-year terms, with half the board membership changing each year. Additionally, […]

Christmas News From Sugarland, Wynonna, Joey And Rory

Sugarland is the only Country act set for the Christmas In Washington special, premiering Sunday, Dec. 20, at 7 PM/CT on TNT. The duo joins host George Lopez and fellow performers Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Rob Thomas and Usher for the holiday celebration. The President, First Lady and other Washington VIPs annually attend the […]

CRS Revamps Schedule

Country Radio Seminar organizers have been finalizing plans for the upcoming event, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, at the Nashville Convention Center. Attendees at CRS 41 can expect changes in scheduling, panels and radio liner tapings. To reduce scheduling conflicts, the new lineup ensures that no more than three panels will be held simultaneously […]

Nashville Post: FBI Raids Gibson Offices

Iconic company charged with illegal importation of Madagascar wood. Click to go to >>Nashville Post<<

Texan Aaron Watson Builds Nashville Team

With nine albums under his belt, Texas musician Aaron Watson has joined forces with several notables around Nashville. Watson and Unrest Music Group have teamed with David Haley at Edgehill Music and Media, Larry Pareigis and Tom Moran of Nine North Records, Nancy Tunick’s Grassroots Promotion, and Jules Wortman’s Wortman Works Media & Marketing. It […]

Faith Hill And Borman Part Ways

Faith Hill and Gary Borman have agreed to dissolve their long business association. “We are so proud of what we have achieved together over the past 16 years,” said Hill and Borman in a joint statement. “We love each other like a sister and a brother, but have made the difficult choice to dissolve our […]

Kerri Fox-Metoyer Joins Sony as VP Sales

Kerri Fox-Metoyer has joined Sony Music Nashville as Vice President, Sales. With 18 years of experience, she previously held the same title at Walt Disney Records. She will spearhead Sony Music Nashville’s initiatives in sales, catalog exploitation, non-traditional and new business initiatives, as well as managing relationships with retail in conjunction with Sony’s distribution arm. […]

Kevin Neal To Head Buddy Lee Attractions, More Changes Coming

Longtime Buddy Lee Attractions agent Kevin Neal has been named President of the company following Friday’s (11/13) resignation of former President Tony Conway. Neal has been with the agency for 20 years where he previously served as Senior Vice President. He is the responsible agent for Jason Aldean, Colt Ford, and Ash Bowers among others, […]

Adkins Inks BC Powder Deal; Wanda Jackson/Jack White Collaborate

Trace Adkins has entered an agreement with BC Headache Powder to be its spokesperson for the next two years. He will record radio ads, be included in images at retail stores and on BC’s website (www.bcpowder.com), perform at exclusive events, and conduct a BC Headache Powder sponsored concert tour in 2010 that will include more […]

Signings At Blue Guitar Music

Blue Guitar Music Publishing has added artist/songwriters David Kroll and Blake Gray to its roster.

Opinion: Is Taylor The New Garth; Does History Repeat?

Country’s last popularity peak was spearheaded by Garth Brooks who attracted both countryphiles and musicphiles—fans with a wide variety of musical tastes. Today there are a great many similarities to those times with the media’s strong attraction toward Taylor Swift and her music which to date has sold over 10 million records. When Garth was […]

Covington Plans Live Release

Lyric Street’s Bucky Covington is gearing up for the Nov. 17 release of a digital EP, a five song outing of  new music and hits. Live From Rockingham was recorded at his recent hometown concert in Rockingham, NC and debuts new single “Gotta Be Somebody,” a country take on the Nickelback hit of the same […]

Shriver, Nadler Named Presidents of Country Crossing Records

Country Crossing Records will be headed by co-Presidents Evelyn Shriver and Susan Nadler, the longtime music business partners which previously ran George Jones’ Bandit Records. Country Crossing is part of Ronnie Gilley Entertainment, which also includes James Stroud’s Stroudavarious Records and BamaJam Records. The label is home to John Anderson and Lorrie Morgan, who has […]

Conway To Depart Buddy Lee Attractions

Nashville, TN [Press] – Tony Conway, CEO and co-owner of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., is departing the talent agency after thirty-three years. “It has been an extraordinary experience, and I have worked with the most amazing group of artists and staff for over three decades,” says Conway. “I want to thank the late Buddy Lee […]

Hall of Fame Debuts New Web Site

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched a new Web site today at www.countrymusichalloffame.org. The redesigned site features tons more video, particularly of the Museum’s special programming such as the Poets & Prophets series, Nashville Cats, and events tied to the Williams Family exhibition. There are also more photos, facts, and information. Tina […]

Photos From The Road: Aldean, Bryan, Newfield

Faith Hill Hosts CBS Holiday Special

Faith Hill has recruited Carrie Underwood, Reba and numerous other stars from music and film for her 11th Annual A Home For The Holidays With Faith Hill special. Hill was adopted and uses the show to raise awareness about foster care and adoption. It will be broadcast Wednesday, Dec. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the […]

CMA Honors Media Achievements

The Country Music Association celebrated members of the national and international media this week while they were in town for the CMA Awards. Receiving trophies were PEOPLE’s Cynthia Sanz and BBC Radio 2’s Al Booth. Veteran print journalist Cynthia Sanz, Assistant Managing Editor for PEOPLE, received the 2009 CMA Media Achievement Award during the CMA […]

MR Web Traffic Through The Roof

MusicRow.com set new web traffic records yesterday (11/12), pushed by loads of CMA Awards coverage including winners, after-party photos and the always popular Bobby Karl Works The Room column. Page views on the site totaled almost 9,000, marking the busiest day in its history. This is a significant 37 percent increase over the all-time high […]

“People Country” Issue Out Tomorrow

The new issue of PEOPLE Country comes out tomorrow (11/13), with Alan and Denise Jackson on the cover. Available only on newsstands it is the last of five special Country issues to be published by PEOPLE this year. In the magazine, the Jacksons talk about the things that bring them joy, such as their 30-year […]

Digital Tracks And Albums Set New Highs

According to Nielsen SoundScan, four artists have broken the digital track sales record set last year (2008) by Rihanna who sold 9.9 million tracks. Of course, the year is far from over, with respect to sales. Year-to-date, Michael Jackson leads track sales for 2009 having sold 11.3 million. Lady Gaga fans have purchased 11.1 million […]

Rounder Anniversary Show Heads For TV

October marked a milestone for indie label, Rounder Records. The record company celebrated 40 years in the music industry with an anniversary concert on October 12 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, filmed for a PBS television special that will begin airing on the network in March 2010. Grammy® winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & […]

CMA Delivers Most Watched Show Since 2005

[Updated 4:22 pm] The 43rd Annual CMA Awards delivered ABC a robust 5.2/14 ratings/share for adults 18-49 and logged 16.85 million viewers. In addition to being the most watched CMA Awards show since 2005, it also blew the doors off the evening, giving ABC its largest Wednesday night audience (excluding sports) since 9/21/05 according to […]

Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Awards

Chapter 328 Photographer: John Russell / CMA It’s Taylor’s world; the rest of us just live in it. As surely the entire known universe is aware by now, the country-pop princess bagged four CMA Awards Wednesday night (11/11), including the monumental Entertainer of the Year trophy. That win makes her the youngest person in history […]

CMA Awards Coverage Around The Web

Taylor Swift is youngest to ever win CMA’s top Award [LA Times] Country Music Assn. voters largely turned their back on tradition in anointing teenage country-pop star Taylor Swift and a whole slate of relative newcomers with most of its top honors at Wednesday’s CMA Awards ceremony in Nashville. Taylor Swift: Young, fearless and in […]

Star Studded Post Party Pics [Updated]

When the CMA Awards wrapped at the Sommet Center, artists and executives headed out for some fabulous post parties. Some labels took over local restaurants, while others transformed their office space for the star-studded events.

43rd Annual CMA Awards Winners

photos by Alan Mayor Entertainer Of The Year Taylor Swift Male Vocalist Of The Year Brad Paisley Female Vocalist Of The Year Taylor Swift Vocal Group Of The Year Lady Antebellum Vocal Duo Of The Year Sugarland New Artist Of The Year Darius Rucker Album Of The Year Fearless, Taylor Swift Produced By Nathan Chapman […]

Sugarland Tapped For Grammy Noms Special

Nominees in select Grammy categories will be revealed during a primetime television special airing Wed., Dec. 2, 8 PM/CT on CBS. Sugarland is the first Country group announced to perform on The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night. The Black Eyed Peas and Maxwell are also set for the show hosted […]

Country People’s Choice Awards Nominees

Country faces are everywhere among the nominees for the People’s Choice Awards, which highlight all genres of music, film, television and more. The show airs Jan. 6 on CBS with host Queen Latifah. Keith Urban and Tim McGraw are in the running for Favorite Male Artist. Vying against Beyonce and others in the Female category […]

New Music From Trailer Choir and More

Trailer Choir has been making the rounds at the CMA Premiere Radio remotes, debuting the “HOLLA-day” version of their hit single “Rockin’ the Beer Gut” by singing a portion of the song in radio interviews. Josh Thompson released his self-titled, digital EP this week, including debut single “Beer On The Table.” Produced by Michael Knox […]

ABC-TV Special Leads Into Tonight’s CMA Awards

“Country Music’s Biggest Night” is upon us. CMA Awards tickets are sold out, ABC has been hyping Country with special programming, and downtown traffic is being adjusted for load-in to the Sommet Center. As part of the CMA Awards excitement, last night (11/10) ABC presented the hour-long special In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: Bright […]

Country Celebrates Veterans Day

“Chevy Salutes America’s Heroes” contest winner Master Sgt. Bubba Beason of the U.S. Air Force was awarded a 2010 Chevy Equinox yesterday (11/10) during ABC’s Good Morning America broadcast from the Sommet Center. Country artist Rodney Atkins presented Beason and his family with the car. Beason’s son, Christopher, entered his father in the contest and […]

Bobby Karl Works The Room: BMI Awards

Chapter 327 More Stars Than There Are in the Heavens. That was the saying about the MGM lot during Hollywood’s golden age in the ‘30s and ‘40s. If there’s an organization in country music that can say the same in this golden age of country music, it is surely BMI. The performance rights organization’s 57th […]

Siman Blasts Channel 5 Scalping Expose

Editorial: Scott Siman, President RPM Management “Kudos to Channel 5 for investigating and getting it all wrong. Please, Bob Lefsetz? He couldn’t find Nashville with Mapquest. He is a true idiot. Are there issues? Yes. Does he understand them? No. Actually, for many acts, tickets are under priced. Market value, American spirit of economy should […]

Big Winners At BMI—Pinson, Swift, Sony/ATV

It was an evening to celebrate songs and songwriters at BMI’s Country Awards, held last night (11/10) at the organization’s Music Row offices. Bobby Pinson was named Songwriter of the Year, Taylor Swift’s smash “Love Story” received Song of the Year honors, and its publisher Sony/ATV Music was awarded Publisher of the Year. The 57th […]

Song Camps Encourage Collaboration

Song Camps are growing in popularity as a way to introduce writers and pen songs for specific artists or sync placements. ASCAP will be hosting its third Song Camp in Nashville November 16, 17 and 18. This event will bring together 15 hit songwriters from the Latin, Urban, Pop and Country genres. Scheduled to participate […]

Aimee Mayo Celebrates Million-Air Hits

Aimee Mayo recently celebrated several Million-Air Awards at Brown’s Diner, a Nashville eatery where she worked before making it big as a songwriter. The 2002 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year, Mayo received Million-Air awards for her impressive string of hits including Lonestar’s “Amazed,” which has generated more than 6 million performances; Martina McBride’s “This […]

CMT Features Sugarland Concert Special

Sugarland: Live On The Inside, the one-hour network television special featuring Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush’s Love On The Inside Tour will re-air exclusively on CMT beginning Friday, November 13 at 9 PM/CT and repeat numerous times throughout the month. The video was directed by Shaun Silva and filmed at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. […]

Consumers Spending Less This Holiday

Thirty percent of consumers say they will spend less money during the upcoming holiday shopping season than in years past, according to leading market research company The NPD Group, Inc. This is a slight increase from last year’s poll of consumers asking the same question. The National Retail Federation is projecting holiday retail industry sales […]

Opry Show To Stream On MySpace

The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, and MySpace are uniting to live stream an Opry performance with video for the first time. On Nov. 14, 9 – 10 p.m. ET fans can view the live show featuring Opry member and country superstar Carrie Underwood, CMA new artist nominee Jake Owen, and more. […]

Bobby Karl Works the SESAC Awards

Chapter 326 We Are Family. That concept was repeatedly invoked at Monday night’s SESAC banquet on Music Row (11/9). And, my, how the “family” has grown: The event is now double in size what it was just a few short years ago. “I’m proud to be a member of the SESAC family,” said Songwriter of […]

Swift Set To Open CMA Awards

It was announced today (11/8) that four-time nominee Taylor Swift will deliver the opening performance at Wednesday night’s (11/11) CMA Awards. The 43rd Annual CMA Awards, hosted by fellow nominees Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will air live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on ABC. Swift, who won the Horizon Award in 2007, received […]