Leadership Music Names Class of 2010

Fifty-four new members have been selected to participate in the twenty-first annual class of Leadership Music. The annual program is designed to create a forum for established music community leaders to identify and explore issues currently affecting the music industry. “The selection committee, composed of more than 50 Leadership Music alumni from all areas of […]

Trailer Choir Gets MusicRow Ready For The Weekend

Trailer Choir members Crystal Hoyt, Big Vinny and Butter stopped the MusicRow offices yesterday to talk about their latest single on Show Dog Nashville. They have been promoting the song “Rockin’ The Beer Gut” by sharing beer with press and radio. Front (L-R) Crystal Hoyt, Big Vinny and Butter; Back (L-R) MusicRow’s David Ross, Sarah […]

TV Time Pays Off

TV time paid off for Lady Antebellum when the band’s weekly album sales doubled following their performance of “I Run To You” on April’s Academy of Country Music Awards. The increase also coincides with the single’s rising popularity on radio. Dolly Parton is set to perform on Sunday night’s Tony Awards on CBS, where she […]

Cox Promotes Garth Book

Patsi Bale Cox sold out of copies of her new book, The Garth Factor: The Career Behind Country’s Big Boom, at her Davis Kidd booksigning last night. The former Capitol Records staffer, who spent 16 years handling Brooks’ publicity, chronicles his career, the huge popularity surge of country music, boardroom drama, and more in the […]

Shane Allen Joins Capitol As VP Promotion

Capitol Records Nashville has named Shane Allen Vice President, Promotion and will report directly to Steve Hodges, Senior Vice President Promotion. Before his recent stint at GHM/Red Light Management, industry veteran Allen was Capitol Record Nashville’s VP Radio Strategies and Field Marketing. “I’m extremely excited to be returning to Capitol Nashville in this capacity, and […]

Universal Republic, Big Machine Launch Republic Nashville

Big Machine Records and Universal Republic have combined resources to form the new label Republic Nashville, which will be run by President Jimmy Harnen and headquartered on Music Row. Republic Nashville’s inaugural roster will include honky tonkin’ singer/songwriter Sunny Sweeney and new country duo Fast Ryde, among other artists. A major staff announcement regarding the […]

S1 Songs Makes Significant Acquisition

S1 Songs has acquired the song catalogs, plus future works, of Brett Beavers, Shaye Smith and Don Rollins, and also purchased an interest in the smash hit singles “Whiskey Lullaby” recorded by Brad Paisley and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” recorded by Alan Jackson. The Nashville office of S1 is headed by Sr. VP/GM Pat Finch. […]

Lifenotes: Danny Petraitis (Updated)

Funeral service will be Sunday, June 7th, 2 PM at Benton Chapel on the Vanderbilt campus. A celebration and visitation will follow at nearby St. Augustine’s Chapel, 200 24th Ave. S. This will be a pot luck celebration and people will be at the chapel to accept dishes or beverages from those who would like […]

Sony Onboard With eMusic

Back catalog from Sony Music Entertainment will soon be available on popular download site eMusic. This is the first major label to partner with the retailer known largely for indie music. eMusic boasts about 400,000 subscribers who can download a set number of MP3s each month in exchange for a monthly fee. Following the agreement […]

Artist Exposure Comes Through Many Platforms

From traditional TV tie-ins to unique games for fans, artist handlers have come up with numerous ways to connect with audiences this summer. Martina McBride’s latest single “I Just Call You Mine” is getting a lot of exposure through NBC’s Today show. The song, written by Ty Lacy, Jess Clayton Cates, and Dennis Matkosky, is […]

DISClaimer (5/15/09)

There are 10 records here, but only one really matters. Eric Heatherly has more talent than any man ought to be allowed. He writes incredibly addictive songs. He sings like an angel and plays guitar like the devil. His rhythmic sense is impeccable. On top of everything else, he’s a superb showman. He also has […]

Pop-Rock DISClaimer (5/15/09)

As usual, there is plenty going on in Nashville’s pop-rock community. The gals, in particular, are rocking the joint. Veteran Jonell Mosser leads a grooving group that also includes Disc of the Day winner Erin McCarley and excellent newcomer Susan Hartman. The DisCovery Award, however, goes to the guys of Kindercastle. Both Kindercastle and Jonell […]

DISClaimer (5/8/09)

It’s a left-field kinda day. Despite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns. Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather […]

Festival Fundraiser Memorializes Steele’s Son

The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Skate and Music Festival—the third annual event hosted by songwriter Jeffrey Steele and his family—is set for Sunday, June 28 at Jim Warren Park in Franklin, Tenn. Proceeds will benefit the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund of The Community Foundation, and its scholarship program to motivate kids. The free festival opens at […]

Strait Adds To Platinum Tally

George Strait’s latest, Troubadour, has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, bringing his career total to 33 different Platinum or multi-Platinum albums—more than any other Country artist. Strait ranks third in all genres, behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley. More good news for Strait came this morning when SoundScan reported a more than 300% […]

Grammy Changes Reflect Growth of Americana Music

In what Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly calls a “huge shift in the musical landscape,” The Recording Academy announced today that it has changed the name of the Grammy Awards “Folk Field” to the “American Roots Music Field.” The newly renamed Field will now include the Best Traditional Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues […]

Competition Heats Up on CMT and at Puckett’s

Ten final groups have been selected to compete in CMT’s Can You Duet. They will perform weekly at the Wildhorse Saloon, in front of  host Lance Smith and expert judge/mentors Naomi Judd, Big Kenny, and Big Machine Records Pres. and CEO Scott Borchetta, vying for a recording contract with Big Machine. The show premieres Sat., […]

Good First Week For Montgomery Gentry

Montgomery Gentry‘s new Cracker Barrel exclusive album sold over 25,900 copies since its release last week. For Our Heroes set the restaurant chain’s record for first week CD sales, nudging out the previous record holder,  Alison Krauss’ 2005 release, Home On The Highways. In addition to being one of the top ten country albums for […]

Big Loud Party

On May 28 the staff of Big Loud Shirt Industries hosted their annual carnival-themed “parking lot” party. Complete with hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and ring pops, most people flocked to the balloon-hat makers for their own unique party favor. More than 300 Music Row friends showed up to party with celebrated songwriter and Big […]

R&R to Cease Publication

According to Inside Radio, “Nearly three years after being purchased by Nielsen Business Media, the 36-year old Radio & Records becomes the latest victim of the media downturn.  The magazine will print its final edition Friday. Its website will also cease to exist, in a move that will lead to the layoff of roughly 40 […]

Performing Songwriter Ceases Publication

“It’s kind of a celebration of sorts,” says Performing Songwriter Publisher/founder Lydia Hutchinson. “I always wondered what the finish line would look like, but now it’s clear to me we have reached it.” The 16-year-old publication will cease publication after its June issue. “As sad as change and letting go are, it feels like a […]

Dierks and CMT Partner For Charity Events

Dierks Bentley’s annual “Miles & Music For Kids” fundraiser is expanding beyond Nashville with the help of CMT One Country. The motorcycle ride and concert featuring Bentley and friends will grow to include six markets in 2009 and 2010, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. As part of CMT’s involvement, “Miles & Music For […]

Chesney Hits Louisville; Houser & Johnson Benefit Opry; Caitlin & Will Opry Debut

With Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival Tour taking over Louisville’s Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, some of Nashville’s music industry folks headed north for the festivities. (L-R): CMT Pres. and CMA Board Member Brian Philips, Chesney, Sony Nashville Chairman Joe Galante and CMA CEO Tammy Genovese. • • • Co-headliners Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson filled […]

Paisley Starts American Saturday Night Tour

Brad Paisley will kick off his American Saturday Night Tour this Friday in Charlotte, NC. Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne are special guests on the outing which has more than 40 dates scheduled through the end of October. The run consists mainly of amphitheaters and arenas as well as a stop at New York’s Madison […]

Free Events Mark Music Festival Opening

The CMA Music Festival will open with a free Kick-Off Parade and Block Party beginning at 2 PM on Wed., June 10. Hosted by Grand Marshal Rodney Atkins, “The Fifth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will feature artists riding in Chevy vehicles, including Deborah Allen, Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Mandy Barnett, Bo Bice, Bomshel, […]

Jackson To Give Free 20th Anniversary Concert

Alan Jackson will thrill fans next week with a free concert marking his 20 years in country music. The performance and party is set for Wed., June 10 at Nashville’s Cadillac Ranch, following that afternoon’s parade kicking off the CMA Music Festival. Industry guests are welcome as well. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Show […]

Flatts Make Most of Sponsorships

The Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour opens this weekend with shows in St. Louis, Missouri and Indianapolis, Indiana. The band garnered sponsorship from JCPenney which is promoting its affordable, clothing brand called American Living. An associate sponsorship from Hersheys was also negotiated. Also on the tour are Darius Rucker and Cledus T Judd. In […]

Happy Birthday Bluebird Cafe

The Bluebird Café is celebrating its 27th year in business tonight with a Birthday Bash featuring The Jay Patten Band and special guests Jonell Mosser, Cowboy Jack Clement, Deborah Allen, Shawn Camp, and more. The 9:00 PM event benefits Happy Endings Animal Rescue (H.E.A.R.). The cost is $15.00.

Wilson To Open CMA Music Festival

Gretchen Wilson will kick off 2009 CMA Music Festival on the Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park on Thursday, June 11 (10:00 AM/CT). The performance by the Sony Nashville recording artist will open the four-day event which runs through Sunday, June 14. Love and Theft, John Michael Montgomery, and Craig Morgan have also been added to […]

Lambert Hosts Hit Event For Humane Society

Miranda Lambert’s second annual “Cause for the Paws” event raised $120,000 for the Humane Society of East Texas. Joining her in concert at the Tyler, Texas fundraiser were Blake Shelton, Kasey Musgraves and Adam Hood. The event also included a silent and live auction, food and wine tasting, and a cocktail reception for sponsors. Lambert […]

Martina Poster, Matchless Debuts, Mullins Video, Lyric Advances

As CMA Music Festival draws near, workers install the final components of the GAC wrap on the Sommet Center’s glass tower. A 50 foot tall Martina McBride will welcome fans to next week’s event. Shawn Pennington, formerly of Dale Morris & Associates, has launched his own artist management and consulting company called Matchless Management. Details, […]

Steve Martin Plays The Opry

Actor/comedian/writer Steve Martin made his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd. He was greeted with a standing ovation before performing songs from his first music album, The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo. Friend John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), who produced the album and assembled an all-star […]

Swift Gets Positive Press On Dateline

Last night’s Dateline NBC piece on Taylor Swift was undeniably flattering. The hour-long segment followed her through preparations for a headlining tour, portraying her as one of the most hands-on young entertainers in the business. She was shown participating in every aspect of her career—designing the stage, auditioning back-up dancers, decorating her backstage vibe room […]

Rucker Reaches Out via iPhone

Darius Rucker’s new iPhone/iPod touch app is the first from a country music artist to reach this writers desk. Downloadable for FREE, the nifty 35 MB code works much like a personal web browser dedicated to one site. Navigation is divided into seven categories: Welcome, Latest News, Tour Dates, Music Videos, Song samples/purchase links, Darius […]

Worley Parties for Cystic Fibrosis

Fans heading to Nashville for the CMA Music Festival can join Stroudavarious Records artist Darryl Worley and a few of his famous friends as they kick off the summer in style at the 103 WKDF Country Beach Party benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Set for Tuesday, June 9 at The Stage on Lower Broadway, the […]

615 Music Nabs Emmy Nominations

Randy Wachtler, President/Founder of Nashville-based 615 Music has announced that the company has landed three 2009 Daytime Emmy Award nominations in the category of “Outstanding Original Song, Main Title and Promo,” for shows including NASCAR On Speed TV and NBC’s Today. 615’s client roster is comprised of virtually every major broadcast and cable television network, […]

Charlie Allen

“Proof” River Run/Big 7 “I have made no secret of my respect for this artist. He’s proudly country, and this groove-saturated drinking song is one more feather in his cap.” —Robert K. Oermann, Music Row. So far, 2009 has been a banner year for Charlie Allen. Allen has seen his music gain acceptance around the […]

Big Tractor Re-Signs Wade Kirby

Big Tractor Music has announced the re-signing of hit songwriter Wade Kirby. First signed to the company in 2004, Kirby worked with Big Tractor for three years before shifting to another  publisher, only to return after 8 months. His latest chart-topper is George Strait‘s No. 1 single, “I Saw God Today,” which garnered Grammy, ACM […]

The South Will Rise Again at BamaJam

Ronnie Gilley Entertainment’s Verizon Wireless BamaJam Music & Arts Festival is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 4 – 6 in Enterprise, AL. And with appearances from a star-studded list of artists including Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Randy Owen, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, […]

Elzemeyer Talent Opens Nashville Outpost

Memphis-based Elzemeyer Talent Agency (ETA) has opened a Nashville division of their successful agency to better service all of Tennessee. In April 2008, Elzemeyer launched ETA in Memphis and decided to open the Nashville office at 725 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin on the eve of the agency’s one-year anniversary. Over the past year, ETA […]

Christopher Michael Johnson

“The Day We Changed The Rules” Lofton Creek/Big Dog Records “I got the same feeling meeting Christopher Michael Johnson as I did the day I met and signed Tim McGraw.” —Mike Borchetta [President, Lofton Creek Records (former VP, Curb Records)] “Wow, what a song… it’s a 3 minute long hook.” —Keith Hill “Good lyrics, good […]

Gretchen Wilson

“If I Could Do It All Again” Columbia Nashville Gretchen Wilson exploded onto the country music scene in 2004 with her smash hit “Redneck Woman” and has since scored three No. 1 albums with Here For The Party, All Jacked Up, and One Of The Boys. The critically-acclaimed multi-platinum artist has won virtually every award […]

Hall Of Fame Comes Alive For CMA Music Fest

When country fans converge on Nashville in June for the CMA Music Festival, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will be greeting them with special programs and events, including performances and autograph signings with some of country’s most popular artists. During Music Fest week, the Museum will debut a new series, Live from […]

Time Warner Sheds AOL

After spending nearly a decade trying to build a new-age media empire, Time Warner is spinning out AOL as a separate Internet company run by former Google advertising executive Tim Armstrong. He was hired in March to try to revive the brand once known as America Online. Time Warner owns 95 percent of AOL and […]

Borchetta and Big Kenny Judge Duets

Big & Rich’s Big Kenny and Big Machine Records President and CEO Scott Borchetta will join Naomi Judd as judges on the second season of CMT’s Can You Duet. Hosted by CMT’s Lance Smith, the weekly music competition series is looking to find country music’s next great duo and award them a record deal with […]

CMA Taking Submissions for 2009 Broadcast Awards

The Country Music Association is now accepting online submissions for the 2009 CMA Broadcast Awards for Broadcast Personality, Station, and National Broadcast Personality of the Year at Broadcast.CMAawards.com. The site will continue to accept submissions now through 5:00 PM/CT, June 25. Categories for submission include Broadcast Personality and Station of the Year in four different […]

Little Big Town Rides For A Cure

Little Big Town is set to host Ride For A Cure on Sunday, June 14, benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation. The event, presented by Roberts and Lyons, marks the third year of Little Big Town’s involvement and features a motorcycle ride from the Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs to the Harley-Davidson of Columbia, a barbecue lunch […]

Will Watermarking Deter Piracy?

The Digital Watermarking Alliance (DWA) has announced findings from a recently commissioned survey on piracy deterrence. The study, conducted by media and technology measurement and market research firm Interpret, aimed to determine whether the inclusion of Digital Serial Numbers (DSNs) in online content would deter illegal file sharing. The results showed that DSNs would deter […]

Lawrence Brings “The Rock” To the Troops

Just weeks away from the official street date of his latest release, The Rock, Rocky Comfort Records artist Tracy Lawrence has announced a Military World Premiere of the album. In an exclusive pre-release celebration, Lawrence will participate in a special two-day event, delivering his new CD personally to military personnel at Norfolk Naval Station and […]

Foxworthy, Strait, McBride and Honky Tonk TV

Foxworthy Countdown Celebrates 10 Years This weekend, May 30 and 31, marks the 10th anniversary of The Jeff Foxworthy Countdown. Debuting in 1999, the weekly four-hour radio show features the current Top 30 country hits as well as interviews with top country artists. Airing on nearly 300 radio stations nationwide, The Jeff Foxworthy Countdown can […]