The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation has announced that Zakk Knight of Indianapolis, Indiana has been named winner of the 2009 New Generation Award Contest. Knight will receive a Gibson “Robert Johnson” edition guitar, a Robert Johnson harmonica, a certificate signed by Claud Johnson (son and heir of Robert Johnson) and an invitation to perform at […]

According to unofficial sources, Ticketmaster has announced it will restructure and greatly trim its echo music footprint in Nashville, by approximately 60 employees. It is believed that a small presence will remain related to ticketing and artist services with employees such as J.D. May, Catherine Oliva and Keith Gibson. The transition is scheduled to take […]

Award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer Steve Wariner has recorded a tribute to his old friend and mentor, Chet Atkins. Scheduled for release on Wariner’s own SelecTone Records, the June 23 release date for Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins falls between Atkins’ birthdate of June 20 and the anniversary of his death on June 30. […]

Gibson Guitar has announced its sponsorship  of the 2009 Nashville Film Festival. The instrument manufacturer will present a Gibson acoustic guitar — customized with artwork by acclaimed Nashville-based mixed media painter Mandy Lawson — to legendary actor William Shatner as part of Festival’s “President’s Impact Award” for Shatner’s film, Gonzo Ballet. Gibson will also host […]

Perennial country star John Anderson has reunited with James Stroud, the producer behind his early ‘90s career resurgence and a long string of hits including “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night” and “Money in the Bank.” The pair has teamed to coproduce Bigger Hands, the singer’s first release for Country Crossing records, a division of Stroud’s […]

SESAC has announced the promotion of Hunter Williams to Senior Vice President, Strategic Development/Distribution & Research Operations. Williams began his career with SESAC over 16 years ago and most recently served as Vice President, Royalty Distribution & Research Services. In his new role, Williams will be responsible for developing new business opportunities utilizing SESAC’s licensing, […]

[updated 4/13/2009] Robbins Entertainment president Cory Robbins has issued the following statement clarifying information released last Thursday: “Robbins Nashville is not closing. It is correct that we are closing our Nashville office, but we are continuing in the country format with the same commitment.”We will be partnering with an outside promotion firm to work our records. “Details about […]

CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) has announced the second World Copyright Summit for June 9 and 10 in Washington, DC. The Summit will provide a forum for influential creators, rights organizations and guilds, content service providers, broadcasters, telecommunications operators, hardware manufacturers, legal experts and policy-makers to exchange ideas and discuss […]

Cold River Artist Katie Armiger and Carolwood Records trio Love and Theft recently got together at Sound Kitchen Studios in Franklin to cowrite a song with Charleston, West Virginia’s Steve Schumacher, the grand prize winner in GAC’s Kapturing A Love Song with Katie Armiger contest. Schumacher, who was chosen from 50,000 entries, was flown to […]

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is getting ready to pay tribute to “Little Miss Dynamite,” Brenda Lee, with the cameo exhibition Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network, which will open in the Museum’s East Gallery on August 7 and run through June 2010. Born Brenda Mae Tarpley on […]

Country stars Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Montgomery Gentry and Josh Turner are among the celebrities who will be participating in the 19th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge on Wednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at Nashville’s Greer Stadium. Billed as the unofficial kickoff to CMA Music Festival, this year’s game will be held […]

Industry veterans Dan Herrington and Mitchell Fox have announced the formation of Herrington/Fox Management, a full-service, artist and project management company headquartered in Nashville. Herrington, who recently sold his Dualtone Records label to Cal Turner IV, brings more than 20 years of record company and music publishing management experience to the company. Fox got his […]

Frank Oakley, a well-liked music executive who worked with country artists including Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Faron Young and Willie Nelson, died on April 2. He was 83. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Oakley was a veteran of WWII and a former police officer. His country music career began in 1961, when he was hired […]