Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill opened his run as the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s 2009 Artist-in-Residence last night (2/3). Treating the intimate Ford Theater audience to an acoustic set, Gill accepted requests and ran through numerous hits such as “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” “Liza Jane,” and “When […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-02-04 15:58:562009-02-04 15:58:56Vince Gill Kicks off Hall of Fame Residency
All of a sudden, there is a banquet of Nashville-oriented jazz releases on hand. This is a growing, strong and highly gifted segment of our music community, so this week we’re throwing the spotlight on it. There is something to recommend in every disc here. But the clear winner of the Disc of the Day […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2009-02-04 15:36:512009-02-04 15:36:51DISClaimer
“Boots On” Universal Records South Randy Houser’s “Boots On” is the followup single to his hit debut single “Anything Goes.” Taken from his first Universal Records South album Anything Goes, the song was penned by Houser with Brandon Kinney and inspired by Houser’s dad. “Melodically, the song was based on that slide-blues-guitar riff you hear,” […]
The Country Music Association announced today that Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell, and Charlie McCoy will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. They will be officially inducted at the Medallion Ceremony, which takes place during an annual springtime reunion of the Hall of Fame membership. Clark, being inducted in the […]
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Cherry Lane Music has signed songwriters Sam and Annie Tate to a long-term, worldwide co-publishing agreement. Michelle Berlin, Director of Creative & Marketing and head of the Cherry Lane Nashville office, made the announcement today (2/3) about the writers of No. 1 singles from Reba McEntire (“Somebody”), Emerson Drive (“Moments”), and Rodney Atkins (“If You’re […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-02-03 14:59:432009-02-03 14:59:43Tates Move To Cherry Lane
Multiple nominees Sugarland have been added to the performance schedule for this Sunday’s (2/8) 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have also joined the line-up for a special performance together. At the Awards airing live from the LA Staples Center, Sugarland is up for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group […]
Nominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced at a press conference on the morning of Wed., Feb. 11. Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, and Jessica Simpson will reveal the nominations at 7:30 AM/CT at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The ACM Awards will air live […]
Katie Armiger and Great American Country (GAC) are teaming up to fly a contest winner to Nashville for a writing and recording session with the budding artist. “Kapturing A Love Song with Katie Armiger” kicks off today and runs through Friday, Feb. 27 at www.GACTV.com. When complete, the song will be made available on iTunes. […]
Single day registration will be available for those attending Country Radio Seminar on March 5 “Music Industry Town Meeting Day” or March 6 “Radio Sales Day.” Admission to the Music Industry Town Meeting is $265 and includes the Sony Music Nashville Luncheon with Miranda Lambert and Jake Owen, informational panels about technology and small markets, […]
Taylor Swift’s line of sundresses began shipping exclusively to Wal-Mart yesterday (2/1). The dresses are being made through a partnership with clothing manufacturer L.E.I., who also made Swift’s namesake jeans. All retailing for $14, there will be three sundress styles available at launch and two additional styles are planned for a March 1 delivery. “It […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-02-02 15:45:032009-02-02 15:45:03Sundresses By Swift Shipping Now
Dolly Parton is in town for two big events tonight (2/2). She will be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame and perform at an all-star fundraiser at the Wildhorse Saloon. Alongside Michael W. Smith, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dixie Hummingbirds, and Lari Goss, Parton will join the Gospel Music Hall of Fame during […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-02-02 15:34:352009-02-02 15:34:35Parton Plans Big Night
Borman Entertainment owner/founder Gary Borman has announced that John Grady will join the company as President of its Nashville operations. Grady, started 32 years ago as a college rep for A&M Records and more recently served as president of DMZ Music, Columbia Nashville, Epic Nashville and Monument Nashville. For the past 2 years, Grady was […]
Keith Urban’s 2009 tour, labeled Keith Urban Escape Together Tour has added KC Masterpiece Barbeque Sauce and Kingsford Charcoal as a headline sponsor. The shows will begin in May and play mostly larger size venues. Drew McGowan, Sr. Grp. Manager PR/Sponsorships for Clorox Company, which owns both brands, told Billboard, “There’s a perfect link between […]
CO5 Nashville has officially announced the addition of Heather Propper to its team. She will serve as Director/Promotion and Marketing Southeast. “CO5 remains committed to finding the absolute best talent our industry has to offer,” says David Newmark, VP/Country Promotion CO5 Nashville. “We are dedicated to being the leader in radio promotion.” Propper’s music industry […]
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Jeffrey Steele, Keith Anderson, Sebastian Bach, Billy Dean, LoCash Cowboys, and other special guests will perform in Nashville at Rocketown March 12 to raise money for The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Scholarship Program. The Jeffrey Steele & Friends event will include table seating, with a limited VIP section. VIP tables are $1,500; remaining tables are $1000; […]
Newcomers, baby acts and veterans are all in the mix this week. Both Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye arrived with excellent sounding comeback discs. Chris Young, Bomshel, Jamey Johnson continue to shine with blindingly bright promise. Newcomer Mike Adkins totally nails the DisCovery Award. And I continue to be in awe of the talent of […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Robert K Oermannhttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2009-01-30 11:32:432009-01-30 11:32:43DISClaimer (1/30)
Starstruck Entertainment President, and Kelly Clarkson manager Narvel Blackstock (Reba, Blake Shelton), must be feeling good about his client’s new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Clarkson’s track rocketed from No. 97 last week on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart all the way to the top—No. 1. This massive gain sets a record for the […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00bossrosshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngbossross2009-01-29 14:00:152009-01-29 14:00:15Clarkson Single Rockets To No. 1
T.J. Martell Foundation is throwing a gigantic beach party and Montgomery Gentry will host “Country On The Beach.” “We wanted to do something fun to help raise vital dollars for the T.J. Martell Foundation’s mission of funding ground-breaking cancer research,” said Troy Gentry. “A warm weather event will be great, especially at the end of the […]
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Judging by the problems surfacing in the entertainment and media worlds around the globe, the pace of change is accelerating and companies are frantically realizing that new models are becoming essential for survival. Even the government is working to pass an enormous $819 billion stimulus package with tax and spend provisions. Sony Corp reported (1/29) […]
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It remains unofficial, but Music Row has learned that Echo Music Co-founder/CEO Mark Montgomery will soon exit the company to pursue new opportunities. Montgomery was involved in product development, plus a contributor to strategic direction. When Echo was purchased by Ticketmaster in March 2007, Sean Moriarty, Ticketmaster President/CEO said, “What echo has built is unique. […]
The Nashville Recording Workshop and Expo, hosted by the local section of the Audio Engineering society, is set for Feb. 20-21 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. The two-day audio production conference will boast exhibits from top audio equipment manufacturers and a full schedule of presentations, starting with a keynote address from artist […]
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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced that this year’s KCRS Live! lineup at CRS-40 will include artists and songwriters Jimmy Wayne, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley and Jonathan Singleton. The annual ASCAP sponsored event will take place Wed., March 4, at 5 p.m. as part of CRS-40, which runs March 4-6 at the Nashville Convention Center […]
Happily, according to Nielsen SoundScan, the Top 75 Current Country albums for the week ending 1/25/09 bounced upward 8% over the previous week, without relying on new debut releases. Big Machine continued to control about 27% of that market share based mostly upon sales from its flagship femme, Taylor Swift. Despite the increase this week, […]
Dan Bowen will join the Country Music Association as Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications on Mon., Feb. 2, overseeing advertising, promotions, new media, research, and media/PR initiatives and staff. With more than 20 years of broadcast media experience, Bowen most recently spent 11 years with WSTR-FM (Star 94) in Atlanta. He has served […]
The T.J. Martell Foundation announced its 2009 Nashville Board of Directors and Officers at its annual kick off meeting, held last week at the Frances Williams Preston Building of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The music industry has long supported the charity’s fight against cancer and AIDS, with many familiar names among those who are involved […]
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has launched a $1.1 million fundraising campaign to defray costs associated with its acquisition of instruments which once belonging to Maybelle Carter, Johnny Cash and Bill Monroe. The Precious Jewel Fund opened with leadership gifts including a $150,000 donation from Scott Siman of RPM Management and a […]
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“Livin’ In Paradise” Universal Records South Since signing his breakthrough publishing and production deal two years ago with Crosstown Songs Nashville, singer/songwriter Jonathan Singleton has been caught up in a creative whirlwind. His song “Watching Airplanes” (co-written with Jim Beavers) was a No. 1 hit for Gary Allan, earning Singleton an ACM nomination as well […]
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Newcomers Gloriana have been invited to open for LeAnn Rimes on six upcoming tour dates in Washington, California, and Nevada. The band made up of Tom Gossin (vocals, guitars), Mike Gossin (vocals, guitars), Rachel Reinert (vocals), and Cheyenne Kimball (vocals, mandolin) is already creating a buzz with debut single “Wild At Heart,” from its upcoming […]
Reigning ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley today (1/26) revealed his 2009 touring plans. The outing, dubbed American Saturday Night, will run through 41 cities starting June 5 in Charlotte, NC. Special guests Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne will join him for the tour that has cross-country dates scheduled through Oct. […]
Trudie Richardson-Daniell will join Carolwood Records on Feb. 9 as Manager, Regional Promotion. With 13 years of music business experience, she will be based out of Atlanta and will work the Southeast and Southwest regions. Prior to joining Carolwood Records, the Belmont graduate worked in the radio promotions department for CO5 Nashville. Lyric Street/Carolwood Records […]
Doff your caps to the ladies, gentlemen. This week, the fairer sex rules the listening session. Carrie Underwood has a splendid outing with the Randy Travis goldie “I Told You So.” Newcomer Christen Sawyer is our DisCovery Award winner. And the Disc of the Day is by a group that actually has “Lady” in its […]
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According to a Universal Music Group spokesperson, Executive VP Sales and Marketing Ben Kline is leaving the company, effective immediately, to pursue a new opportunity. Kline was a fixture at the Nashville label for 11 years and with Universal for a total of 17 years. He was a frequent voice in many Music Row articles […]
Only three albums released in 2008 were certified multi-platinum in the same year, according to the RIAA’s year-end tally. The year’s top certifications—all double platinum—went to rapper Lil Wayne (Tha Carter, Vol. 3), Brit rockers Coldplay (Viva La Vida), and metal masters AC/DC (Black Ice). Lil Wayne’s June release reached double-Platinum prestige within only one […]
“Little” Jimmy Dickens has been moved from the hospital into a rehabilitation center to recuperate from a recent brain surgery. His stay at the center is expected to be short. The 88-year-old Grand Ole Opry star underwent surgery Jan. 13 to repair a subdural hematoma.
Kellie Pickler has signed on as a 2009 celebrity spokesperson for Sexy Hair products. As part of the multi-million dollar endorsement agreement, Pickler and fellow celeb Cheryl Burke will appear in the company’s consumer and trade publication ads, promotional materials, and publicity campaign. Advertising roll-outs will begin in April and run through December in Allure […]
(Updated 6:40 pm) With country music sales dropping from 75 to 47 million units over the last two years, ”restructuring” has become a dreaded and unfortunately, all too familiar term on Music Row streets. Sony Music Nashville is the latest label to be affected by the softness in the CD marketplace and the weakness in […]
The Americana Music Association will host a new “Live at The Bluebird Cafe” concert series every Thursday beginning Feb. 19 and running through March 26. Celebrating some of the genre’s best-loved and most influential performers, the six-show series sponsored by the Gibson Foundation will feature Jim Lauderdale (2/19), Sam Bush (2/26), Nanci Griffith (3/5), and […]
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Keith Urban’s new album Defying Gravity will be released March 31 on Capitol Records Nashville. The project’s lead single “Sweet Thing” has already reached No. 3 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart and is still climbing. “Defying Gravity comes from the lyrics of a song on the album and it just struck me at the time as […]
The eleventh annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference (NSC) is set to take place May 29-31 at the historic Union Station hotel. The open-to-the-public conference will bring some of Hollywood’s top writers, producers, directors, managers, agents and studio executives to Nashville to network and share their experiences with local aspiring screenwriters and other interested individuals. The popular […]
NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) has added Erin Burr as Communications Director. She most recently spent more than three years handling publicity for the Colgate Country Showdown talent competition. At the new gig, Burr will report to NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. She can be reached at erin@nashvillesongwriters.com or (615) 256-3354, ext. 233. Next up: […]
Little Big Town has partnered with Web site Eventful to find aspiring country artists to open its upcoming A Place to Land tour. Starting today, fans can use Eventful’s “Demand” service to vote for artists they think should open the shows. The four performers with the most Demands will perform at different stops on the […]
Blake Shelton will join George Strait on the road this summer, along with previously announced opener Julianne Hough. Shelton’s latest Warner Bros. single “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” recently spent two weeks at No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart. The Strait tour opens May 9 in Hidalgo, TX, and hits numerous amphitheaters and festivals across the […]
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png00Sarah Skateshttps://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10150319/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2009-01-21 15:26:592009-01-21 15:26:59Strait Adds Shelton To Tour
Clear Channel Communications has officially confirmed cuts that reduced its workforce by approximately 1850 employees or 9%. CC CEO Mark Mays wrote in a company-wide email: “As I’ve mentioned previously, we are facing an unprecedented time of distress in the general economy—and the ripple effects have hit some of our largest customers hard. Today, we […]
Kim Markovchick has joined Country Thunder as VP Sales and Marketing. Her more than 20 years of experience most recently included three years as Sr. Director of Marketing at Sony Nashville/Sony BMG. Previously Markovchick spent 17 years at Mercury Nashville, ending as VP/Marketing. Country Thunder General Manager Craig Morris says Markovchick will work to “utilize […]
Jo Dee Messina and her husband Chris Deffenbaugh were thrilled to welcome their first child, a boy, on Mon., Jan. 19 in a Nashville-area hospital. Noah Roger Deffenbaugh was born at 1:01 PM, and weighed in at 6 lbs., 15 oz. Noah, mom and dad are all doing very well. The couple was married in […]
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Numerous Nashville artists and songwriters are planning trips overseas in the coming months. Representing Music City to the international community will be a wide mix of artists and songwriters from a variety of genres. For the fifth year, Nashville songwriters will share their talents at Ireland’s Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival & Song Writing Convention. Going […]
BMI recognized the substantial contributions of gospel pacesetters Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence, and CeCe Winans at the 10th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon Fri., Jan. 16 in Nashville. Hosted by BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton, the invitation-only celebration attracted gospel music’s premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well […]
Robb Royer, founding member of ‘70s rock band Bread, has opened NashFilms Records on Music Row. With a background also including work as a producer and director, Royer originally planned to start a motion picture production company, but it evolved into a record label
Many big name artists are set for benefit concerts in Nashville over the next few weeks. On Feb. 2 Dolly Parton, Ronnie Dunn, Kellie Pickler, Keith Anderson, Jennifer Hanson, Mark Nesler, and Matt Gary will turn out for the Gift of Music benefit at the Wildhorse Saloon. The 7 PM fundraiser for the W.O. Smith […]
Lady Antebellum has scheduled several upcoming national television performances, including NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Jan. 22, and a two-song performance on The Early Show’s “GRAMMY Concert Series” on CBS, Sat., Feb. 7. Additionally, in anticipation of the Grammy nominated band’s opening slot on Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival tour of arenas […]
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Vince Gill Kicks off Hall of Fame Residency
/by Sarah SkatesCountry Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill opened his run as the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s 2009 Artist-in-Residence last night (2/3). Treating the intimate Ford Theater audience to an acoustic set, Gill accepted requests and ran through numerous hits such as “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” “Liza Jane,” and “When […]
DISClaimer
/by Robert K OermannAll of a sudden, there is a banquet of Nashville-oriented jazz releases on hand. This is a growing, strong and highly gifted segment of our music community, so this week we’re throwing the spotlight on it. There is something to recommend in every disc here. But the clear winner of the Disc of the Day […]
Randy Houser
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Boots On” Universal Records South Randy Houser’s “Boots On” is the followup single to his hit debut single “Anything Goes.” Taken from his first Universal Records South album Anything Goes, the song was penned by Houser with Brandon Kinney and inspired by Houser’s dad. “Melodically, the song was based on that slide-blues-guitar riff you hear,” […]
Hall of Fame Names 2009 Class
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Association announced today that Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell, and Charlie McCoy will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. They will be officially inducted at the Medallion Ceremony, which takes place during an annual springtime reunion of the Hall of Fame membership. Clark, being inducted in the […]
Tates Move To Cherry Lane
/by Sarah SkatesCherry Lane Music has signed songwriters Sam and Annie Tate to a long-term, worldwide co-publishing agreement. Michelle Berlin, Director of Creative & Marketing and head of the Cherry Lane Nashville office, made the announcement today (2/3) about the writers of No. 1 singles from Reba McEntire (“Somebody”), Emerson Drive (“Moments”), and Rodney Atkins (“If You’re […]
Grammys Add Country Performers, Online Coverage
/by Sarah SkatesMultiple nominees Sugarland have been added to the performance schedule for this Sunday’s (2/8) 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have also joined the line-up for a special performance together. At the Awards airing live from the LA Staples Center, Sugarland is up for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group […]
ACM Noms Coming Next Week
/by Sarah SkatesNominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced at a press conference on the morning of Wed., Feb. 11. Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, and Jessica Simpson will reveal the nominations at 7:30 AM/CT at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The ACM Awards will air live […]
GAC, Armiger Partner In Unique Promotion
/by Sarah SkatesKatie Armiger and Great American Country (GAC) are teaming up to fly a contest winner to Nashville for a writing and recording session with the budding artist. “Kapturing A Love Song with Katie Armiger” kicks off today and runs through Friday, Feb. 27 at www.GACTV.com. When complete, the song will be made available on iTunes. […]
CRS Offers One-Day Rates
/by Sarah SkatesSingle day registration will be available for those attending Country Radio Seminar on March 5 “Music Industry Town Meeting Day” or March 6 “Radio Sales Day.” Admission to the Music Industry Town Meeting is $265 and includes the Sony Music Nashville Luncheon with Miranda Lambert and Jake Owen, informational panels about technology and small markets, […]
Sundresses By Swift Shipping Now
/by Sarah SkatesTaylor Swift’s line of sundresses began shipping exclusively to Wal-Mart yesterday (2/1). The dresses are being made through a partnership with clothing manufacturer L.E.I., who also made Swift’s namesake jeans. All retailing for $14, there will be three sundress styles available at launch and two additional styles are planned for a March 1 delivery. “It […]
Parton Plans Big Night
/by Sarah SkatesDolly Parton is in town for two big events tonight (2/2). She will be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame and perform at an all-star fundraiser at the Wildhorse Saloon. Alongside Michael W. Smith, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dixie Hummingbirds, and Lari Goss, Parton will join the Gospel Music Hall of Fame during […]
Grady Becomes President Borman Nashville
/by bossrossBorman Entertainment owner/founder Gary Borman has announced that John Grady will join the company as President of its Nashville operations. Grady, started 32 years ago as a college rep for A&M Records and more recently served as president of DMZ Music, Columbia Nashville, Epic Nashville and Monument Nashville. For the past 2 years, Grady was […]
Urban Barbecue Escape
/by bossrossKeith Urban’s 2009 tour, labeled Keith Urban Escape Together Tour has added KC Masterpiece Barbeque Sauce and Kingsford Charcoal as a headline sponsor. The shows will begin in May and play mostly larger size venues. Drew McGowan, Sr. Grp. Manager PR/Sponsorships for Clorox Company, which owns both brands, told Billboard, “There’s a perfect link between […]
Propper (ly) Official
/by bossrossCO5 Nashville has officially announced the addition of Heather Propper to its team. She will serve as Director/Promotion and Marketing Southeast. “CO5 remains committed to finding the absolute best talent our industry has to offer,” says David Newmark, VP/Country Promotion CO5 Nashville. “We are dedicated to being the leader in radio promotion.” Propper’s music industry […]
Jeffrey Steele & Friends Fundraiser
/by LB CantrellJeffrey Steele, Keith Anderson, Sebastian Bach, Billy Dean, LoCash Cowboys, and other special guests will perform in Nashville at Rocketown March 12 to raise money for The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Scholarship Program. The Jeffrey Steele & Friends event will include table seating, with a limited VIP section. VIP tables are $1,500; remaining tables are $1000; […]
DISClaimer (1/30)
/by Robert K OermannNewcomers, baby acts and veterans are all in the mix this week. Both Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye arrived with excellent sounding comeback discs. Chris Young, Bomshel, Jamey Johnson continue to shine with blindingly bright promise. Newcomer Mike Adkins totally nails the DisCovery Award. And I continue to be in awe of the talent of […]
Clarkson Single Rockets To No. 1
/by bossrossStarstruck Entertainment President, and Kelly Clarkson manager Narvel Blackstock (Reba, Blake Shelton), must be feeling good about his client’s new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Clarkson’s track rocketed from No. 97 last week on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart all the way to the top—No. 1. This massive gain sets a record for the […]
Country Beach Party Benefits Cancer Research
/by bossrossT.J. Martell Foundation is throwing a gigantic beach party and Montgomery Gentry will host “Country On The Beach.” “We wanted to do something fun to help raise vital dollars for the T.J. Martell Foundation’s mission of funding ground-breaking cancer research,” said Troy Gentry. “A warm weather event will be great, especially at the end of the […]
Escalating The Pace Of Change
/by bossrossJudging by the problems surfacing in the entertainment and media worlds around the globe, the pace of change is accelerating and companies are frantically realizing that new models are becoming essential for survival. Even the government is working to pass an enormous $819 billion stimulus package with tax and spend provisions. Sony Corp reported (1/29) […]
Montgomery To Exit Echo
/by bossrossIt remains unofficial, but Music Row has learned that Echo Music Co-founder/CEO Mark Montgomery will soon exit the company to pursue new opportunities. Montgomery was involved in product development, plus a contributor to strategic direction. When Echo was purchased by Ticketmaster in March 2007, Sean Moriarty, Ticketmaster President/CEO said, “What echo has built is unique. […]
Recording Workshop Set For Musicians Hall
/by FreemanThe Nashville Recording Workshop and Expo, hosted by the local section of the Audio Engineering society, is set for Feb. 20-21 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. The two-day audio production conference will boast exhibits from top audio equipment manufacturers and a full schedule of presentations, starting with a keynote address from artist […]
KCRS Live! During CRS-40
/by LB CantrellCountry Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced that this year’s KCRS Live! lineup at CRS-40 will include artists and songwriters Jimmy Wayne, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley and Jonathan Singleton. The annual ASCAP sponsored event will take place Wed., March 4, at 5 p.m. as part of CRS-40, which runs March 4-6 at the Nashville Convention Center […]
Country Sales Increase (A Little)
/by bossrossHappily, according to Nielsen SoundScan, the Top 75 Current Country albums for the week ending 1/25/09 bounced upward 8% over the previous week, without relying on new debut releases. Big Machine continued to control about 27% of that market share based mostly upon sales from its flagship femme, Taylor Swift. Despite the increase this week, […]
New CMA VP Starting Monday
/by Sarah SkatesDan Bowen will join the Country Music Association as Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications on Mon., Feb. 2, overseeing advertising, promotions, new media, research, and media/PR initiatives and staff. With more than 20 years of broadcast media experience, Bowen most recently spent 11 years with WSTR-FM (Star 94) in Atlanta. He has served […]
T.J. Martell Selects 2009 Board
/by Sarah SkatesThe T.J. Martell Foundation announced its 2009 Nashville Board of Directors and Officers at its annual kick off meeting, held last week at the Frances Williams Preston Building of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The music industry has long supported the charity’s fight against cancer and AIDS, with many familiar names among those who are involved […]
Hall Undertakes Million Dollar Fundraising Campaign
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has launched a $1.1 million fundraising campaign to defray costs associated with its acquisition of instruments which once belonging to Maybelle Carter, Johnny Cash and Bill Monroe. The Precious Jewel Fund opened with leadership gifts including a $150,000 donation from Scott Siman of RPM Management and a […]
Jonathan Singleton & The Grove
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Livin’ In Paradise” Universal Records South Since signing his breakthrough publishing and production deal two years ago with Crosstown Songs Nashville, singer/songwriter Jonathan Singleton has been caught up in a creative whirlwind. His song “Watching Airplanes” (co-written with Jim Beavers) was a No. 1 hit for Gary Allan, earning Singleton an ACM nomination as well […]
Gloriana Joins LeAnn Rimes Dates
/by Sarah SkatesNewcomers Gloriana have been invited to open for LeAnn Rimes on six upcoming tour dates in Washington, California, and Nevada. The band made up of Tom Gossin (vocals, guitars), Mike Gossin (vocals, guitars), Rachel Reinert (vocals), and Cheyenne Kimball (vocals, mandolin) is already creating a buzz with debut single “Wild At Heart,” from its upcoming […]
Paisley Plans 2009 Tour
/by Sarah SkatesReigning ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley today (1/26) revealed his 2009 touring plans. The outing, dubbed American Saturday Night, will run through 41 cities starting June 5 in Charlotte, NC. Special guests Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne will join him for the tour that has cross-country dates scheduled through Oct. […]
Carolwood Adds To Promo Dept.
/by Sarah SkatesTrudie Richardson-Daniell will join Carolwood Records on Feb. 9 as Manager, Regional Promotion. With 13 years of music business experience, she will be based out of Atlanta and will work the Southeast and Southwest regions. Prior to joining Carolwood Records, the Belmont graduate worked in the radio promotions department for CO5 Nashville. Lyric Street/Carolwood Records […]
DISClaimer
/by Robert K OermannDoff your caps to the ladies, gentlemen. This week, the fairer sex rules the listening session. Carrie Underwood has a splendid outing with the Randy Travis goldie “I Told You So.” Newcomer Christen Sawyer is our DisCovery Award winner. And the Disc of the Day is by a group that actually has “Lady” in its […]
UMG Sales/Marketing To Restructure
/by bossrossAccording to a Universal Music Group spokesperson, Executive VP Sales and Marketing Ben Kline is leaving the company, effective immediately, to pursue a new opportunity. Kline was a fixture at the Nashville label for 11 years and with Universal for a total of 17 years. He was a frequent voice in many Music Row articles […]
RIAA Reveals Year-End Stats
/by Sarah SkatesOnly three albums released in 2008 were certified multi-platinum in the same year, according to the RIAA’s year-end tally. The year’s top certifications—all double platinum—went to rapper Lil Wayne (Tha Carter, Vol. 3), Brit rockers Coldplay (Viva La Vida), and metal masters AC/DC (Black Ice). Lil Wayne’s June release reached double-Platinum prestige within only one […]
Little Jimmy Recovering
/by Sarah Skates“Little” Jimmy Dickens has been moved from the hospital into a rehabilitation center to recuperate from a recent brain surgery. His stay at the center is expected to be short. The 88-year-old Grand Ole Opry star underwent surgery Jan. 13 to repair a subdural hematoma.
Pickler Scores Sexy Endorsement Deal
/by Sarah SkatesKellie Pickler has signed on as a 2009 celebrity spokesperson for Sexy Hair products. As part of the multi-million dollar endorsement agreement, Pickler and fellow celeb Cheryl Burke will appear in the company’s consumer and trade publication ads, promotional materials, and publicity campaign. Advertising roll-outs will begin in April and run through December in Allure […]
Sony Nashville Layoffs
/by bossross(Updated 6:40 pm) With country music sales dropping from 75 to 47 million units over the last two years, ”restructuring” has become a dreaded and unfortunately, all too familiar term on Music Row streets. Sony Music Nashville is the latest label to be affected by the softness in the CD marketplace and the weakness in […]
Americana Series Set For Bluebird
/by Sarah SkatesThe Americana Music Association will host a new “Live at The Bluebird Cafe” concert series every Thursday beginning Feb. 19 and running through March 26. Celebrating some of the genre’s best-loved and most influential performers, the six-show series sponsored by the Gibson Foundation will feature Jim Lauderdale (2/19), Sam Bush (2/26), Nanci Griffith (3/5), and […]
Urban Planning To Defy Gravity
/by Sarah SkatesKeith Urban’s new album Defying Gravity will be released March 31 on Capitol Records Nashville. The project’s lead single “Sweet Thing” has already reached No. 3 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart and is still climbing. “Defying Gravity comes from the lyrics of a song on the album and it just struck me at the time as […]
Nashville Screenwriters Conference Returns In 2009
/by Sarah SkatesThe eleventh annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference (NSC) is set to take place May 29-31 at the historic Union Station hotel. The open-to-the-public conference will bring some of Hollywood’s top writers, producers, directors, managers, agents and studio executives to Nashville to network and share their experiences with local aspiring screenwriters and other interested individuals. The popular […]
New Hiring At NSAI
/by Sarah SkatesNSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) has added Erin Burr as Communications Director. She most recently spent more than three years handling publicity for the Colgate Country Showdown talent competition. At the new gig, Burr will report to NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. She can be reached at erin@nashvillesongwriters.com or (615) 256-3354, ext. 233. Next up: […]
Little Big Town Lets Fans Pick Opening Act
/by Sarah SkatesLittle Big Town has partnered with Web site Eventful to find aspiring country artists to open its upcoming A Place to Land tour. Starting today, fans can use Eventful’s “Demand” service to vote for artists they think should open the shows. The four performers with the most Demands will perform at different stops on the […]
Strait Adds Shelton To Tour
/by Sarah SkatesBlake Shelton will join George Strait on the road this summer, along with previously announced opener Julianne Hough. Shelton’s latest Warner Bros. single “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” recently spent two weeks at No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart. The Strait tour opens May 9 in Hidalgo, TX, and hits numerous amphitheaters and festivals across the […]
Clear Channel Cuts Official
/by bossrossClear Channel Communications has officially confirmed cuts that reduced its workforce by approximately 1850 employees or 9%. CC CEO Mark Mays wrote in a company-wide email: “As I’ve mentioned previously, we are facing an unprecedented time of distress in the general economy—and the ripple effects have hit some of our largest customers hard. Today, we […]
Country Thunder Adds Markovchick
/by Sarah SkatesKim Markovchick has joined Country Thunder as VP Sales and Marketing. Her more than 20 years of experience most recently included three years as Sr. Director of Marketing at Sony Nashville/Sony BMG. Previously Markovchick spent 17 years at Mercury Nashville, ending as VP/Marketing. Country Thunder General Manager Craig Morris says Markovchick will work to “utilize […]
Jo Dee Welcomes Baby Boy
/by Sarah SkatesJo Dee Messina and her husband Chris Deffenbaugh were thrilled to welcome their first child, a boy, on Mon., Jan. 19 in a Nashville-area hospital. Noah Roger Deffenbaugh was born at 1:01 PM, and weighed in at 6 lbs., 15 oz. Noah, mom and dad are all doing very well. The couple was married in […]
Nashville Goes International
/by Sarah SkatesNumerous Nashville artists and songwriters are planning trips overseas in the coming months. Representing Music City to the international community will be a wide mix of artists and songwriters from a variety of genres. For the fifth year, Nashville songwriters will share their talents at Ireland’s Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival & Song Writing Convention. Going […]
BMI Honors Gospel In Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesBMI recognized the substantial contributions of gospel pacesetters Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence, and CeCe Winans at the 10th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon Fri., Jan. 16 in Nashville. Hosted by BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton, the invitation-only celebration attracted gospel music’s premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well […]
Bread Founder Launches NashFilms Records
/by Sarah SkatesRobb Royer, founding member of ‘70s rock band Bread, has opened NashFilms Records on Music Row. With a background also including work as a producer and director, Royer originally planned to start a motion picture production company, but it evolved into a record label
Top Artists Support Worthy Causes
/by Sarah SkatesMany big name artists are set for benefit concerts in Nashville over the next few weeks. On Feb. 2 Dolly Parton, Ronnie Dunn, Kellie Pickler, Keith Anderson, Jennifer Hanson, Mark Nesler, and Matt Gary will turn out for the Gift of Music benefit at the Wildhorse Saloon. The 7 PM fundraiser for the W.O. Smith […]
Lady A Making National TV Rounds
/by Sarah SkatesLady Antebellum has scheduled several upcoming national television performances, including NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Jan. 22, and a two-song performance on The Early Show’s “GRAMMY Concert Series” on CBS, Sat., Feb. 7. Additionally, in anticipation of the Grammy nominated band’s opening slot on Kenny Chesney’s Sun City Carnival tour of arenas […]