Clear Channel Communications will begin restructuring across the board next week, making changes expected to save the company $400 million, according to The NY Post. With 30,000 employees worldwide, CCC’s plan includes laying off workers in its radio, outdoor advertising and international divisions. In an attempt to consolidate duties and cut programming costs, CCC might […]
Circuit City will liquidate its nationwide chain of more than 500 consumer electronics stores. After courting prospective buyers and investors, as well as filing Chapter 11 in November, the nation’s second-biggest consumer electronics retailer announced today (1/16) that it had run out of viable options to stay afloat. The closures will leave the chain’s 30,000 […]
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 Skates2009-01-16 16:32:012009-01-16 16:32:01Circuit City Going Under
Gaylord Entertainment is in a dispute with its largest shareholder, TRT Holdings, over the way Gaylord executives are running the company. TRT, which owns properties including the Omni Hotel chain, yesterday (1/15) sent an open letter to shareholders criticizing Gaylord’s senior management and seeking support to elect four of its own people, including TRT CEO […]
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has set March 31–April 4, 2009 as the dates for its renowned Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Regions Bank is back as the presenting sponsor of the 17th annual event. A Tin Pan South Preview Party, scheduled for March 3 at The Rutledge, will feature songwriter performances and announcements […]
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 Skates2009-01-15 16:19:472009-01-15 16:19:47Tin Pan South Dates Announced
The Americana Music Association is hosting an auction to raise funds for its 2009 Americana Music Festival & Conference, set to take place in Music City Sept. 16-19. Auction items include a Gibson-donated guitar signed by Robert Plant, Levon Helm and other artists who appeared at the 2008 Americana Honors & Awards show; a songwriter […]
Kenny Chesney is among the first performers announced for the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards telecast, where he is nominated for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals, for “Shiftwork” with George Strait. Also performing on the Sun., Feb. 8 telecast from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles are Coldplay, Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, and Katy Perry. With […]
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 Skates2009-01-15 16:12:462009-01-15 16:12:46Chesney Set For Grammy Performance, Adds Tourmates
Garth Brooks and Jennifer Nettles will perform at Sunday’s (1/18) super star-powered concert “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.” The free, public event will also include Sheryl Crow, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Usher, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and numerous others. Most artists will perform cover songs with historical significance or […]
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 Skates2009-01-15 16:10:392009-01-15 16:10:39Megastars Sign On To Celebrate Inauguration
Dierks Bentley has signed with Vector Management, the powerhouse company headed by Ken Levitan. The Capitol Records Nashville artist was previously with Scott Kernahan’s Rogue Music. Bentley is planning the Feb. 3 release of new album, Feel That Fire, and heading out on the final leg of Brad Paisley’s Paisley Party Tour this weekend. He […]
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will honor Donna Hilley with its Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence for accomplishments in the entertainment industry, as well as service to Belmont and the Nashville community. The award presentation will take place at the 2009 Best of the Best Showcase at Belmont’s Curb […]
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.pngbossross2009-01-14 11:20:212009-01-14 11:20:21Belmont to Honor Donna Hilley
The CMT Music Awards will broadcast live Wed., June 17 on CMT and CMT.com, honoring the top fan-voted country music videos of the year. Host, venue and ticket information has not been announced. “We’re always looking for a fresh approach to our Awards Show, and this year we’ve moved the telecast to June rather than […]
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 Skates2009-01-14 11:13:382009-01-14 11:13:38CMT Sets June Awards Date
The Academy of Country Music has promoted Tiffany Moon to Senior Director, Operations and Finance, and has hired Erick Long as Director, Logistics, and Katie Jo Sheek as Junior Associate, Publicity and Marketing. All positions are based out the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA. Moon joined the Academy in 2004 as a project manager, a […]
Now almost two weeks into 2009, artists are heading back out on the road and MusicRow has a run down of the latest touring news. Kenny Chesney today (1/12) revealed his full itinerary for the previously announced Sun City Carnival tour, currently slated for 50 dates across the nation. Kicking off April 17-18 in Uncasville, […]
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 Skates2009-01-12 21:11:522009-01-12 21:11:522009 Tour Circuit Heats Up
Longtime Music Row copyright attorney Bob Thompson died on January 7 at age 77. He was the former president of the Nashville SESAC office and former chairman of the Tennessee State Film, Music & Entertainment Commission. Jon Hager of The Hager Twins has died at age 67. He was found dead at his Nashville home […]
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 Oermann2009-01-12 21:08:132009-01-12 21:08:13Lifenotes (1/12/08)
Billy Ray Cyrus will release a new album March 31 via Lyric Street Records and Walt Disney Records. He wrote the title track and lead single “Back To Tennessee,” with Tamara Dunn and Matthew Wilder. It is one of two tracks he contributed to the album. Produced by Mark Bright, Back To Tennessee, also has […]
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 Skates2009-01-12 21:06:082009-01-12 21:06:08Billy Ray Sets Release Date
Fifty-six songwriters and performers including Dolly Parton and Kathy Mattea have collaborated on a new concept album exploring American history called This Is My America. The 3-disc set was conceived by Canadian Douglas Hutton, Executive Producer and president of King Motion Picture Corporation. He explains, “Portraits of the American experience have been expressed and distributed […]
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 Skates2009-01-09 11:46:542009-01-09 11:46:54American History Explored In Song
Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum will join Kenny Chesney for his entire Sun City Carnival 2009 Tour. Known for numerous guest artists and a party atmosphere, Chesney is expected to announce more openers and a complete schedule soon. A few tour dates have been revealed and tickets have already gone on sale for stops including […]
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 Skates2009-01-09 11:45:012009-01-09 11:45:01Lambert and Lady A Join Chesney Outing
Though GAC is changing the name of Country Music Across America to Headline Country, the show’s format will stay the same and Storme Warren will remain as host. Former CNN Entertainment coordinating producer Jeremy Weber has been named producer, and comes to GAC after nine years in Los Angeles. The first episode of Headline Country […]
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 Skates2009-01-09 11:43:152009-01-09 11:43:15GAC Changes Name of Show, Adds New Producer
Tim Burruss is on board as the new VP Promotion (Nashville) for 1720 Entertainment, replacing Bill Macky who has exited the company. Most recently, Burruss was VP Promotion and Marketing for Capitol Records, based in Los Angeles. His more than 25 years of experience also includes time as Columbia Records’ Regional Promotion Director for the […]
The Recording Artists’ Coalition (RAC) will soon become part of The Recording Academy’s “GRAMMYs on the Hill” initiative. Because both organizations have similar missions and focus on advancing the rights of music creators, they have been working together for years. The alliance will be effective immediately to coincide with the beginning of the 111th Congress […]
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 Skates2009-01-09 11:29:502009-01-09 11:29:50RAC To Team With Grammys On The Hill
In a unique promotion, Rascal Flatts used a text message to alert fans this afternoon about its new album. Those who sent a text message to a number provided by the band received a text reply, stating that the new album will be called Unstoppable, and will be released April 7 by Lyric Street. 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 Skates2009-01-09 11:19:032009-01-09 11:19:03Rascal Flatts Reveal New Release Info
We’re starting things off just right here at DisClaimer. I am happy to report that The Bellamy Brothers, Tim McGraw, Darren Kozelsky and Trent Tomlinson are all ringing in the new year with excellent 2009 singles. Let’s face it, 2008 was no banner year for country sales. I’m suggesting that we start looking off the […]
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 Oermann2009-01-09 11:14:582009-01-09 11:14:58DISClaimer—Happy New Year
As reported yesterday in @MusicRow, the iTunes Store is now offering DRM-free music from all four major labels—Universal, Sony, Warner, and EMI—as well as thousands of independent labels. The move will please consumers because downloads without copy protection software are interoperable with a variety of programs and devices. However, today’s (1/7/09) Wall Street Journal suggests […]
Many country artists are among the nominees at tomorrow night’s (1/7) People’s Choice Awards. In the all-genre categories, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney are up for Favorite Male Singer against R&B star Chris Brown; Carrie Underwood will vie for Favorite Female Singer; and Rascal Flatts is nominated in the Favorite Group slot. Elsewhere, Underwood (“Last […]
Lady Antebellum will debut its upcoming single, “I Run To You,” this Thurs., Jan. 8 on NBC’s Late Night With Conan O’Brien. It is the third single from the band’s debut album, which has also spawned hits “Love Don’t Live Here” and “Looking For A Good Time.” The single will be available for airplay at […]
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 Skates2009-01-06 17:04:592009-01-06 17:04:59Lady A To Perform New Single on Conan
The country music record business was especially hard hit as the previous year’s drop of 16.3% rose to 24% in 2008. Actual country album sales (physical and digital) toppled from 62.7 to 47.6 million, a new all time low under the SoundScan era. Country 2008: A Year End Report asks questions and presents much of […]
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.pngbossross2009-01-06 16:59:052009-01-06 16:59:05Country 2008: A Year End Report
The loss of two Country Music Hall of Fame members in 2008 was a major blow to the Nashville music community. But we lost many other friends as well. Here is a look back at those who passed away during 2008. VERNON DERRICK, 74, died Jan. 4. Multi-instrumentalist sideman for The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, […]
Cold River recording artist and Houston native Katie Armiger recently visited the Texas Children’s Hospital to spread cheer to some of the patients. Armiger, pictured with nurses, sang Christmas songs and led the children in Christmas Carols. Texas Children’s Hospital is an internationally recognized full-care pediatric hospital ranked in the top ten among children’s hospitals […]
CNET.com reports Apple has finally cut deals with Universal, Warner Music and Sony that would allow iTunes to sell DRM-free music files. EMI has been offering DRM-free files on iTunes for over a year. In return, iTunes will compromise on single song pricing. The tech giant had steadfastly refused to accept the idea of variable […]
As first reported on 12/23/08, Lisa Ramsey-Perkins has joined Sony Music Nashville as Senior Director, A&R. Reporting to Renee Bell, Exec. VP, A&R, she officially began the role on Dec. 22. Ramsey-Perkins began her career as a personal assistant to Wynonna Judd, and later took on roles at Music Mill, Hamstein Music Group, and Mosaic […]
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 Skates2009-01-06 16:39:062021-02-03 16:52:09Sony Adds To A&R Department
Sony BMG Nashville is starting the new year with an offical name change to Sony Music Nashville. As such, the label group Web site can now be found at www.sonymusicnashville.com. E-mail addresses are changing to firstname.lastname@sonymusic.com, but old addresses will remain in effect during a transition period.
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 Skates2009-01-06 16:38:212009-01-06 16:38:21Sony BMG Officially Becomes Sony Music
Keith Urban has firmed up stops on his 2009 tour, which will hit 58 North American cities such as Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Toronto and Vancouver. The outing kicks off in May, and will likely go through summer and into the fall. A video for his new single “Sweet Thing” is due this […]
Kenny Chesney’s 2008 tour drew more fans than any other outing last year in all genres. “There will always be tours that gross more than us,” says Chesney, whose tour came in fourth in overall grosses, “because I believe in trying to make it possible for anyone who wants to come out and rock with […]
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 Skates2009-01-06 16:36:452009-01-06 16:36:45Chesney Tour Is Top Draw of 2008
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) co-hosted a Toys For Tots Benefit with Lightning 100 to a packed house at 3rd & Lindsley recently. The event was so successful, Lightning 100 has invited WMBA to sign on for next year, and make this an annual event. The Marines, who oversee Toys For Tots, collected an […]
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 Skates2009-01-06 16:15:062009-01-06 16:15:06WMBA Co-Hosts Toys For Tots Benefit
Broken Bow Records has named veteran radio promotion executive Carson James Senior Vice President of Promotions. He most recently spent nearly 10 years in the same role at Curb Records. “When Jim Yerger (Broken Bow Executive VP) first approached me about this opportunity, I jumped at the chance to work with a group of people […]
Taylor Swift, the bestselling artist of 2008 in all genres, will be the musical guest on this weekend’s installment of Saturday Night Live (1/10). She will make her debut on NBC’s long-running sketch show alongside the evening’s host Neil Patrick Harris, star of How I Met Your Mother. Coming soon from Swift is the karaoke […]
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 Skates2009-01-05 16:06:302009-01-05 16:06:30Taylor Swift Set For “SNL” Debut
Musician and newly elected AFM Pres. Dave Pomeroy suffered an extensive fire in his home over the weekend. Though some of his irreplaceable instruments survived, Pomeroy lost his beloved dog Duke in the blaze. He says, “the outpouring of love and sympathy I have received from all my friends and family has sustained me through […]
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 Skates2009-01-05 16:05:162009-01-05 16:05:16AFM Pres. Pomeroy Suffers House Fire
Country Radio Broadcasters is accepting applications for the 2009 Radio Humanitarian and Promotion Awards to be given at CRS-40, taking place March 4-6, 2009. Both awards will be presented to stations in large, medium and small market categories. Details and applications, due Jan. 9, 2009, are available at www.crb.org. Radio Promotion Award winners will receive […]
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 Skates2009-01-05 16:03:352009-01-05 16:03:35CRB Accepting Nominees For Radio Awards
Label: Capitol Records Nashville Current Album: Trace Adkins “X” (TEN) Current Single: “Muddy Water” Current Producer: Frank Rogers Hometown: Sarepta, Louisiana Management: Vector Booking: CAA Recent Hits: “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” Interesting Fact: Trace was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame November 2008. Outside Interests: Landscaping, gardening, camping, hunting, politics, […]
The RIAA has stopped filing lawsuits for illegal downloading and is now fighting the problem through Internet service providers (ISP). The Wall Street Journal reports that the music industry—which has sued 35,000 alleged downloaders for copyright infringement since 2003—hasn’t filed a suit since this fall. The lawsuits had created numerous public/consumer relations for the industry […]
The Project Paper Doll auction closed this week, raising $22,273 for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Fifty-nine wooden paper dolls, representing the Children’s Hospital logo, were turned into one-of-a-kind pieces of art by celebrities and auctioned on eBay. Wooden paper dolls decorated by Reba McEntire and George Strait were among the highest […]
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 Skates2008-12-19 15:24:532008-12-19 15:24:53Project Paper Doll Closes Successful Second Year
Montgomery Gentry will headline the kick-off concert for Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust on Friday, Jan. 9 at the Sommet Center. The fourth consecutive event, running Jan. 9-10, 2009 in Nashville, combines Country music and NASCAR with the concert on Friday, and a day of fan-celebrity interaction on Saturday. On Sat., Jan. 10 […]
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 Skates2008-12-08 19:25:212008-12-08 19:25:21MG Gear Up For Sound And Speed
John Rich wed longtime girlfriend Joan Bush in Nashville on Saturday night. He has been dating the former model who runs a modeling agency in Houston for more than five years, according to People magazine. The outlet goes on to report that the small ceremony was held at the Fontanel Mansion and attended by about […]
During a musical cornucopia of a show with 20 performances, Kenny Chesney was again crowned country music’s monarch at the 42nd annual CMA Awards. With his fourth Entertainer of the Year win, Kenny now ties Garth Brooks. His performance of “Everybody Want to Go to Heaven” with The Wailers was one of the CMA telecast’s […]
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.pngbossross2008-12-07 09:52:092008-12-07 09:52:09Bobby Karl Works The CMA Awards Chapter 301
As the industry heads home for a dose of Thanksgiving family and fowl to replenish its fortitude reservoir, it leaves Black Friday week sales in the hands of retailers nationwide. During last year’s comparable holiday week the Country Top 75 hit a healthy 1.53 million units. This year expectations are more reserved with some insiders […]
Parker McCollum, has announced additional dates for his explosive Burn It Down Tour for this Fall. The 41-date run will add 13 more stops reaching the West Coast and taking on some of the biggest venues in the country. Joining Parker on the road this year are bona fide Country stars Corey Kent and Chayce Beckham, as well as […]
Clear Channel Hires Lindy, Despite Looming Layoffs
/by Sarah SkatesClear Channel Communications will begin restructuring across the board next week, making changes expected to save the company $400 million, according to The NY Post. With 30,000 employees worldwide, CCC’s plan includes laying off workers in its radio, outdoor advertising and international divisions. In an attempt to consolidate duties and cut programming costs, CCC might […]
Circuit City Going Under
/by Sarah SkatesCircuit City will liquidate its nationwide chain of more than 500 consumer electronics stores. After courting prospective buyers and investors, as well as filing Chapter 11 in November, the nation’s second-biggest consumer electronics retailer announced today (1/16) that it had run out of viable options to stay afloat. The closures will leave the chain’s 30,000 […]
Turmoil on Gaylord Board
/by Sarah SkatesGaylord Entertainment is in a dispute with its largest shareholder, TRT Holdings, over the way Gaylord executives are running the company. TRT, which owns properties including the Omni Hotel chain, yesterday (1/15) sent an open letter to shareholders criticizing Gaylord’s senior management and seeking support to elect four of its own people, including TRT CEO […]
Tin Pan South Dates Announced
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has set March 31–April 4, 2009 as the dates for its renowned Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Regions Bank is back as the presenting sponsor of the 17th annual event. A Tin Pan South Preview Party, scheduled for March 3 at The Rutledge, will feature songwriter performances and announcements […]
Americana Auction Open, Conference Planning Underway
/by Sarah SkatesThe Americana Music Association is hosting an auction to raise funds for its 2009 Americana Music Festival & Conference, set to take place in Music City Sept. 16-19. Auction items include a Gibson-donated guitar signed by Robert Plant, Levon Helm and other artists who appeared at the 2008 Americana Honors & Awards show; a songwriter […]
Chesney Set For Grammy Performance, Adds Tourmates
/by Sarah SkatesKenny Chesney is among the first performers announced for the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards telecast, where he is nominated for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals, for “Shiftwork” with George Strait. Also performing on the Sun., Feb. 8 telecast from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles are Coldplay, Jonas Brothers, Lil Wayne, and Katy Perry. With […]
Megastars Sign On To Celebrate Inauguration
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks and Jennifer Nettles will perform at Sunday’s (1/18) super star-powered concert “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.” The free, public event will also include Sheryl Crow, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Usher, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and numerous others. Most artists will perform cover songs with historical significance or […]
Bentley Is Latest Addition To Vector Roster
/by Sarah SkatesDierks Bentley has signed with Vector Management, the powerhouse company headed by Ken Levitan. The Capitol Records Nashville artist was previously with Scott Kernahan’s Rogue Music. Bentley is planning the Feb. 3 release of new album, Feel That Fire, and heading out on the final leg of Brad Paisley’s Paisley Party Tour this weekend. He […]
Belmont to Honor Donna Hilley
/by bossrossBelmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will honor Donna Hilley with its Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence for accomplishments in the entertainment industry, as well as service to Belmont and the Nashville community. The award presentation will take place at the 2009 Best of the Best Showcase at Belmont’s Curb […]
CMT Sets June Awards Date
/by Sarah SkatesThe CMT Music Awards will broadcast live Wed., June 17 on CMT and CMT.com, honoring the top fan-voted country music videos of the year. Host, venue and ticket information has not been announced. “We’re always looking for a fresh approach to our Awards Show, and this year we’ve moved the telecast to June rather than […]
ACM Promotes Moon, Adds New Staffers
/by Sarah SkatesThe Academy of Country Music has promoted Tiffany Moon to Senior Director, Operations and Finance, and has hired Erick Long as Director, Logistics, and Katie Jo Sheek as Junior Associate, Publicity and Marketing. All positions are based out the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA. Moon joined the Academy in 2004 as a project manager, a […]
2009 Tour Circuit Heats Up
/by Sarah SkatesNow almost two weeks into 2009, artists are heading back out on the road and MusicRow has a run down of the latest touring news. Kenny Chesney today (1/12) revealed his full itinerary for the previously announced Sun City Carnival tour, currently slated for 50 dates across the nation. Kicking off April 17-18 in Uncasville, […]
Lifenotes (1/12/08)
/by Robert K OermannLongtime Music Row copyright attorney Bob Thompson died on January 7 at age 77. He was the former president of the Nashville SESAC office and former chairman of the Tennessee State Film, Music & Entertainment Commission. Jon Hager of The Hager Twins has died at age 67. He was found dead at his Nashville home […]
Billy Ray Sets Release Date
/by Sarah SkatesBilly Ray Cyrus will release a new album March 31 via Lyric Street Records and Walt Disney Records. He wrote the title track and lead single “Back To Tennessee,” with Tamara Dunn and Matthew Wilder. It is one of two tracks he contributed to the album. Produced by Mark Bright, Back To Tennessee, also has […]
American History Explored In Song
/by Sarah SkatesFifty-six songwriters and performers including Dolly Parton and Kathy Mattea have collaborated on a new concept album exploring American history called This Is My America. The 3-disc set was conceived by Canadian Douglas Hutton, Executive Producer and president of King Motion Picture Corporation. He explains, “Portraits of the American experience have been expressed and distributed […]
Lambert and Lady A Join Chesney Outing
/by Sarah SkatesMiranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum will join Kenny Chesney for his entire Sun City Carnival 2009 Tour. Known for numerous guest artists and a party atmosphere, Chesney is expected to announce more openers and a complete schedule soon. A few tour dates have been revealed and tickets have already gone on sale for stops including […]
GAC Changes Name of Show, Adds New Producer
/by Sarah SkatesThough GAC is changing the name of Country Music Across America to Headline Country, the show’s format will stay the same and Storme Warren will remain as host. Former CNN Entertainment coordinating producer Jeremy Weber has been named producer, and comes to GAC after nine years in Los Angeles. The first episode of Headline Country […]
1720 Hires New VP Promotion
/by Sarah SkatesTim Burruss is on board as the new VP Promotion (Nashville) for 1720 Entertainment, replacing Bill Macky who has exited the company. Most recently, Burruss was VP Promotion and Marketing for Capitol Records, based in Los Angeles. His more than 25 years of experience also includes time as Columbia Records’ Regional Promotion Director for the […]
RAC To Team With Grammys On The Hill
/by Sarah SkatesThe Recording Artists’ Coalition (RAC) will soon become part of The Recording Academy’s “GRAMMYs on the Hill” initiative. Because both organizations have similar missions and focus on advancing the rights of music creators, they have been working together for years. The alliance will be effective immediately to coincide with the beginning of the 111th Congress […]
Rascal Flatts Reveal New Release Info
/by Sarah SkatesIn a unique promotion, Rascal Flatts used a text message to alert fans this afternoon about its new album. Those who sent a text message to a number provided by the band received a text reply, stating that the new album will be called Unstoppable, and will be released April 7 by Lyric Street. The […]
DISClaimer—Happy New Year
/by Robert K OermannWe’re starting things off just right here at DisClaimer. I am happy to report that The Bellamy Brothers, Tim McGraw, Darren Kozelsky and Trent Tomlinson are all ringing in the new year with excellent 2009 singles. Let’s face it, 2008 was no banner year for country sales. I’m suggesting that we start looking off the […]
iTunes Gets Competitive As Digital Sales Growth Slows
/by Sarah SkatesAs reported yesterday in @MusicRow, the iTunes Store is now offering DRM-free music from all four major labels—Universal, Sony, Warner, and EMI—as well as thousands of independent labels. The move will please consumers because downloads without copy protection software are interoperable with a variety of programs and devices. However, today’s (1/7/09) Wall Street Journal suggests […]
Country On Tomorrow’s People’s Choice Awards
/by Sarah SkatesMany country artists are among the nominees at tomorrow night’s (1/7) People’s Choice Awards. In the all-genre categories, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney are up for Favorite Male Singer against R&B star Chris Brown; Carrie Underwood will vie for Favorite Female Singer; and Rascal Flatts is nominated in the Favorite Group slot. Elsewhere, Underwood (“Last […]
Lady A To Perform New Single on Conan
/by Sarah SkatesLady Antebellum will debut its upcoming single, “I Run To You,” this Thurs., Jan. 8 on NBC’s Late Night With Conan O’Brien. It is the third single from the band’s debut album, which has also spawned hits “Love Don’t Live Here” and “Looking For A Good Time.” The single will be available for airplay at […]
Country 2008: A Year End Report
/by bossrossThe country music record business was especially hard hit as the previous year’s drop of 16.3% rose to 24% in 2008. Actual country album sales (physical and digital) toppled from 62.7 to 47.6 million, a new all time low under the SoundScan era. Country 2008: A Year End Report asks questions and presents much of […]
Nashville-Related Music Obituaries, 2008
/by Sarah SkatesThe loss of two Country Music Hall of Fame members in 2008 was a major blow to the Nashville music community. But we lost many other friends as well. Here is a look back at those who passed away during 2008. VERNON DERRICK, 74, died Jan. 4. Multi-instrumentalist sideman for The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, […]
Katie Armiger Visits Texas Children’s Hospital
/by Sarah SkatesCold River recording artist and Houston native Katie Armiger recently visited the Texas Children’s Hospital to spread cheer to some of the patients. Armiger, pictured with nurses, sang Christmas songs and led the children in Christmas Carols. Texas Children’s Hospital is an internationally recognized full-care pediatric hospital ranked in the top ten among children’s hospitals […]
iTunes Drops DRM
/by Sarah SkatesCNET.com reports Apple has finally cut deals with Universal, Warner Music and Sony that would allow iTunes to sell DRM-free music files. EMI has been offering DRM-free files on iTunes for over a year. In return, iTunes will compromise on single song pricing. The tech giant had steadfastly refused to accept the idea of variable […]
Sony Adds To A&R Department
/by Sarah SkatesAs first reported on 12/23/08, Lisa Ramsey-Perkins has joined Sony Music Nashville as Senior Director, A&R. Reporting to Renee Bell, Exec. VP, A&R, she officially began the role on Dec. 22. Ramsey-Perkins began her career as a personal assistant to Wynonna Judd, and later took on roles at Music Mill, Hamstein Music Group, and Mosaic […]
Sony BMG Officially Becomes Sony Music
/by Sarah SkatesSony BMG Nashville is starting the new year with an offical name change to Sony Music Nashville. As such, the label group Web site can now be found at www.sonymusicnashville.com. E-mail addresses are changing to firstname.lastname@sonymusic.com, but old addresses will remain in effect during a transition period.
Urban Maps 2009 Tour
/by Sarah SkatesKeith Urban has firmed up stops on his 2009 tour, which will hit 58 North American cities such as Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Toronto and Vancouver. The outing kicks off in May, and will likely go through summer and into the fall. A video for his new single “Sweet Thing” is due this […]
Chesney Tour Is Top Draw of 2008
/by Sarah SkatesKenny Chesney’s 2008 tour drew more fans than any other outing last year in all genres. “There will always be tours that gross more than us,” says Chesney, whose tour came in fourth in overall grosses, “because I believe in trying to make it possible for anyone who wants to come out and rock with […]
WMBA Co-Hosts Toys For Tots Benefit
/by Sarah SkatesThe Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) co-hosted a Toys For Tots Benefit with Lightning 100 to a packed house at 3rd & Lindsley recently. The event was so successful, Lightning 100 has invited WMBA to sign on for next year, and make this an annual event. The Marines, who oversee Toys For Tots, collected an […]
Carson James Joins BBR
/by Sarah SkatesBroken Bow Records has named veteran radio promotion executive Carson James Senior Vice President of Promotions. He most recently spent nearly 10 years in the same role at Curb Records. “When Jim Yerger (Broken Bow Executive VP) first approached me about this opportunity, I jumped at the chance to work with a group of people […]
Taylor Swift Set For “SNL” Debut
/by Sarah SkatesTaylor Swift, the bestselling artist of 2008 in all genres, will be the musical guest on this weekend’s installment of Saturday Night Live (1/10). She will make her debut on NBC’s long-running sketch show alongside the evening’s host Neil Patrick Harris, star of How I Met Your Mother. Coming soon from Swift is the karaoke […]
AFM Pres. Pomeroy Suffers House Fire
/by Sarah SkatesMusician and newly elected AFM Pres. Dave Pomeroy suffered an extensive fire in his home over the weekend. Though some of his irreplaceable instruments survived, Pomeroy lost his beloved dog Duke in the blaze. He says, “the outpouring of love and sympathy I have received from all my friends and family has sustained me through […]
CRB Accepting Nominees For Radio Awards
/by Sarah SkatesCountry Radio Broadcasters is accepting applications for the 2009 Radio Humanitarian and Promotion Awards to be given at CRS-40, taking place March 4-6, 2009. Both awards will be presented to stations in large, medium and small market categories. Details and applications, due Jan. 9, 2009, are available at www.crb.org. Radio Promotion Award winners will receive […]
Trace Adkins (12/2008)
/by LB CantrellLabel: Capitol Records Nashville Current Album: Trace Adkins “X” (TEN) Current Single: “Muddy Water” Current Producer: Frank Rogers Hometown: Sarepta, Louisiana Management: Vector Booking: CAA Recent Hits: “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” Interesting Fact: Trace was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame November 2008. Outside Interests: Landscaping, gardening, camping, hunting, politics, […]
RIAA Changes Strategy In Fight Against Illegal Downloading
/by Sarah SkatesThe RIAA has stopped filing lawsuits for illegal downloading and is now fighting the problem through Internet service providers (ISP). The Wall Street Journal reports that the music industry—which has sued 35,000 alleged downloaders for copyright infringement since 2003—hasn’t filed a suit since this fall. The lawsuits had created numerous public/consumer relations for the industry […]
Project Paper Doll Closes Successful Second Year
/by Sarah SkatesThe Project Paper Doll auction closed this week, raising $22,273 for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Fifty-nine wooden paper dolls, representing the Children’s Hospital logo, were turned into one-of-a-kind pieces of art by celebrities and auctioned on eBay. Wooden paper dolls decorated by Reba McEntire and George Strait were among the highest […]
MG Gear Up For Sound And Speed
/by Sarah SkatesMontgomery Gentry will headline the kick-off concert for Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust on Friday, Jan. 9 at the Sommet Center. The fourth consecutive event, running Jan. 9-10, 2009 in Nashville, combines Country music and NASCAR with the concert on Friday, and a day of fan-celebrity interaction on Saturday. On Sat., Jan. 10 […]
Rich Weds
/by Sarah SkatesJohn Rich wed longtime girlfriend Joan Bush in Nashville on Saturday night. He has been dating the former model who runs a modeling agency in Houston for more than five years, according to People magazine. The outlet goes on to report that the small ceremony was held at the Fontanel Mansion and attended by about […]
Bobby Karl Works The CMA Awards Chapter 301
/by bossrossDuring a musical cornucopia of a show with 20 performances, Kenny Chesney was again crowned country music’s monarch at the 42nd annual CMA Awards. With his fourth Entertainer of the Year win, Kenny now ties Garth Brooks. His performance of “Everybody Want to Go to Heaven” with The Wailers was one of the CMA telecast’s […]
Country By Numbers (11/26/08)
/by bossrossAs the industry heads home for a dose of Thanksgiving family and fowl to replenish its fortitude reservoir, it leaves Black Friday week sales in the hands of retailers nationwide. During last year’s comparable holiday week the Country Top 75 hit a healthy 1.53 million units. This year expectations are more reserved with some insiders […]
Parker McCollum, has announced additional dates for his explosive Burn It Down Tour for this Fall. The 41-date run will add 13 more stops reaching the West Coast and taking on some of the biggest venues in the country. Joining Parker on the road this year are bona fide Country stars Corey Kent and Chayce Beckham, as well as […]