Live Nation plans to buy Ticketmaster Entertainment for $2.5 billion in an all-stock merger of equals, the companies announced today (2/10) following much speculation. Pending regulatory approval, the combined entity will be called Live Nation Entertainment. It will be headed by Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino as CEO, Ticketmaster Entertainment CEO Irving Azoff as executive […]
The Leadership Music Digital Summit will host top-notch speakers including Ted Cohen, TAG Strategic; Dorrian Porter, Mozes; Greg Scholl, The Orchard; Jim Lucchese, The Echo Nest; Ali Partovi, iLike; Jim Cicconi, AT&T; and Dave Ulmer, Motorola. These and other yet-to-be announced experts will discuss how cutting edge technology relates to mobile communication, ISPs, social networking, […]
Chuck Wicks and Jewel are joining the cast of celebrity competitors on the popular ABC series, Dancing with the Stars. For the show’s eighth season Wicks will dance with fellow country artist, and two-time Dancing champion Julianne Hough, who also happens to be his girlfriend. Jewel and her husband, rodeo star Ty Murray, will be […]
“George Jones & Jesus” Big 7 Records “When I die and they carry me to the final frontier, I want them to play Lance Miller’s ‘George Jones & Jesus.’” —Ken Batista, KPIX-CBS/San Francisco Lance Miller’s new single “George Jones & Jesus” is being released to country radio. The song recently debuted at No. 61 on […]
If there is weak economy, apparently Taylor Swift fans don’t know or care. This morning (2/6) the young superstar’s supporters bought up every ticket to her Staples Center appearance in a record-breaking two minutes. The May 22nd LA show is part of Swift’s Fearless 2009 tour which officially kicks off April 23 in Evansville, IN. […]
NSAI’s Spring Training, formally known as their Spring Symposium, will be held April 3-4 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville during Tin Pan South week. The event is the organization’s biggest and longest running event, and features two days of informative panels, intensive educational seminars, special guest performances, and the chance to play […]
It’s always heartwarming to witness a dream come true. Especially when the dreamer is the legendary Willie Nelson. Nelson’s alternative fuel truck stop, Willie’s World in Carl’s Corner, Texas, has finally grown from vision to reality. Nelson will celebrate the occasion during the fifth annual Willie World Grand Opening event, Feb. 24-25. Also performing will […]
It’s awfully hard to argue with the power of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the voices of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Especially when they’re backing Billy Dean on a patriotic anthem. Maybe there’s inspiration and hope in the air or something. Whatever the cause, I fell for “Wave On, Old Glory.” It’s the Disc of […]
“What Would You Say” Show Dog Nashville Trailer Choir’s second single “What Would You Say,” co-written by the group’s Butter and Big Vinny with David Fortney, was inspired by the Jan. 2006 Sago, West Virginia mining tragedy. Thirteen men were trapped after the accident and, as the nation watched the drama unfold, all but one […]
Keith Urban has been added to the GRAMMY performance schedule as part of a Bo Diddley tribute featuring fellow current nominees Buddy Guy, B.B. King, and John Mayer. At the Feb. 8 Awards show, Urban is up for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals (“Let The Wind Chase You” with Trisha Yearwood). Joining the presenter list […]