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Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Killing It At No. 1

August 17, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Luke Bryan launched the album with a concert for Citi cardmembers in New York City.

Luke Bryan’s Kill The Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Top 200 with total activity of 345K. Contributing to the total were album sales of 320K, song sales of 195K and streaming activity of 8.5 million.

Kill The Lights was produced by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens and contains 13 songs, six of which were co-written by Bryan, including the title track. The lead single from the Capitol Nashville project, “Kick The Dust Up” has already reached No. 1. The track was written by Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley and is also the name of Bryan’s 2015 blockbuster tour. He launched the project with a ton of media appearances including a promotion with Target and appearances on GMA and Jimmy Fallon’s show.

On the country album chart, Micheal Ray’s debut for Atlantic entered at No. 4 with sales of 11K, driven by hit single “Kiss You In the Morning.” Scott Hendricks produced the 12-track album.

CCM artist TobyMac (ForeFront Records) had total activity of 38K, debuting at No. 4 on the Top 200. The sixth studio album from the six-time Grammy winner is titled This Is Not A Test.

The No. 2 spot on the Top 200 went to Dr. Dre’s Straight Outta Compton soundtrack, selling 295K (276K album only).

Sales according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Weekly Chart Report (8/14/15)

August 14, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Progressive Party Anyone? Jason Aldean Celebrates Three Chart-Toppers

August 13, 2015/by Sherod Robertson

(L-R): Songwriter Chris Tompkins, Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean, FGL's Brian Kelley, Sonwriter Rodney Clawson. Photo: John Russell

(L-R): Songwriter Chris Tompkins, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean, FGL’s Brian Kelley, Songwriter Rodney Clawson. Photo: John Russell

Industry members had a unique opportunity Tuesday (Aug. 11) to celebrate Jason Aldean‘s back-to-back No. 1 songs with the artist and songwriters at Nashville’s City Winery.

The three consecutive No. 1 hits, “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started” and “Tonight Looks Good On You,” from Aldean’s platinum album, Old Boots, New Dirt, brought friends and family together for a one-of-a-kind progressive industry party, which moved throughout the venue celebrating each song.

Invited guests first joined Aldean in the large performance hall with songwriters Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Chris Tompkins and Rodney Clawson to celebrate the album’s lead single “Burnin’ It Down.”

Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Burnin’ It Down.” (L-R): (Back row): BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba and Benny Brown, BMI’s Bradley Collins, producer Michael Knox, Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman and Matt Turner, Round Hill’s Mark Brown and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. (Front row): songwriter Chris Tompkins, BMI songwriter Tyler Hubbard, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean, BMI songwriters Brian Kelley and Rodney Clawson.

“Burnin’ It Down”

BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the enthusiastic crowd with a shout out to Aldean’s producer Michael Knox, who is celebrating a birthday today (Aug. 13) amidst all his other accolades. ASCAP’s Mike Sistad joined in the celebration before bringing up Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman who was thrilled to be representing the writers proclaiming, “Today, we are stackin’ up some plaques!” Round Hill’s Mark Brown joined in the ceremony before Broken Bow’s Jon Loba shared his gratitude of everyone’s efforts and emphasizing the benefits of risk-taking. “That’s when great things can happen,” shared Loba, giving a thankful nod to BBR label head Benny Brown.

Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CRB’s RJ Curtis and CMA’s Brandi Simms and Brenden Oliver also made the rounds to each of the three celebrations expressing their congratulations to Aldean, the songwriters and supporting industry team members. Avenue Bank is a partner with the No. 1 celebrations, making a donation in the songwriters’ names to a charity they support.

Then it was time for the songwriters. Tompkins talked about “Burnin’ It Down” and admitted, “It’s a song I can listen to and enjoy as a listener.” Clawson addressed the other co-writers saying, “Thank you for helping me buy a house in Green Hills.” Kelley and Hubbard gave humbling thanks to Aldean saying, “You gave us the opportunity and we are grateful. It’s a dream come true.” Aldean admitted, “We were a little nervous to put this out. To me, the ones you take a risk on are the ones that pay off the biggest,” before reminding us it was this song that he built his tour around.

(L-R): Songwriter Chris DeStefano, Aldean, songwriters Ashley Gorley and Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell

“Just Gettin’ Started”

Next up, the party moved to City Winery’s main dining room for accolades on “Just Gettin’ Started,” written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, and Rhett Akins.

BMI’s Leslie Roberts greeted everyone sharing that Rhett “is a great mentor… and takes time for the up-and-comers.” She thanked Knox saying, “You have believed in Jason from the beginning.” ASCAP’s John Titta was next to honor DeStefano and Gorley before Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg said, “Not one bit of it was luck.” Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn articulated what everyone was thinking, “This might be the coolest No. 1 party ever.”

Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Just Gettin’ Started.” (L-R): (Back row): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, ASCAP’s John Titta and Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg. (Front row): songwriter Chris DeStefano, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean, songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins and producer Michael Knox.

Akins shared, “It’s an unbelievable text when you see that [Michael] Knox dug the song.” In a comical turn, Akins revealed he had stopped at Walmart to buy shampoo earlier that day but threw away the receipt before leaving the store. To make sure he wasn’t shoplifting, security stopped him at the door. Akins jokingly admitted it would have been funny to go from being arrested to attending the No. 1 party. The audience agreed.

Gorley was next to dote on Aldean, “What makes Jason great is that he knows who he is and he knows what he wants.” DeStefano added, “There are good days and there are good days. Nashville is, without question, the most amazing place in the world because of the community.” As a side note, both Van Valkenburg and Gorley served as best men at DeStefano’s wedding.

(L-R) Songwriter Ashley Gorley and Dallas Davidson, Aldean, and Songwriter Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell

(L-R) Songwriters Ashley Gorley and Dallas Davidson, Aldean, and Songwriter Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell

“Tonight Looks Good On You”

Closing out the evening in the upstairs loft, the festive crowd celebrated the chart-topping success of “Tonight Looks Good On You.” Written by Akins, Dallas Davidson and Gorley, it is Aldean’s 16th career No. 1.

BMI’s Jody Williams started the third round reminding us that Peach Picker Dallas Davidson’s first No. 1 was “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran squelched the giggling saying, “These three writers have 62 No. 1 songs combined. Adding Jason [Adlean] and Michael [Knox], you get to 95.”

Titta joked, “This is like Nashville’s version of Groundhog Day.” Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, who has been partners with Gorley for 15 years, added, “I’m inspired by him.” BBR’s Benny Brown, Lee Adams and Rick Shedd took the opportunity to present platinum plaques commemorating Aldean’s New Boots Old Dirt selling over a million copies.

Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Tonight Looks Good On You.” (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaugh, ASCAP’s John Titta, BBR Music Group’s Benny Brown, SONY/ATV’s Tom Luteran, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter Dallas Davidson, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean producer Michael Knox and BMI’s Jody Williams.

Akins gave kudos to Aldean’s band, reminding everyone the band members actually play on his records so when fans come to a performance, it sounds just like his recordings. Akins also shared he first pitched the song to his son, Thomas Rhett who was interested in recording it. But soon after, Aldean claimed it for himself.

Davidson came to the mic saying, “Thank God for giving us the blessing to write songs,” before adding, “You don’t get a party for No. 2 so thanks to the promotion staff.” Gorley admitted, “There’s so many people that help get the song to No. 1 that we don’t even know and we are grateful.”

“What else can we say?” shared Aldean. “It’s cool to have a song like this to show a different side of you. We are working on a new record and I think some of the guys will have cuts on it too.”

Jody Williams concluded,“We have the greatest songwriting community in the world. It doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

Producer Michael Knox celebrates three No. 1s for Jason Aldean and a birthday with his staff. (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C. McTyre

With his staff, Producer Michael Knox celebrates three No. 1s for Jason Aldean, as well as a birthday this week. (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C. McTyre

No. 1 Party: A Thousand Horses Are Smoking Hot

August 13, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod. Photo: Steve Lowry

South Bar & Restaurant in Nashville was the site for celebrating the No. 1 song “Smoke,” by Republic Nashville’s A Thousand Horses. It is the band’s debut single and their first No. 1.

The event was hosted by BMI and ASCAP and started with Perry Howard recognizing BMI writers Ross Copperman and A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby, who co-wrote the song with ASCAP’s Jon Nite. It is also the first No. 1 single produced by Dave Cobb.

“Smoke” marks the first No. 1 for Hobby as a writer and as an artist. It is Copperman’s fourth chart-topper as a writer.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad took to the stage to congratulate Nite on his fourth No. 1 and said that he currently has four other songs on the chart, and is a 2015 CMA Triple Play Award recipient.

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/4b2c8wtb7140nojjesd34pu3h39e9tvd Photo Credit: Steve Lowry Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/6bw18ma9gwb4es43mbv2x7l6c8jpleha Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Steve Lowry

Executive Vice President of Republic Nashville, Jimmy Harnen, made it known that this was the 15th No. 1 song for the label in only six years. He thanks the band’s manager Scott McGhee for bringing them to his attention, which led to them being signed to the label.

Harnen introduced Big Machine President and CEO, Scott Borchetta and congratulated him on his 171 No. 1 songs. Borchetta reciprocated by saying, “there isn’t anyone I trust more than Jimmy Harnen. When he came to me and said he wanted to sign this band, I had never heard them but it didn’t matter because Jimmy was so passionate about them.”

Copperman remembered going to see the band for the first time. “I feel like I was watching a historical moment. They are so good for our format.”

Nite said that A Thousand Horses plays rock ‘n’ roll music and “the format that we have today has allowed that to happen. I appreciate you guys for playing the music your soul wants to play.”

Hobby called his band “a band of brothers,” and said, “we’ve been doing this a long time together and to share this experience with you guys is pretty amazing.”

Also making presentations were Travis Carter of Warner/Chappell, Josh Van Valkenburg of Sony/ATV, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and reps from the CMA and CRB.

Kip Moore Conjures ‘Magic’ On Sophomore Album

August 13, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Kip Moore discusses his new album Wild Ones. Photo: Alan Poizner

Three years ago, on his debut album, Kip Moore sang “don’t give up on me yet, I’m still growing up.” Fans and his MCA Nashville team stuck with him, and his long-awaited sophomore effort proves why—and how much he grew up in the meantime.

Up All Night was a quality project marked by Moore’s restlessness, with songs about moving around (“Everything But You,” “Reckless”) and youthful loving and leaving (“Crazy One More Time”). Today he’s mostly left behind the field parties and small town shenanigans (“Beer Money,” “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck”) that populated the first album.

What hasn’t changed on his upcoming release is Moore’s penchant for red dresses (“What Ya Got On Tonight”), back seats (“That Was Us,” and, yes, “Backseat”) and passing green around the campfire (“That’s Alright With Me”), as he told the crowd gathered at his short performance last night (Aug. 12) at the Basement East in Nashville.

“I like to have a song on the record that’s a statement song about who I am, and ‘Reckless’ was that song on the Up All Night record,” he said. “People say I can’t talk about left–handed cigarettes in music, and I say ‘yes I can.’”

Today he’s a man who knows what he wants, and he’s upfront about it: “Girl what’s the matter with you… Come and get it,” he sings on the new album. He also knows what his fans want. He never stopped touring between projects and the title track “Wild Ones” is an ode to them.

MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan. Photo: Alan Poizner

Overall, Wild Ones shares the same top-notch songwriting as his first album but with a heavier sound and bolder lyrics. Whatever a song’s mood, Moore owns it—whether it’s the quieter introspection of “Comeback Kid” or the brashy “I’m To Blame,” where he sings, “Where there’s blue lights, just read me my rights.” Other standout tracks include “What Ya Got On Tonight,” and “Girl of the Summer.” Of the latter, Moore got the idea during a trip to the beach, and the storyline is reminiscent of Don Henley’s classic “Boys of Summer.”

Moore said, “I’ve kept the same core group of writers, because I believe in them and they believe in me. I keep the people close to me that were there for me at the beginning. But Westin [Davis] introduced me to this quirky bird named Luke Dick a little while back. And I love the dude. He really expanded my mind in a different way on this record.”

Moore, Davis and Dick conjured up “Magic,” an album highlight. “We were talking about all the fairy tale stuff that’s written and how we didn’t feel that way a lot of times about love,” said Moore. “So that’s how the song started.”

He closed the set with “Running For You,” which could be the next single. Wild Ones will be released Aug. 21.

Wild Ones Tracklist
1. Wild Ones (Kip Moore, Chris DeStefano, Brett James)
2. Come And Get It (Kip Moore, Brett James, Manny Medina)
3. Girl of Summer (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
4. Magic (Kip Moore, Westin Davis, Luke Dick)
5. That Was Us (Kip Moore, Westin Davis, Dan Couch)
6. Lipstick (Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, David Frasier, Westin Davis)
7. What Ya Got On Tonight (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
8. Heart’s Desire (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Adam Browder, Erich Wigdahl)
9. Complicated (Kip Moore, Chris DeStefano, Rodney Clawson)
10. I’m To Blame (Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, Westin Davis)
11. That’s Alright With Me (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Luke Dick)
12. Running For You (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
13. Comeback Kid (Kip Moore, Erik Dylan, Ross Copperman, Jeff Hyde)

DisClaimer: The Purebred Strut

August 13, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

I believe these are called the dog days of summer.

Sure enough, you’ll find some “dogs” among these new sounds. But there are some real purebred pups strutting around in this column, too. Listen to Rick Monroe, Shanna Henderson and Rusty Golden, for instance. Our DisCovery Award goes to an excellent vocalist named Mike Ryan. He has an album that’s a gem from start to finish.

Unquestionably today’s Best In Show is the classy duet record by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard. It is the Disc of the Day.

LESLIE COURS MATHER/Hell Hath No Fury
Writer: Kelly Lang; Producer: Denny Diante
—She handles this horn-punctuated, feminist, retro-styled blues tune with aplomb. It’s a warning to a guy who hurts a woman that he’s doomed, and how. Nice work.

DEREK ANTHONY/If I Don’t
Producer: Steve Mandile; Bluant Music Group
—He sings well, but the song is pretty wordy and seems to take an awfully long time to get to its hook.

WILLIE NELSON & MERLE HAGGARD & JAMEY JOHNSON/It’s All Going to Pot
Writer: Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson/Larry Shell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Run Slow/BMG Rights/EMI Blackwood/Big Gassed Hitties/Not Her Money
—The Willie-Hag duet CD is called Django and Jimmie. It contains a handful of classics (Willie’s “Family Bible,” Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” and “Somewhere Between”), but really comes alive when the two legends swap lines on new Music Row tunes. This one is a lively, Mexicali-flavored bopper that romps through humorous lyrics with delightfully light-hearted finesse. Jamey Johnson adds harmonies, and later on you’ll find Bobby Bare guesting on the boom-chicka-boom Haggard tune “Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash.” Buy this record.

ANITA STAPLETON & GENE WATSON/Just Someone I Used to Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Publisher: Glad/Pappy Daily/Universal; DirkWorks
—This is such a brilliant country song. Its new revival won’t erase the memory of the 1969 Porter & Dolly original (or the fine Jeannie Seely/Jack Greene version), but these voices blend quite well, and the production is perfect. Newcomer Anita handles the melody, while the fabulous Gene shadows her in flawless harmony.

MIKE RYAN/Bad Reputation
Writer: Ryan/Anderson/DuBois; Producer: Brent Anderson & Ben Phillips
—This strong singing Lone Star State boy rocks and wails on this energetic outing, the title tune of his current CD. The accompaniment is tighter and slicker than we are used to hearing on Texas productions. Special kudos to the lead electric guitarist.

Rusty Golden

RUSTY GOLDEN/Sober
Writer: Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Scott Baggett;RGM
—I have always liked this guy’s work, from way back when he was a kid in the Nashville pop/rock groups The Boys Band, GoldenSpeer and The Goldens. The son of new Country Hall of Fame member William Lee Golden of the Oaks has since had a tumultuous life as a gospel and country songwriter, a session musician, a record producer, a survivor of heart bypass surgery and a druggie. His first solo album is a collection of songs about recovery. The title tune by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Jeffrey Steele will touch your heart with its inspirational fervor. Whether you’ve ever been through recovery or not, this album will do you a world of good.

SARAH ROSS/Shotgun
Average Joes
—Female white rap. Pass.

RICK MONROE/Just the Same
Writer: Jason Brunswick/Josh Dunne/Rick Monroe; Producer: Steve Freeman; MRG
—I dig this fellow. His recent EP spawned the excellent “Great Minds Drink Alike” and “Fire’s Out.” Now expanded into a full-length CD titled It’s a Love Thing, it includes this new, atmospheric. romantic crooner. I like the way he goes from a whisper to a baritone swoon. A relentless touring artist, this solid citizen, talented vocalist and fine songwriter deserves some kind of major-label endorsement.

LINDI ORTEGA/Tell It Like It Is
Writer: Lindi Ortega; Producer: Colin Linden; Last Gang
—I remain a fan. Lindi’s new collection is called Faded Gloryville. It features this throbbing, echo-chamber performance that shines a spotlight on her penetrating soprano as well as her songwriting chops. Americana programmers also take note.

SHANNA HENDERSON/Hell Or Highwater
Writer: Ben Stennis/Katie Kessler; Producer: Ben Stennis & Blake Bollinger
—Banjo notes decorate this moody, sultry performance. Her forceful, laser-arrow vocal hits a bullseye with every phrase. Promising.

2nd Annual ASCAP Showcase P.R.O.motes CMA Voting

August 12, 2015/by Sherod Robertson

Lee Ann Womack performs at ASCAP’s 2015 P.R.O.mote The Vote event.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) held its second annual “P.R.O.mote The Vote” industry showcase yesterday (Aug. 11), the same day CMA ballots were emailed to voting members. The invitation-only crowd gathered mid-day at The Rosewall in Nashville to enjoy a much-welcomed schmoozefest, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and artist performances.

Michael Martin, who heads the ASCAP Nashville membership office, says, “ASCAP created this event to remind people that every vote counts, and that just one vote can make the difference in these artists getting on the CMA Awards final ballot. We developed P.R.O.mote the Vote to raise as much awareness as possible on the day the CMA Awards second round ballot comes out.”

(L-R): RaeLynn, Kelsea Ballerini, Striking Matches’ Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis

ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart adds, “We created P.R.O.mote the Vote in 2014 as a way to recognize our ASCAP artist members and all of their accomplishments of the past year, and to support them in the upcoming CMA Awards voting season. Building on last year’s event, we once again partnered with Fifth Third Bank’s music group and Loeb & Loeb for another hugely successful event that we plan to continue for years to come.”

ASCAP Executive V.P. of Membership John Titta served as host and introduced featured acoustic performers RaeLynn, Striking Matches, Kelsea Ballerini, Canaan Smith and Lee Ann Womack. While welcoming the crowd from the stage, he quipped, “Thank you for letting a New York guy come up here!”

(L-R): ASCAP Nashville's Michael Martin, Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP EVP of Membership, John Titta,

(L-R): ASCAP Nashville VP Michael Martin, Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta

Valory Music Co.’s RaeLynn opened the performances with a new song, “The Zoo” followed by her hit, “God Made Girls,” but not before expressing how thankful she was to everyone in the room for the song’s success. I.R.S. Records’ recording artist Striking Matches (Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann) hit the stage next with two songs from their project, Nothing But The Silence, produced by T Bone Burnett. After performing “Trouble Is As Trouble Does” and “Make A Liar Out Of Me,” there was no doubt Zimmermann had left the audience mesmerized with her signature guitar shredding.

Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini was up next and performed the Eddy Arnold classic, “Make The World Go Away.” Having celebrated her first No. 1 song the previous day for “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Ballerini sang her chart topper while everyone grooved along.

Canaan Smith then took the stage with “American Muscle” and “One of Those” from his recently released album, Bronco. He excitedly shared news that he was upgrading to his first touring bus right after the party was over.

“This is the stuff legends are made of,” proclaimed Titta as he introduced Lee Ann Womack who rounded out the “P.R.O.mote The Vote” bash with “Chances Are” followed by the title track to her latest album, “The Way I’m Livin’.”

Now it was time to go vote. CMA ballots for the second round have been sent out and voting closes Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:00 p.m. CST.

Artist Canaan Smith and ASCAP’s EVP John Titta

All Photos: Ed Rode

ASCAP To Honor Trisha Yearwood at 2015 Country Awards

August 12, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Trisha Yearwood at the ASCAP Country Awards.

Trisha Yearwood will be honored at the ASCAP Country Awards.

ASCAP has set Monday, Nov. 2 for its 53rd annual black-tie ASCAP Country Music Awards. The invitation-only ceremony will be held at the Omni Nashville.

At the event Trisha Yearwood will receive the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, presented to songwriters and artists whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation. Past recipients include George Strait, Amy Grant, and Kenny Chesney.

The ASCAP gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. There will be live performances of the top five most performed songs by the award-winning songwriters and the artists who recorded them.

Yearwood has sold more than 12 million albums, and is a multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning recording artist. Her chart-topping hits include “She’s In Love With The Boy,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” and “How Do I Live.” Since 2007, the superstar has written three New York Times best-selling cookbooks, hosted six seasons of her Emmy Award-winning Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, and debuted a line of cookware and her own home furnishings line.

Yearwood is currently in the running to be nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Vocal Event of the Year for PrizeFighter at the 49th annual CMA Awards, to be held Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, two nights after the ASCAP event.

Nominations for 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards

August 12, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Bill Keith (L) and Larry Sparks (R) will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

Nominees for the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards were announced today (Aug. 12) during an event at the Sirius XM Theater inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The awards ceremony will be Thursday, Oct. 1 in Raleigh, NC with hosts The Gibson Brothers.

IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event in Raleigh also consists of the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1), Wide Open Bluegrass presented by PNC (Oct. 2-3) and the Bluegrass Ramble showcases (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1).

Special Awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Awards, will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Momentum Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Bill Keith
Larry Sparks

2015 DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Alison Brown
Murphy Henry
International Bluegrass Music Museum
“Bashful Brother” Oswald Kirby
Steve Martin

2015 INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Hot Rize
The Earls of Leicester
The Gibson Brothers
The Del McCoury Band

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Flatt Lonesome
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Gibson Brothers

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Punch Brothers
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Earls of Leicester

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Big Black Train” – Earls of Leicester (artist), Stanley Johnson, George Sherry (writers)
“Fiddlin’ Joe” – Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Mark Brinkman (writer)
“Her Love Won’t Turn On A Dime” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Bart Butler, Timothy Johnson, Shane Minor (writers)
“Moon Over Memphis” – Balsam Range (artist), Mark W. Winchester (writer)
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller (artist), Bill Monroe, Guy Stevenson, DeWayne Mize (writers)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Brotherhood – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producers), Rounder
Five – Balsam Range (artist), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
The Earls of Leicester – The Earls of Leicester (artist) Jerry Douglas (producer), Rounder
Too – Flatt Lonesome (artist), Andrea Roberts, Tim Surrett (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
When I’m Free – Hot Rize (artist), Hot Rize (producer), Ten In Hand Records

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Holding To The Right Hand” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Marvin Clark (writer), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Insured Beyond The Grave” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artist), Standing Tall and Tough (album), Ira Louvin, Charlie Louvin (writers), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Stacking Up the Rocks” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Melton (writer), Balsam Range (producers), Mountain Home Music Company
“What a Wonderful Savior Is He” – The Gibson Brothers (artist), Brotherhood (album), William G. Brewster (writer), Eric Gibson, Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber (producer), Rounder Records
“Who Will Sing for Me” – The Earls of Leicester (artist), The Earls of Leicester (album), Carter Stanley, Ralph Stanley (writer), Jerry Douglas (producers), Rounder Records

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Backdraft (You Light It, You Fight It” – Balsam Range (artist), Five (album), Buddy Metlon, Marc Pruett, Tim Surrett, Darren Nicholson, Caleb B. Smith (writer), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“Come Along Jody” – Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper (artist), On Down the Line (album), Benjamin F.”Tex” Logan (writer), Jeff White, Michael Cleveland (producers), Compass Records
“Cumberland Gap” – Lonesome River Band (artist), Turn On A Dime (album), Sammy Shelor (arrangement), Sammy Shelor (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“The Three Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), The Three Bells (album), Jean Villard, Bert Reisfeld (writers), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producer), Rounder Records
“Yeah Man” – Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (artist), Cold Spell (album), Michael Munford (writer), Frank Solivan (producer), Compass Records

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Against The Grain”- Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, featuring Garth Brooks (artists), Larry Cordle (producer), MightyCord Records
“Blue Memories” – J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists), Doyle Lawson (producer), Mountain Home Music Company
“For Buddy” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers), Rounder Records
“Test of Time” – Steep Canyon Rangers & Edie Brickell (artists), Carl Jackson (producer)
“TheThree Bells” – Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (artists), Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (producers) Rounder Records
“Southern Flavor” – Becky Buller, with Peter Rowan, Michael Feagan, Buddy Spicher, Ernie Sykes, Roland White and Blake Williams (artists), Stephen Mougin (producer) Dark Shadow Recording

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Adkins & Loudermilk
Band of Ruhks
Becky Buller
Mountain Faith
Snyder Family Band
The Earls of Leicester
Volume Five

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Shawn Camp
Del McCoury
Buddy Melton
Russell Moore
Tim O’Brien

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Becky Buller
Claire Lynch
Amanda Smith
Rhonda Vincent

BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Mark ‘Brink’ Brinkman
Becky Buller
Bill Castle
Shawn Lane
Donna Ulisse

See complete list here.

Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry.

The IBMA Awards Show will be broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction) and syndicated to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of BMI, Deering Banjos, the International Bluegrass Music Museum and Mountain Home Music Company.

Lecrae Leads GMA Dove Nominations

August 12, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Lecrae heads into the Dove Awards as the leading nominee.

Lecrae leads the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award nominations with seven, as announced today (Aug. 12) in Nashville. Following with five nominations are for KING & COUNTRY, and with four each, Crowder, Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin.

The 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. CT. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 18.

On hand for today’s nominations announcement at Lipscomb were Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, GMA executive director Jackie Patillo and artists Audio Adrenaline, Jason Crabb, Colton Dixon, Joseph Habedank, Casey J and RED.

Nominees for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year will be made in a special announcement in coming weeks.

Select categories are below. See full list here.

Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Lecrae
Mercy Me

New Artist of the Year
About A Mile
Danny Gokey
I Am They
Lauren Daigle
NF

Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year
Chris Tomlin
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
Lecrae
MercyMe

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year
Booth Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Collingsworth Family
The Isaacs

Gospel Artist of the Year
Erica Campbell
Fred Hammond
Israel & New Breed
Jonathan McReynolds
Tamela Mann
Tasha Cobbs

Dove Award nominees are determined by over 1,500 professional GMA members. Winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500. Voting for the final winners will run Aug. 20 – 27.

Tickets to the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at www.doveawards.com. Ticket prices range from $35 to $200.

for KING & COUNTRY

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