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DISClaimer: Country Music Stages A Comeback

August 27, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Country music stages a comeback this week.
Apparently, there are still a few record makers out there who cherish our honky-tonk traditions. One of them is our DisCovery Award winner, James Carothers. His CD is titled, of course, Honky Tonk Land.
There’s also an Ernest Tubb tribute album in this stack of platters. How could it be anything but country, country, country?
The trio of big stars on tap today are solidly country, too, albeit in modern ways. My applause goes to all three, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley and Lee Brice. Deciding among them for a Disc of the Day award was simply impossible. So I am giving it to a guy who marries tradition to electronics with striking results, Sturgill Simpson.
SARA BETH/Nowhere With You
Writers: Ashley Hewitt/Dean Sams/SaraBeth Swagerty; Producer: Dean Sams; Publishers: Onjarose/Last Song Standing/Clear Box/Delta Pearl, ASCAP/BMI; Circle S (track)
-This sweet and pleasant, languidly paced ditty goes down smoothly.
STURGILL SIMPSON/The Promise
Writers: Farrington/Mann/Floreale; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Songs of Kobalt, BMI; High Top Mountain
-Many in the media are hailing this Nashvillian as a “savior” of country music. His resonant baritone has echoes of Waylon, but his extraordinary style is all his own. If you know this song from its days as a 1988 pop hit for the British dance act When In Rome, you’ll be stunned at how he transforms it into an earthy, yearning country love ballad. Esquire, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post and other elite commentators are calling Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds in Country Music CD the country album of the year. You’ll get no argument from me. The singer-songwriter is nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year at next month’s Americana Music Awards.
BLAKE SHELTON/Neon Light
Writers: Andrew Dorff/Josh Kear/Mark Irwin; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Moreendorffin/Global Dog/Book of Spells/Green Vinyl, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Honky-tonk heartbreak brought right up to date with a sensational groove and brilliantly clever lyrics. Absolutely irresistible.

James Carothers

JAMES CAROTHERS/New Country Singers
Writers: James Carothers; Producer: none listed; Publisher: James Carothers; BMI; JC (track)
-If this doesn’t make you smile, you must not be listening. It seems that the depressing drinking in his hang-dog life doesn’t quite match up to the beer-and-babes lyrics he hears today’s country singers warbling. This boy is a stone-country singer, and his song is as catchy as can be. Play it.
BRAD PAISLEY/Perfect Storm
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Warner-Tamerlane/The Country and Western, ASCAP/BMI; Arista (track)
-The echoey guitar flourishes are heavenly, as Brad continues to dazzle as a player. Beyond that, the song is a melodic dream of being lost in love. In a word, wonderful.
AL BRAKE/Hot Pink Lady
Writers: Al Brake; Producer: Bob Bullock; Publishers: none listed; AB (track)
-This Canadian came to Nashville to record his self-titled CD. But all the professional surroundings in the world can’t disguise his thin, too-sharp, breath-challenged voice.
LEE BRICE/Drinkin’ Class
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (track)
-If this isn’t a monster hit, I’ve never heard one. Every nine-to-fiver in America is going to raise a glass to this anthem. Apparently, it is already a sensation with audiences at Lee’s shows. I can certainly hear why.
QUENTIN REDDY/Moonlight Ride
Writers: Rob Crosby/Brice Long/Quentin Reddy/Darren Crow; Producer: Bart McKay; Publishers: Golden Vault/Wadmalaw/The Song Factory/Wordspring/Blongsongs/Q Factor, BMI/SESAC/SOCAN; On Ramp (track)
-This fellow has already achieved a measure of notoriety by competing on CMT’s “Big in a Small Town” TV competition in Canada. To translate that into U.S. radio prominence, I think it’s going to take a song that’s a little less generic than this.
TONY BOOTH/Walking The Floor Over You
Writers: Earnest Tubb; Producers: Jim Loessberg/Justin Trevino; Publishers: Unichappell, BMI; Heart of Country
-I love this Lone Star State label. Its latest CD is a tribute to Ernest Tubb called Thanks a Lot Texas Troubadour. Country vet Tony Booth kicks it off with a sprightly, bopping rendition of ET’s signature song. Other participants on this thoroughly enjoyable and totally country package include Johnny Bush, the late George Jones, Dottsy, Darrell McCall, Dolly Parton, Norma Jean and Georgette Jones.
JIM PHOTOGLO/Halls of My Heart
Writers: Jim Photoglo; Producer: Jim Photoglo; Publishers: Griffin Pie/Haber; ASCAP; Grifftone (track)
-Photoglo’s songwriting catalog includes such evergreens as “Fishin’ in the Dark” (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), “Hometown Honeymoon” (Alabama) and “Honky Tonk Heart” (Highway 101). This is the title tune of his latest solo CD. It is a heartwarming salute to Elvis, The Beach Boys and The Beatles that wafts with nostalgia and stardust. His evocative, tender, tenor voice sounds younger than yesterday. Recommended without reservation, especially if you’re looking for songs with true class. Also, it is exquisitely produced.

Weekly Register: Debuts From Taylor Swift, Chase Rice

August 27, 2014/by Sarah Skates

Swift shakes off the “haters” in new hit.

“Shake It Off” the lead single from Taylor Swift’s upcoming album 1989 sold and impressive 544K downloads its first week out, debuting at No. 1 overall.

However, this marks a sales tally slip from the 2012 debut of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” the lead single from her mega blockbuster Red album. “Never Ever…” sold 623,000 units, marking the biggest digital sales week ever for a female. In the two years since the release of “Never Ever…” streaming has grown in popularity, while simultaneously decreasing sales.

On the Country album chart, Chase Rice debuted at No. 1 selling 44K copies of Ignite the Night. Following at No. 2 is Nashville Outlaws—A Tribute to Motley Crue, selling 31K.

Rounding out the Top 5 Country albums are Luke Bryan (16K this week), Brantley Gilbert (10K) and Miranda Lambert (10K).

Tracking Tracks

Jason Aldean is still smoldering at the top of the Country tracks chart with “Burnin’ It Down” scoring 83K clicks to cross the 500K mark. Making notable debuts are Blake Shelton’s “Neon Light” with 28K, and Lee Brice’s “Girls In Bikinis” with 18K.

The Top 5 Country tracks this week are “Burnin’…” (83K), FGL “Dirt” (62K), Kenny Chesney “American Kids” (61K), Sam Hunt “Leave The Night On” (50K) and Lady A “Bartender” (42K).

All numbers based on Nielsen Soundscan.

Valory Music Co. Signs Levi Hummon

August 25, 2014/by Sarah Skates

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Iconic Entertainment’s Brian O’Neil, BMLG’s Malcolm Mimms, Allison Jones, Andrew Kautz & Iconic Entertainment’s Ally Rodriguez Front Row – BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Levi Hummon & Iconic Entertainment’s Fletcher Foster. Photo: Seth Hellman for The Valory Music Co.

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Iconic Entertainment’s Brian O’Neil, BMLG’s Malcolm Mimms, Allison Jones, Andrew Kautz and Iconic Entertainment’s Ally Rodriguez; Front Row – BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Levi Hummon & Iconic Entertainment’s Fletcher Foster. Photo: Seth Hellman for The Valory Music Co.

The Valory Music Co. has signed Levi Hummon, a Nashville native who is working on his debut album, due out next year.

Hummon is managed by Fletcher Foster’s Iconic Entertainment Group. The 23-year-old is the son of Grammy winning songwriter Marcus Hummon (“God Bless The Broken Road”) and Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of the Thistle Farms philanthropy. Hit songwriter Desmond Child has also been a key part of Levi Hummon’s development.

“As our Country format ebbs and flows, it’s always so important from an A&R perspective to look past what’s happening now and make some moves on the future direction,” said BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta. “Levi’s unique vision and incredible artistry is exactly the kind of musical move we want to make now. This is a very significant artist signing.”

“It really feels like a dream come true to be a part of the Valory/BMLG family! I’ve gotten to know a lot of the staff already, and it feels like one big family,” said Levi. “This label home already feels so supportive and is a perfect fit for my music. I also want to give a special shout out to my dad, who has been both a friend and mentor to me through this process, and a huge thank you to Desmond Child and Fletcher Foster for their belief in me.”
Levi Hummon has collaborated with Shane MacAnally, Andrew Dorff, Josh Osborne, Jonathan Singleton, Nathan Barlowe, Brandy Clark and Trevor Rosen among others.

The Valory roster includes superstar Reba, chart-topping stars Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett as well as legendary band The Mavericks and newcomer RaeLynn.

Warner/Chappell Extends Pub Deal With James, Cornman Music

August 25, 2014/by Jessica Nicholson

Warner/Chappell Music has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter Brett James. WCM has also extended its publishing agreement with James’ publishing company, Cornman Music.
Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville, said, “Whether it’s the writing room, the office, the studio, or the board room, Brett James operates at the highest level as a songwriter, producer, talent developer, and publisher. It’s a real pleasure for Warner/Chappell to represent Brett and work with his team of Nate Lowery and Shea Fowler at Cornman Music. There is so much great music coming from Brett and Cornman—watch out world.”
James added, “Warner/Chappell is the perfect partner for me and my Cornman Music family. They combine a peerless creative culture with a worldwide administrative juggernaut to provide us with an amazing platform for success. I truly enjoy working and playing with them on a daily basis and am thrilled to continue our relationship.”
James has had over four hundred of his songs recorded, 17 of which were No. 1 hits, and has worked on albums with combined sales of more than 100 million copies.

Bobby Karl Works Leadership Music's 25th Anniversary Bash

August 22, 2014/by Bobby Karl

Leadership Music Committee. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 464
I guess everyone was in the mood for some kind of big, non-denominational bash.
And I do mean “big,” as well as “everyone.” Nearly 500 people RSVP’d for the Leadership Music 25^th Anniversary party on Thursday (August 21).
And I do mean “non-denominational.” Attendees came from dozens of different show-biz duchies. Record label royals, publishing moguls, agency titans, media mavens, studio gurus, producing princelings, organization queens and folks from far-flung corners of the entertainment world gathered at what was easily the epic schmoozathon of the season.

Leadership Music Class of 1990. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn addresses the crowd. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

The gala took place at Rosewall, a cavernous party space in the Gulch. Its brick-walled, warehouse corners were decorated with blow-ups of iconic Nashville logos such as those of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, The Bluebird Café and Robert’s Western Wear. One niche held a souvenir photo booth where attendees gathered for gag snapshots with their buddies. Another had a place where various class portraits were taken.
The graduating class with the most attendees was 2011’s. That would include such fabulons as Ron Cox, Ramon Cisneros, John Ingrassia, Jennifer Schott, Chip Petree and Jim Catino.
“We have graduated more than 1,000,” said LM exec Debbie Linn. No wonder the party was so packed. Debbie, Jeff Walker and Diane Pearson all attempted to address the throng. They could barely be heard over the din. Even the excellent, amped-up blues-rock of the Guthrie Trapp Trio was merely background sound.

Diane Pearson addresses the crowd. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

The guest list included such singer-songwriters as Felix Cavaliere, Victoria Shaw, Robert Ellis Orrall, Jim Photoglo (who has a new CD), Trey Bruce, Dez Dickerson, Frank Myers (who was just on Letterman backing singer Robby Johnson on Tuesday), Byron Hill, Pat Alger, Bill Lloyd and Trent Summar.
Trent was there on the arm of new LM participant Casey Summar. Other “power couples” making the scene included David & Karen Conrad, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Ken & Shelia Shipley Biddy, Wayne & Pat Halper, David & Melinda Gales, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, Byron & Missy Gallimore and Beverly Keel & Ronnie Steine.

The Guthrie Trapp Trio. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

My double-syllabic friends working the room included Billy Block, Butch Baker, Susan Stewart, Skip Stevens, Marshall Morgan, Mark Montgomery, Mark Mason, Mike Milom, Lisa Lee, Craig Campbell and Fletcher Foster. Then there were such “twins” as Vanessa Davis, Michael Davis, Dixie Carter, Joanna Carter, Becky Harris, Cheryl Harris, Craig Hayes, Dan Hays, Shelby Kennedy, Gene Kennedy, Janie West, Steve West, Charles Dorris, John Dorris, Jay Williams and Sally Williams.
Some of my favorite producers were there. In addition to Mr. Gallimore, you had your choice of Garth Fundis, Kyle Lehning, Mark Wright, Jim Ed Norman and Tony Brown. Visiting alumnus Roger Sovine said he was impressed with how many vets were still around, citing Mr. Brown, Mr. Norman and Mr. Wunsch, as well as Joe Galante, Bill Denny, Joe Moscheo and his former BMI confederate Joyce Rice.
Whitney Daane paid me one of the nicest compliments ever. “You are a Comforting Constant,” she said. I did feel like I was in the midst of several generations of the Nashville music business. So what I replied was, “I just stand in one place and let the industry swirl around me. I’ll never be rich, but I always have the same job.” Which is more than you can say for 90 percent of the others working the room. Bless them all.

Members of Leadership Music’s Class of 1997. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

I’ll just give you one rep from each letter of the alphabet to give you some idea of just how diverse the crowd was: Drew Alexander, Tom Baldrica, Todd Cassetty, Patti Donahoe, Pat Embry, Mark Ford, Tracy Gershon, Stan Hitchcock, Bill Ivey, Brian Jones, Andrew Kintz, Kevin Lamb, Scott McDaniel, Dave Nichols, John Ozier, Dave Pomeroy, okay there are no “Q’s,” Jonah Rabinowitz, Tamara Saviano, Sarah Trahern, sorry no “U’s,” Mike Vaden, Stacy Widelitz, there are also no “X’s,” Jonathan Yudkin and Jim Zumwalt.
We dined on mini ruben sandwiches, beef & blue cheese on toast, pork meatballs with spiced mustard in pretzel rolls, caprese crostini, shrimp & scallion cocktails and chicken endive cups, plus assorted fruits, crackers and cheeses. Full bars operated on opposite sides of the party warehouse.
I spotted an engineer vortex posing in the souvenir zone. “We can’t hear, but we can pose,” joked Gary Paczosa, who was in a scrim with Ben Fowler and Jeff Balding. I posed with Sherod Robertson in front of a Smokehouse backdrop. We looked splendid.

Members of Leadership Music’s Class of 2006. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

As the party wore on, the place heated up, as did the conversational pace. Chatting away as we headed into the bash’s second hour were such lovely ladies as Erika Wollam-Nichols, Danielle Lares-Bouharoun, Denise Stiff Sheehan, Debbie Fleischer-Robin, Debbie Carroll, Deb Varallo, Nancy Cardwell, Melanie Howard, Cyndi Forman, Phyllis Stark, Teresa George, Jenny Bohler, Holly Bell, Katie Gillon, Tinti Moffatt, Leslie Fram, Lynn Morrow, Paula Roberts, Cindy Wilson, Lisa Harless, Anita Hogin, Laurie Hughes, Suzanne Kessler, Liz Kiley, Alicia Warwick and Megan Barry (who is running for mayor next year).
The guys did their fair share of gabbing, too. Just ask John Lomax, John Beiter, John Shackelford, John Styll, Tim McFadden, Tim Wipperman, Tim Fink, Pat McMakin, Pat Finch, Tom Collins, Tom Roland, Al Bunetta, Al Moss, Charlie Monk, Charlie Lico, Chuck Aly, Bobby Cudd, Bobby Rymer, Rob Simbeck, Rod Essig, Harry Chapman and Barry Coburn.

Leadership Music’s Founding Council. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

Not to mention Sam Lorber, Craig Havighurst, Chris Parr, Larry Stessel, Jim Blumstein, Ken Paulson, Lon Helton, Dale Bobo, Ed Benson, Dwight Wiles, Rick Murray, Ted Hacker, Don Cusic, David Crow and Jeff Gregg plus such long-time faves as Arthur Buenahora, Bret Wolcott, Hank Adam Locklin, Aaron Hartley, Sherrill Blackman, Walter Campbell, Earle Simmons, Trip Aldridge, Chip Peay and Justin Levenson, kind fellows one and all.
I’m telling you, this party was big, big, big.
For more photos from the event read Industry Pics: Leadership Music’s 25th Anniversary Bash

Members of Leadership Music’s Class of 2012. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

Weekly Chart Report (08/22/14)

August 22, 2014/by Troy_Stephenson

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

Garth Brooks To Be Honored With ASCAP Centennial Award

August 21, 2014/by Jessica Nicholson

Garth Brooks

ASCAP will honor a select group of artists with its once-in-a-century ASCAP Centennial Awards, in recognition of their accomplishments in their respective music genres. Garth Brooks will be one of the recipients of the prestigious award, as well as Joan Baez, Billy Joel, Stephen Sondheim, and Stevie Wonder.
The presentations will take place Monday, Nov. 17 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, during a gala party celebrating ASCAP’s 100th anniversary. The event will be hosted by ASCAP president and chairman Paul Williams, and will feature the recipients, along with guest artists performing in tribute to the honorees.
The gala will also serve as the first fundraiser benefiting the ASCAP Foundation, which supports music education, talent development, and humanitarian activities.
“Each of our ASCAP Centennial Award recipients is in a class of his or her own, as the creator and performer of songs that have touched the lives of people across the globe. It’s wonderful to be able to salute them on the occasion of ASCAP’s Centennial year and, as important, to raise funds to perpetuate the important work being done by The ASCAP Foundation,” said Williams.

DISClaimer: A Radio Slot For The Good Ol' Boys

August 20, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Jason D. Williams

The good ol’ boys are back in full force.
With this week’s announcement that Taylor Swift’s next album is completely aimed at pop listeners, that leaves us with exactly two major female solo country stars, Carrie and Miranda. They are, coincidentally, current duet partners, so that opens up one more radio slot for a male.
How much longer can this go on?
On the plus side, we have some very worthy newcomers to report this week. One is Casper McWade. A Google search revealed that he is from Oklahoma and that his band is called The Honky Tonk Rebels. All I really know is that he is a sensational country vocalist and that his “Whiskey” song is a gem. What he needs is some first class representation, publicity and promotion.
Daniel Lee is also making his debut this week. He shows definite promise. And then there is our DisCovery Award winner, handsome, 21-year-old, Texas native Chase Bryant. Lend him your ears as well.
It has been way too long since we’ve heard from Jason D. Williams. The wild man wins the Disc of the Day prize.
BERNIE NELSON/If I Know Blue
Writers: Bernie Nelson/Jess Brown; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Dumpster Diver/Jess Brown; ASCAP/BMI; If I Know Blue
-I remain a big, big fan of this big, big talent. Nelson is best known for writing successes for others, and if you want a helping of his latest should-be hits, check out his new Blue CD. This title tune is the best George Strait ballad that superstar never recorded. Heart touching and oh-so country. If you’ve ever loved a dog, prepare to get choked up.

Chase Bryant. Photo: Justin Nolan Key

LENNY COOPER/Lights On
Writers: L. Cooper/J. Spillner/J. Sciullo/T. Wood; Producers: J. Sciullo; Publishers: Riley Payton/DJKO Phivesttarr/Average ZJS/Nettwerk Arias/Revel In It/Burn Card, SESAC/BMI; Average Joes
-Cooper is back with another stack of back-road, mud-digger ditties. The first single from his The Grind CD is this drawled drinkin’ song. In brief, he’s still rocking after “last call,” so he doesn’t care what time it is. The song is more spoken than sung, but with this guy, it’s the attitude that counts.
BILL WENCE/Songs That Make Me Think About You
Writers: Nathan Adam Johnson; Producers: Bill Wence/Joe Funderburk; Publishers: Fortunate, ASCAP; 615 (track)
-Decades after beginning his career, Wence is still out there playing piano behind Bobby Bare and Wanda Jackson. Also, in addition to being a prolific record promoter, he is still making records, himself. This title tune to his latest is a jaunty, beach-y bopper.
RAY STEVENS/Swing Down Chariot/Swing Low Sweet Chariot medley
Writers: traditional; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Ray Stevens Music (arr.), BMI; Clyde/Gaither
-At age 75, Stevens has been on a tear lately. His memoir, Ray Stevens Nashville, is selling well, and he’s back on disc with a gospel collection. The latter kicks off with this toe-tapping arrangement of two standards that are already lively. One of the most remarkable things about it is the fact that the chorus that backs him and adds so much to the arrangement is evidently comprised of his own, multi-tracked self.
PHILIP CLAYPOOL/Come On Back Home
Writers: Philip Claypool/John Swatner; Producer: Michael Lloyed; Publisher: Heyday/Swat, BMI; Heyday (track)
-The title tune of Claypool’s latest is an uptempo country bopper. The song might be lively, but the lyric is a yearning plea for a lover to return. Listenable.
JASON D. WILLIAMS/Hillbillies and Holy Rollers
Writers: Jason D. Williams/Dale Watson; Producer: Dale Watson; Publishers: none listed; Rockabilly (track)
-Considering how much this charming ball of energy’s sound harkens back to the classic days of rockabilly music, it comes as a surprise to learn that his new CD is the first he has recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis. The title tune is a rollicking honky tonker embellished by his Jerry Lee -style piano flourishes and confident, echo-chamber vocals. As the title suggests, it is equal parts church and barroom. Ya gotta love this guy.
CASPER McWADE/Whiskey
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Cabin Creek
-I like his resonant baritone delivery, and the song is well crafted. The pace drags just a little. But the release’s biggest problem is its lack of information. I’d like to know who this guy is and who wrote the song, and the packaging offers zero about either one.
DANIEL LEE/Backwood Tobacco
Writers: Daniel Lee/Lynn Hutton/John Henderson; Producer: Shannon Houchins & Noah Gordon; Publishers: Daniel Lee/House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Bug/Murrah/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes
-Like everything else on this label, this rocks strenuously. For a change, however, the label’s disc features someone who can actually sing. An extremely promising debut. Keep it up.
SILO ROAD/4 Quarters
Writers: Broome/Swindle; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Cabin Creek
-Incompetently recorded. Find a producer.
CHASE BRYANT/Take It On Back
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow (ERG)
-I am told this youngster put on a fine show during CMA Music Fest. At any rate, he’s now being featured in Teen Vogue and is making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday. His single is an upbeat, nostalgic ditty that recalls young love to the accompaniment of a catchy rhythm track, rippling banjo, snazzy electric guitar breaks, occasional electro effects and some harmonizing backup singers. Clap hands and sing along.

Weekly Register: Sam Hunt Drops "X2C"

August 20, 2014/by Sarah Skates

Sam Hunt

X2C, the digital EP from UMGN’s Sam Hunt entered the Country album chart this week with sales of 8.1K to land at No. 5, driven largely by the success of his debut single “Leave The Night On.”
On the overall tracks chart, “All About that Bass” by Big Yellow Dog songwriter Meghan Trainor sold 239K, booming at the top for another week.
Kenny Chesney scored the top Country track debut with “Flora Bama” surfing in with 29K.
Taylor Swift confirmed Tuesday that her Oct. 27 release, 1989, will be her first official pop album—meaning its sales numbers, which are likely to be huge, won’t count toward Country’s album sales tally.
At this point, Country album sales are down -19.4 percent compared to last year, having sold 18.7 million units YTD. (By comparison, overall album sales are down -14.5 percent.) Can Country’s major releases help the genre’s album sales total rebound before year’s end? The line up includes: Aug. 25 Brad Paisley; Sept. 9 Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch; Sept. 16 Tim McGraw; Sept. 23 Kenny Chesney; Sept. 30 Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton; Oct. 7 Jason Aldean; Oct. 14 Florida Georgia Line; Oct. 21 Little Big Town; and a Garth Brooks project expected around Thanksgiving.
Top 5 Country Albums TW
Luke Bryan, 19K
Brantley Gilbert, 12K
Miranda Lambert, 12K
FGL, 10K
Sam Hunt, 8.1K
Top 5 Country Tracks TW
Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down” 93K
FGL, “Dirt” 70K
Kenny Chesney, “American Kids” 70K
Dierks Bentley “Drunk on a Plane” 49K
Lady Antebellum, “Bartender” 46K
Country track sales lag -18.7 percent compared to last year, having sold 93.4 million. Overall track sales are down -12.8 percent.

Trisha Yearwood Reveals New Music On The Way

August 19, 2014/by Sherod Robertson

Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville and RCA Nashville’s Trisha Yearwood

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Trisha Yearwood has signed with Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Nashville and announced that her twelfth studio album will be titled PrizeFighter. The news was shared August 19 at The Cordelle during an evening of food and music with friends and industry colleagues.
After Sony Music Nashville’s Gary Overton announced Yearwood’s roster appointment (and the launch of her own Gwendolyn Records imprint), Yearwood offered an acoustic performance of four songs with Johnny Garcia (guitar) and Steve Cox (keys), including two new tracks (the bluesy “Your Husband’s Cheating On Us” and the poignant “I Remember You”) along with the Karyn Rochelle-penned “Cowboys Are My Weakness” from Yearwood’s Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love album, and her 1992 hit “Wrong Side of Memphis.” Yearwood will join her husband not only as a labelmate but for the Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood which kicks off in Chicago on Sept. 4.
Several songwriters were in the audience, including Matraca Berg, Sarah Buxton, Sara Haze, Brad Rempel, Jessi Alexander, and duo Joey+Rory’s Rory Lee Feek and Joey Martin Feek.
The event also celebrated the start of the fifth season of her Emmy Award-winning Food Network series, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, which debuts on Saturday, 8/23; plans for a third cookbook; her own line of cutlery, Precious Metals cookware; and a partnership with Hellmann’s. With Yearwood’s ever-growing cooking career, it was no surprise that the catering was delicious. Most of the scrumptious hors d’oeuvres were from Yearwood’s own recipes.
“Trisha Yearwood is a tremendous recording artist who has enjoyed much success in everything she has done,” commented Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment. “She is a talent like no other, and I am pleased to welcome her to the Sony Music family for the next chapter of her exciting music career.”

RCA Nashville’s Trisha Yearwood performing new music and hits at tonight’s (Aug. 19) event in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

Sony Music Nashville chairman & CEO, Gary Overton shared, “Trisha Yearwood is one of Country music’s brightest stars. Her versatility and passion have put her at the forefront of countless industries—but first and foremost, Trisha is an unparalleled recording artist who has sold millions of albums and is respected as one of the greatest female vocalists in Country music. We’re honored to welcome her to the RCA Nashville family, and look forward to her fans hearing her highly-anticipated new music.”

“I can’t even find the right words to express how excited I am to be releasing new music! I chose the title PrizeFighter because it feels like an anthem for all of us,” said Yearwood. “It’s about fighting for what you believe in, and never giving up, even when it’s hard. It’s a message we all need to hear. I’m so looking forward to working with the amazing staff at Sony. Music is what feeds my soul, and I’m grateful to them for giving me the chance to share what I love.”

Throughout five seasons on Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, Yearwood has uniquely folded musical elements and performances into her Food Network show. “Of Trisha’s many talents, there can be no doubt,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior VP, Food Network. “In Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, it is Trisha’s devotion to friends and family, her Southern hospitality and her passion for cooking that resonate so strongly with our audience. Viewers love spending time ‘in the kitchen’ with her as she cooks and entertains with her signature down-to-earth charm, playful humor and deliciously appealing warmth.”

RCA Nashville’s Trisha Yearwood performing new music and hits at tonight’s (Aug. 19) event in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

Bob Tuschman, General Manager/Senior VP for Food Network, shares his first meeting with Yearwood at RCA Nashville’s Trisha Yearwood Announcement event at The Cordelle (Aug. 19) in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

Bob Tuschman, General Manager/Senior VP for Food Network, recalls his first meeting with Yearwood during the event at The Cordelle (Aug. 19) in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

Media and members of the music industy join RCA Nashville’s Trisha Yearwood at The Cordelle (Aug. 19) in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

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