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Weekly Radio Report (10/25/19)

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Kacey Musgraves Set To Break Attendance Record At Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Kacey Musgraves/Facebook

Kacey Musgraves is set to make history with her Oh, What a World: Tour II headlining tour during the tour’s final stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tomorrow night. She is set to break the female attendance record of any genre at Bridgestone with 18,373 projected attendees. Due to popular demand, the show was opened up to 360 and additional tickets have been released. Musgraves will be joined at Bridgestone Arena by special guests Maggie Rogers and Yola.

The tour, which kicked off in Amsterdam last October, has taken Musgraves around the globe, playing venues in North America, the U.K., Europe, Japan, China, New Zealand, and Australia. She recently played two sold-out nights each at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre and New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, and tomorrow night completes the Oh, What a World: Tour II with her first-ever arena show.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Musgraves has toured extensively, both as a headliner and supporting Little Big Town and Harry Styles. She became the first-ever female country artist to play Coachella, performed at Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in South Africa, and continued to play major festivals including Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Governors Ball, and Newport Folk Festival, among others.

Carrie Underwood Celebrates 27th No. 1 Hit “Southbound” With Nashville Party

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter David Garcia and BMI songwriters Carrie Underwood and Josh Miller celebrate their No. 1 hit “Southbound.” Photo: Steve Lowry

Carrie Underwood was honored for her 27th No. 1 hit, “Southbound,” on Monday (Oct. 21) during a party held at BMI’s Nashville office.

The song also marks Underwood’s 14th No. 1 song as a songwriter; the BMI-aligned Underwood penned the sunny, party-ready track alongside Josh Miller (BMI) and David Garcia (ASCAP).

The No. 1 party comes just weeks after Underwood brought her headlining Cry Pretty Tour 360 to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a sold-out show. On Nov. 13, she will host the CMA Awards for the 12th consecutive year, this time alongside Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. She is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Among those celebrating “Southbound” were BMI’s Jody Williams and MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, and publishers including Cornman Music’s Brett James and Nate Lowery, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Troy Tomlinson, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, and Spirit Music Group’s Frank Rogers.

“Carrie, you’re the premier voice of this generation,” UMPG’s Tomlinson said. “You’re the face of country music around the world.” He also thanked the Capitol Nashville team and Underwood’s manager Ann Edelblute. “You get the job done and you do it with grace…you are a rock star.”

BMI’s Williams recalled a recent conversation had with his fellow CMA Board member, songwriter Lori McKenna. “We were talking about artists being in the writing session with more seasoned writers and the mixed results that can come about from that combination. As we talked, Lori’s face just lit up and she said, ‘There are a few exceptions and I’m talking about Carrie Underwood. She’s not a good writer, she’s a great writer, and she can hold her own in writing with anyone.’ That was just an impromptu comment from one of Nashville’s most renowned writers and for her to categorize Carrie in this way is a huge compliment. She knows what she wants to sing about and she knows who she is singing to.”

Spirit Music Group’s Rogers praised both Garcia’s talent and work ethic, saying, “He’s one of the hardest workers. He won the ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year award like six weeks ago. He gets his award and we go to dinner and he starts looking at his watch. He goes, ‘I’ve got to go back to the studio because I have a demo vocal at 10 p.m.. The artist is cutting on Friday so this is the only chance we have to get it to them.’ Well, he got the cut,” he said, to the applause of the crowd. “You deserve all the good things that happen to you. We are thrilled at Spirit to be part of your world.”

Rogers also said to Underwood, “Thank you for being a forward-looking artist in our industry…you care about making music that means something to you, and to your fans, and that’s why you are a guiding light in country music.”

“This is the first [No. 1] we get to spend together as part of Universal Music Group, so it is pretty special,” UMG Nashville’s Mabe told Underwood. “The Cry Pretty album is an album of taking creative chances and sharing deeply vulnerable and personal testament….I’m convinced that Carrie’s voice is so powerful because she speaks and has a voice for those who do not, and you can see them come out in droves every night to connect with her in concert, from little girls, to grown men, straight, gay, all ethnicities and ages, and especially women. Perhaps the thing that I have learned from her despite all the pressure as a woman, a wife and working mom, boss and entertainer, cultural influencer, and performer, is that she’s always working to use her platform to shine on others, including creating opportunities for other female artists, exposing new acts and encouraging fans to champion each other.”

She also offered high praise for Underwood’s current Cry Pretty Tour 360. “It’s mesmerizing no matter how many times you’ve seen it, and I’ve seen it six times,” Mabe said.

Pictured (L-R, top row): BMI’s Jody Williams, ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Universal Music Group’s Cindy Mabe, Spirit Music Group’s Frank Rogers, Universal Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery and Brett James; (L-R, bottom row): ASCAP songwriter David Garcia and BMI songwriters Carrie Underwood and Josh Miller. Photo: Steve Lowry

Underwood’s “Southbound” co-writers Garcia and Miller are also co-writers on the Florida Georgia Line/Bebe Rexha smash hit, “Meant To Be,” which earned BMI Pop Song of the Year last year. Miller has also penned chart-toppers including Chris Lane’s “Take Back Home Girl” (feat. Tori Kelly), and Kip Moore’s “More Girls Like You.” He also has numerous cuts on albums from Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Chase Rice and more.

“This is my dream job and it’s icing on the cake to get to celebrate things like this,” Miller said. Of Underwood, he said, “I remember I was a senior in high school and seeing you win American Idol. And to think that I’m up here…you’re a superstar and you are a superstar human. You are an artist and you have a voice and just thank you for doing everything you do, because your artistry is bigger than just shows and music.”

Garcia, who both wrote for and co-produced Underwood’s current album Cry Pretty, moved to Nashville in 2009. He’s earned four Grammy Awards for songs including Mandisa’s “Overcomer” and the album of the same title, as well as songs recorded by TobyMac. Garcia is the reigning ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year, and also took home the honor in 2015 and 2016. He also co-wrote Moore’s “More Girls Like You,” and co-wrote three tracks on NF’s album Perception.

Garcia took the time to praise Underwood not only as a songwriter, but as a producer. “When you look on the back of the record and it says ‘co-produced by Carrie Underwood,’ Carrie was in my studio in Berry Hill every session. Every day we had someone come over, she was right there. I’m so proud of this song, but I’m so proud of this record, too. Thank you for making this possible. We had an incredible record label that trusted us. Josh, I couldn’t be more proud of you, dude, just watching you do everything.”

“I’m so proud of this entire album. It is definitely me to the fullest extent,” Underwood said. “To be able to work with David throughout, it was just a blessing. It feels good singing these songs on the road every night. Getting to write with both of these guys, it was wonderful to have such talent in the room and get to know you guys. I’m excited to celebrate ‘Southbound,’ that last piece of the puzzle that we knew we needed. You’ve got to have those light, fun moments in the show and it’s such an honor to get to kick the show off with ‘Southbound.’”

She also thanked manager Ann Edelblute, the Capitol Music Nashville team, and country radio.

“It never, ever gets old. Every time you reach that No. 1 spot, it’s like you get to celebrate for the first time, every time.”

UMPG also made a donation to MusiCares on behalf of the songwriters, while Pinnacle Bank made a donation to Underwood’s The C.A.T.S. Foundation.

Pictured: MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson presents David Garcia, Carrie Underwood and Josh Miller with their No.1 MusicRow Challenge Coins for “Southbound.”

Live Nation Entertainment Inks Booking Deal With Nashville’s The Basement East

Live Nation Entertainment has inked an exclusive multi-year booking agreement with Nashville’s The Basement East. As part of the venture, promoter Richard Sloven joins Live Nation Nashville’s team as Talent Buyer/Promoter.

“For decades, co-owners Dave Brown and Mike Grimes have fueled the Nashville live music scene, not only by giving Nashvillians the chance to see great touring acts, but also by thoughtfully nurturing local artists,” said Brian Traeger, Live Nation President – Tennessee. “Over the last two years, along with General Manager Tara Charles and Talent Buyer Richard Sloven, they have successfully raised the bar in all areas at The Basement East, from programming and customer service to aesthetics and acoustics. We are thrilled to deepen our relationship with this incredible team and important venue and so happy to welcome Richard to the Live Nation family.”

“We are very excited to be partnering in this joint venture with Live Nation. With Richard Sloven continuing his role at ‘The Beast,’ we are certain it will serve all involved and bring even more amazing live music to the Nashville community,” says Mike Grimes of The Basement East.

The Basement East has fortified the Nashville music scene since opening its doors in 2015, and hosts an ongoing lineup of sought-after performers. Known as ‘The Beast,’ the venue serves as the sister club to The Basement’s original 8th Avenue venue.

 

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Country Music Hall Of Fame Inducts Jerry Bradley, Brooks & Dunn, Ray Stevens

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Inductees Jerry Bradley, Ray Stevens, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 635

Kudos to whoever booked the talent for this year’s Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Staged at the Hall on Sunday evening (Oct. 20), the event marked the official inductions of Ray Stevens, Jerry Bradley and Brooks & Dunn. The performers celebrating them were uniformly awesome.

Doing the honors for Ray were The McCrary Sisters, Ricky Skaggs and Keith Bilbrey with James Gregory. Singing for Jerry were Marty Stuart & Travis Tritt, Yola and Old Crow Medicine Show. Brooks & Dunn were saluted by Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan and Trisha Yearwood. Almost all of them drew standing ovations.

Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed its newest members Sunday, Oct. 20, in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. Pictured: (Front row, L-R) Charley Pride; Randy Travis; Bud Wendell; Jerry Bradley; Ray Stevens; Kix Brooks; Ronnie Dunn; Reba McEntire; and Ralph Emery (Second row, L-R): Charlie Daniels; Connie Smith; Charlie McCoy; Bill Anderson; Jimmy Fortune; Bobby Braddock; Randy Owen; and Ricky Skaggs. (Third row, L-R) Don Schlitz; The Oak Ridge Boys (Duane Allen, Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden); and Garth Brooks. Photo by: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The evening began with the gathering of the Circle Guard, Steve Turner, Mary Ann McCready, David Conrad, Seab Tuck and Bill Denny. They had celebrated the Hall’s annual gala via ceremonial readings of the bios of the 136 members of the Hall during the two weeks leading up to Sunday’s new inductions.

“The Circle Guard is here to see that the Circle will be unbroken,” explained Hall CEO Kyle Young. “We are temporary guardians of an enduring public trust.”

The opening also included an entrance march by attending Hall of Fame members, which this year included Skaggs, Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels, Reba McEntire, Randy Owen (of Alabama), Ralph Emery, Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune (of The Statler Brothers), Charlie McCoy, Charley Pride, Bud Wendell, Bobby Braddock, Don Schlitz and Randy Travis.

“Tonight, we celebrate country music’s sacred occasion,” said Kyle.

“Welcome, and enjoy this magical evening,” added the CMA’s Sarah Trahern.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 20: CMA CEO Sarah Trahern speaks onstage during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

The induction routine consisted of a video bio of the honoree, followed by Kyle reciting essentially the same information in more flowery language. Do the people who script these two things not talk to one another? Then, for each inductee, three entertainers performed songs to salute them.

Ray Stevens was up first. Skaggs was joined by award-winning bluegrass banjo player Justin Moses for a spirited rendition of Ray’s Grammy-winning arrangement of “Misty.”

Gregory and Bilbrey were delightful on “The Streak.” But the real show stopper of this induction was the thrilling gospel treatment of Ray’s Grammy-winning “Everything Is Beautiful” by The McCrarys. Everyone in the audience was standing and cheering after their first chorus. As young girls, they had sung on Ray’s 1970 original recording.

Inductee Ray Stevens speaks onstage during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Emery did the official induction, following the tradition of an existing Hall of Famer placing the Medallion around the neck of the newcomer.

“You can’t plan on this,” said Ray. “You have to be chosen. How sweet it is to be chosen to be here tonight. This is Nashville. And anything can happen in Nashville. Thank you Nashville, Music City, the CMA and all of you wonderful people here tonight. It don’t get no better than this, folks.”

While at RCA, Jerry Bradley produced Pride, Dottie West, Eddy Arnold, Dave & Sugar, Nat Stuckey and more. He signed Ronnie Milsap, Sylvia and Alabama and marketed Wanted! The Outlaws as country’s first Platinum Record.

Old Crow Medicine Show was a blast on Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight.” Stuart & Tritt became Waylon & Willie for “Good Hearted Woman.” Yola sang “Jolene,” which was a hit for Dolly on RCA the year Bradley became the label’s boss.

Yola performs onstage during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Bud Wendell inducted Bradley: “I don’t know how I got here, but I sure as hell ain’t leavin,” said Jerry. He thanked wife Connie Bradley (who was dazzling in sequins), son Clay Bradley, Cecile Light, Michael Sales, David Briggs and Bill Harris. His late father and uncle also received shout outs — Owen Bradley and Harold Bradley are already in the Hall of Fame, which makes this family unique as triple recipients of country’s highest accolade.

“This business has given me a wonderful life,” Jerry concluded. “I’m grateful for the people I’ve met, the songs I’ve heard….Thank you.”

Inductee Jerry Bradley and CMHOF’s Kyle Young seen onstage during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Brothers Osborne romped through “Brand New Man.” Luke Bryan reminded us of what a splendid song “Red Dirt Road.” Then Trisha Yearwood burned the place down with a searing, soulful “Believe.” Reba inducted Kix and Ronnie.

“This whole thing has been just…weird,” said Kix. “I don’t understand it, but I’m gonna go with it. This is hallowed ground. We realize how lucky we are.”

“I saw all of you Hall of Fame members comin’ in, and I tear-ed up,” said Ronnie. “I’m trying not to cry. I’ve never been so proud and humbled. And if you don’t believe that, just step inside my heart right now. Thank you.”

John Osborne and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne performs onstage during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Reba and the McCrarys were the ceremony’s finale, singing a rafter-raising “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” A round of applause, please, for the All-Star Medallion Band who backed ‘em all – Biff Watson, Eddie Bayers, Brent Mason, Bruce Bouton, Mike Rojas, Alison Prestwood, Deanie Richardson, Carmella Ramsey, Thom Flora and Tania Hancheroff.

Following the inductions, we went upstairs from the CMA Theater into the Hall’s event space for a cocktail supper. A who’s-who of Music City attended, including politicians Sen. Bob Corker, Sen. Lamar Alexander and former Mayor Bill Purcell, academics such as Belmont’s Don Cusic, MTSU’s Beverly Keel and Ken Paulson and Nashville Public Library’s Kent Oliver, plus label chiefs John Esposito and Mike Dungan and top producers such as Scott Hendricks, James Stroud, Norbert Putnam, Tom Collins and Harold Shedd.

Ann McCrary, Deborah McCrary, Regina McCrary and Alfreda McCrary of The McCrary Sisters and Reba McEntire (C) perform onstage during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

The Nashville songwriting community was well represented. Spotted schmoozing in the throng were Bruce Channel, Sharon Vaughn, Luke Laird, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Terry McBride, Suzi Ragsdale, Margie Singleton, Mark D. Sanders, Don Cook and Deborah Allen.

You could have put on a dandy Dan Rogers Opry show with the entertainers in the crowd – The Whites, Mandy Barnett, Donna Stoneman, Doug Green (of Riders in the Sky), Desi Smith, Jody Maphis, Rose Lee Maphis, Richie McDonald (of Lonestar), John Carter Cash & Anna Christina Cash, Steve Gibson, Bergen White Robyn Young and Curtis Young with Eddie Stubbs to emcee.

Inductees Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn seen with their Hall of Fame plaque during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

We dined on pear Waldorf salad, anti-pasto cups, cheese puffs, salmon & cream cheese toast points and three kinds of mac & cheese – duck & gouda, crawfish & pepper jack or truffles & cheddar. The Korean main fare included shredded hot chicken, pork belly and stir-fry veggies on bao buns.

The fabulons working the room included Troy Tomlinson, Sally Williams, Anita Hogin, Bebe Evans, Stacy Schlitz, Amy Smart, Brian Mansfield, Bob Titley, Clarence Spalding, Diane Pearson, Mike Vaden, Randy Talmadge & Trav Livingston, David M. Ross, Lori Badgett, Debbie Fleischer, Jerry Williams, Ken Levitan, Woody Bomar, Suzanne Lee, Suzanne Kessler, Katie Gillon, Tom Roland, Bruce Hinton, Lon Helton, Drew Alexander, Don Murray Grubbs and brave soldier Joe Galante.

Inductee Jerry Bradley and Charley Pride attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Records, Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn and Sandi Borchetta of Big Machine Records attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Sarah Trahern, Jody Williams, Charlie McCoy and Pat McCoy attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Randy Owen, Ricky Skaggs, inductee Ray Stevens, Charlie Daniels and Don Murry Grubbs attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Inductee Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn seen with their Hall of Fame plaque during the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Randy Travis, Regina McCrary of The McCrary Sisters and Mary Davis attend the 2019 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

 

Weekly Radio Report (10/18/19)

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

BREAKING: Radio Legend Bob Kingsley Dies

Bob Kingsley. Photo: Provided by Westwood One

Bob Kingsley, a radio legend whose voice was synonymous with country music, died on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at his home in Weatherford, Texas while receiving treatment for cancer. He was 80.

One of broadcasting’s most beloved and iconic figures, Kingsley was a mainstay on radio for 60 years. His dominance in the country format began in 1978 when he took over as host of American Country Countdown after four years as the show’s producer for one of radio’s founding syndication companies, Watermark, founded by Tom Rounds. In 2006, he and his wife and business partner Nan Kingsley established Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, produced by their own KCCS Productions, still running on more than 320 stations.

Kingsley received many of broadcasting’s top honors and was named to the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. He is the namesake and was the first recipient of the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, presented each year since 2014 at the Grand Ole Opry House and benefitting the Opry Trust Fund.

They were among the many fruits of a career built on a simple premise. “I love the music and the people who make it, and I want our listeners to have as much insight into both as I can give them, and to make the experience as enjoyable as possible,” he once said.

Bob’s love for radio and music dated to his childhood, when polio kept him in bed and in near isolation for a year. “I would listen to the radio and certain shows became really important to me. It was complete escapism and entertainment. I didn’t realize the imprint it was making, but it obviously stayed with me,” he said.

At 18, Kingsley joined the Air Force and served in Keflavik, Iceland, where he jumped at a chance to become an announcer on Armed Forces Radio. That experience and his love of country music would carry him to legendary stations like KFOX, KGBS, KFI, and KLAC in Los Angeles, and to his role as the voice of Drake-Chenault’s Great American Country format, used by hundreds of country radio stations.

His role as host of American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley made him a household name. He supplemented the weekly countdown with Christmas specials, album release specials for artists including Alabama, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood, and for many years a daily artist spotlight called America’s Music Makers. With Kingsley at the helm, the show was named Billboard’s Network/Syndicated Country Program of the Year for 16 years in a row.

Kingsley received the Academy of Country Music’s Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year Award in 1966 and 1967 and was named the Country Music Association’s National Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2001 and 2003. He was voted National Air Personality of the Year five times by Country Radio Broadcasters and Country Aircheck and won the ACM’s 2007 National Broadcast Personality of the Year Award. He was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 President’s Award by the CRB. In 2017, Bob received the Mae Boren Axton Service Award in recognition of his dedication and service to the ACM, on whose board he served for decades. He was twice the host and emcee of Alabama’s legendary June Jam.

Kingsley served in 2004 and 2005 as Master of Ceremonies at the National Veterans Day Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, one of many national and regional events to which he has volunteered time and energy, and he helped get information on benefits to countless veterans through vehicles like his Veterans Day 2005 radio special, “Bob Kingsley Salutes America’s Veterans.” He was the recipient of the Wounded Warrior Project’s Tony Snow Award for the significant difference he has made in the lives of injured servicemen and women.

His many charitable endeavors included work for Disabled American Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Wounded Warrior Project, Careity Foundation, and the Palliative Unit of Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, among others.

An avid cutting horse enthusiast, he lived and worked with his wife of 30 years, Nan, on their Bluestem Ranch in Weatherford, Texas.

A celebration of life will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at The CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kingsley’s name to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund.

GMA Dove Awards Celebrate 50th Anniversary With Star-Studded Show

Lauren Daigle took home three awards from the 50th Annual Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association celebrated the Dove Awards’ 50th birthday in a big way last night (Oct. 15) in front of a sold-out crowd in Nashville. Jason Ingram and Lauren Daigle were the big winners of the night, with Ingram taking home four Dove Awards and Daigle receiving three.

Daigle won awards for “Song of the Year,” “Artist of the Year” and “Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.” Composer Wayne Haun along with producer Paul Mabury also won three awards, while gospel singer Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Lecrae received two. First-time winners of the night included Aaron Cole (“New Artist of the Year”), Phil Wickham (“Worship Recorded Song of the Year”), and Keith and Kristyn Getty (“Inspirational Album of the Year”). A full list of the winners is available here.

Tribute performances during the special evening included an iconic on-stage collaboration featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, and Michael W. Smith, as well as a Bill and Gloria Gaither tribute. Performers for the celebration included Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Hillsong Worship, Jekalyn Carr, MercyMe, TobyMac, Kelontae Gavin, and many more.

For the first time ever, SiriusXM covered the GMA Dove Awards live on Channel 63 “The Message,” broadcasting the telecast and a pre-show special from the red carpet. The awards will be televised on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) on Sunday, October 20 at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST.

TobyMac opens the 50th Annual GMA Awards with a performance of “The Elements.”

for KING & COUNTRY claims “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year” at the 50th GMA Dove Awards.

Kirk Franklin shines during his performance at the 50th GMA Dove Awards. All photos courtesy of Terry Wyatt, Jason Davis, Jamie Gilliam and Grant Exline.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Dolly Parton Lights Up The Grand Ole Opry For 50th Anniversary

Dolly Parton celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Every night is special at the Grand Ole Opry, but you’d be hard pressed to name a more memorable night than the one that transpired on Saturday (Oct. 12).

The occasion was the celebration of the divine Dolly Parton’s 50th anniversary as an Opry cast member. As you might expect, the Hall of Famer attracted a host of glittering party people.

Among those singing her songs were Toby Keith (“Kentucky Gambler”), Lady Antebellum (“Islands in the Stream”) and Margo Price (“The Seeker”), with a cheering section composed of (among others) Jeannie Seely, Riders in the Sky, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Hank Williams Jr., Candi Carpenter and Stephanie Quayle.

Mary and Randy Travis were backstage saying how pleased they are that his new book, Forever and Ever Amen, is inspiring people. Randy obligingly posed for photos with fans at an invitation-only reception in Studio A. At the same event, Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed it Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee. The superstar cut into a gigantic, three-tiered commemorative cake.

“How is the food?” asked Hall of Famer Bill Anderson. “Whenever I read this column and your description of the party food, I get hungry.”

Alas, the only I food I tried was a cup of the creamy mac & cheese (plus a slice of Dolly’s blue-icing anniversary cake). But it looked to me like the chicken sliders, dessert buffet and veggies-and-cheeses plates were also delish. Who could eat when there was so much going on?

At a pre-show press conference held in the old museum building on the Opry Plaza, Opry manager Dan Rogers recalled how indelible his memory is of seeing Dolly on the show’s stage when he was in kindergarten.

“Well hello, I’m Dolly!” said the legend to the assembled press corps. “This is a big night for me. Ask me anything you want, and I’ll tell you what I want you to hear.”

She recalled her first appearance on the show. It was in 1959 (60 years ago, if you’re keeping score). Jimmy C. Newman gave up one of his song slots so the 13-year-old could sing “Puppy Love.” Johnny Cash introduced her. She joined the cast in 1969, when she was still a member of Porter Wagoner’s troupe.

“It was because of Porter that I got my first big break,” she reminisced. “I think of him every day. Whenever I’m on stage, I think of something he taught me.” Accordingly, she sang his “Carroll County Accident” and brought out Wagonmasters electric-banjo king Buck Trent as her guest on her portion of the Opry broadcast. She also sang her biggies “Joshua,” “Jolene,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Here You Come Again,” “Coat of Many Colors” and, of course, “9 To 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”

She told the press about her upcoming Netflix series of movies based on her songs and about her new CCM single with For King & Country, “God Only Knows.” Next, she’s co-hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire and will sing a faith-based medley with a choir on the telecast.

Dolly Parton celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

She has recorded an upcoming single with Dove-awarded CCM star Zach Williams titled “There Was Jesus” and will release a single titled “Faith” next month.

“I’m going to make it my business to put out songs that are uplifting, that bring light,” she explained.

“I’m going to continue to do what I do until I dream myself into a corner….Maybe I’ll be around for 50 more years. I hope so.

“It’s a dream-like thing…You never know if your dreams are gonna come true….Everybody’s dreams don’t come true.

“It makes me feel very humble. I’m so grateful.”

Digesting every word were Shannon McCombs, Hunter Kelly, Larry McCormick, Deborah Evans-Price, Jessie Schmidt, Dixie Owen, Vernell Hackett, People magazine’s Nancy Kruh, NPR’s Shima Oliaee and representatives from England, Australia and who-knows-where. They also enjoyed the show via a wall-sized screen with a direct video feed from the stage.

Over in the Opry House, the reception was beautifully decorated. The front wall of Studio A held a semi-circle of glass cases containing fabulous Dolly Parton gowns that she’s worn on Opry shows. Curtains surrounding the party area were lit with a rainbow of colors. A huge video screen showed the attendees what was transpiring out in the house.

Enjoying the hospitality were Beth Steiner, Christina Loff, Brian Sweany, Jeff Kleinman, Steve Troha, Alison Petersen, Christina Boys, John Zarling, GOO team members Jordan Pettit, Martin Fischer and Gina Keltner, Dolly’s manager Danny Nozell, Toby’s manager T.K. Kimbrell, and a host of other fabulons.

Did you miss all the excitement? Not to worry. The whole shebang will be an NBC-TV special airing on Nov. 26.

A Thousand Horses Signs With Dave Cobb’s Low Country Sound

A Thousand Horses with Dave Cobb

Country-rock band A Thousand Horses has signed with Dave Cobb‘s Low Country Sound imprint at Elektra Records.

They also premiered their new single, “Livin’ My Best Life,” which is from their upcoming album, produced by Cobb and recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A.

Of reuniting in the studio with Cobb, guitarist Zach Brown shares, “Dave’s been a long-time supporter of the band. He’s always really believed in us and gets our vision, and always has. I mean, we named our band in his studio 10 years ago. It’s amazing this journey we’ve had with him.”

Adds fellow guitarist Bill Satcher, “Dave is a brother. It’s great to get in there and make records with your friends. He is like an additional member of the band in that situation.”

In 2015, the group’s debut album Southernality boasted the single “Smoke,” which topped Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart. Most recently, the band released 2017’s deluxe EP, Bridges.

A Thousand Horses is Michael Hobby (vocals), Satcher (guitar), Brown (guitar) and Graham DeLoach (bass).