Chrisman Launches New Promotion Company

/by

Veteran radio promoter Ann Chrisman has opened Ann Chrisman Promotions, where she will specialize in secondary promotion to MusicRow and Billboard Indicator stations.
Most recently with Diane Richey Promotions, Chrisman originally opened her own promotion outfit in 1993 after leaving Disc Jockey Records. She joined Richey in 2001, where she worked with artists from Capitol Records, Lyric Street, Show Dog-Universal, Broken Bow/Stoney Creek, and more.
“I am thrilled and excited to make this announcement,” says Chrisman. “I am looking forward to this new chapter of my career!”
Reach Chrisman at 615-587-0674 or [email protected].

ANR Signs Morgan; Whitley Releases Single

/by

ANR Records CEO Rick Stevens (Artist Network Records) announces the signing of country music star, Lorrie Morgan. “We are thrilled to add Lorrie to our roster and look forward to doing many projects with her,” he said.
Lorrie Morgan has had fourteen top-ten hits, twelve albums and four female vocalist of the year awards. Her upcoming touring stops include performances with Grammy-winning country star Pam Tillis.

Front Row (L-R): Tony Conway, Tony Conway Entertainment; Lorrie Morgan; Lisa Wysocky, president, ANR Records; Back Row (L-R): Rick Stevens, CEO, ANR Records; James Solomon, Sr. Director of Special Promotions, ANR Records; David Vercruysse, COO, ANR Records

• • • •

Jesse Keith Whitley, the son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley, and grandson of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan, released his debut single, “Kentucky Thunder”, to radio on May 9th.
Produced by James Stroud, the 6-pack also includes “Where Would I Be,” a song Jesse co-wrote with Jon Randall, as well as, a remake of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Ironically, May 9th marked the 22nd anniversary of Keith Whitley’s passing at the age of 33. Jesse was just shy of his second birthday when he lost his famous father. Although not planned, the release date worked out to be a special coincidence. Jesse has been touring with his mother and recently appeared at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, accepting the honor on behalf of his late father.
“Kentucky Thunder” is available from Octabrook Records and the new single is available on iTunes.

Weekly Chart Report (5/13/11)

/by



Margaret Durante has been on a national radio tour to promote her single “Maybe Tonight” and digital EP. She has visited more than 100 stations across the country. (L-R): Durante and WUSH/Norfolf, VA PD Brandon O’Brien.

SPIN ZONE
It’s a tight 1-2-3 configuration at the top of the CountryBreakout Chart, but Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” remains at No. 1 for a second consecutive week. Chasing Paisley very closely are The Band Perry’s “You Lie” at No. 2, and Taylor Swift’s “Mean” which makes a big jump up from No. 6. Factor in Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” at No. 5, and Big Machine Label Group has 60 percent of the Top 5.
More summer singles are on the way. Lady Antebellum’s highly anticipated “Just A Kiss” has risen from zero to No. 30 in a short two week span. Similarly Zac Brown Band’s “Knee Deep” featuring Jimmy Buffett has climbed all the way to No. 27 in just three weeks. Bucking the upbeat, sunny summer trend is Kenny Chesney’s “You And Tequila” featuring rocker Grace Potter. The move seems to be working–the contemplative number has quickly ascended to No. 44 in its second week charting.
Joe Nichols sticks with the more traditional summer fare on his “Take It Off,” and earns the Power Chart Debut honor. Also debuting are Jennette McCurdy’s “Generation Love” at No. 76, Jordan Carter’s “Daddy Never Had A Chance In Hell” at No. 79 and Burns & Poe’s “Second Chance” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: KBCR, KLQL, KNCQ, KYYK, WCMS, WKBQ
RADIO NEWS
More radio personalities on the move this week, as WHWK/Binghamton, NY PD/Afternoons Don Brake announced his exit from the station. The search is on for his replacement and those interested can send resumes and airchecks to [email protected]. Brake says he’ll be resurfacing with another radio job soon.





Upcoming Singles
May 16
Burns & Poe/Second Chance/Blue Steel
David Adam Byrnes/She Only Wanted Flowers/Better Angels
Hunter Hayes/Storm Warning/Atlantic/WMN
May 19
Deborah Allen/Anything Other Than Love/Delta Rock
May 23
The Lunabelles/A Place To Shine/BNA
Shawna Russell/Get Right Or Get Left/Way Out West
Phil Vassar/Let’s Get Together/Rodeowave
Joe Nichols/Take It Off/Show Dog – Universal
Darius Rucker/I Got Nothin’/Capitol
Josh Kelley/Gone Like That/MCA
• • • • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Joe Nichols/Take It Off/Show Dog-Universal — 71
Jennette McCurdy/Generation Love/Capitol — 76
Jordan Carter/Daddy Never Had A Chance In Hell — 79
Burns & Poe / Second Chance / Blue Steel — 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter/You And Tequila/BNA — 30
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol — 30
Thompson Square/I Got You/Stoney Creek — 19
Rodney Atkins/Take A Back Road/Curb — 16
Billy Currington/Love Done Gone/Mercury — 16
Darius Rucker/I Got Nothin’/Capitol — 16
Joe Nichols/Take It Off/Show Dog-Universal — 14
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep/Southern Ground / Atlantic — 14
Burns & Poe/Second Chance/Blue Steel — 11
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol — 664
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter/You And Tequila/BNA — 453
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep / Southern Ground/Atlantic — 437
Blake Shelton/Honey Bee/Warner Bros./WMN — 424
Jason Aldean/Dirt Road Anthem/Broken Bow — 297
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Jonalee White/Sugar/Lick — 217
Landon Michael/This Ain’t California/Big Dog Records — 199
Jadi Norris/Workin’ Man’s Saturday Night/IGO Records — 198
Ben Gregg/From Lonely To Love/Cupit — 188
David St. Romain/Twenty Years Late/Aria/Turnpike — 168

Who needs Cinco de Mayo when you have Seis De Mayo with The Rodeo Club, KRTY and the Eli YoungBand? Hanging backstage in the kitchen with a bottle of Tapatio hot sauce and celebrating Musica in San Jose, CA are, pictured (L-R), EYB’s James Young, KRTY GM Nate Deaton, EYB’s Chris Thompson, Mike Eli, KRTY GSM Tina Ferguson, EYB’s Jon Jones and Republic Nashville’s Lois Lewis (on ground).


Davis Music Group’s Jacob Lyda performed as part of WFRE’s “Random Acts of Country” show in Frederick, MD last week. Lyda took the opportunity to showcase his new single, “I’m Doing Alright,” for the approx. 400 fans in attendance.(L-R): WFRE’s Dave Conrad, Nine North Records’ Will Robinson, Lyda, WFRE PD Jess Wright, WFRE’s Tom Whalen and WFRE’s Jessica Mitko (in front).


EMI Records Nashville newcomer Eric Paslay recently stopped by to visit his friends at WUSN/Chicago while on his first radio tour. (L-R): WUSN APD/PD Marci Braun, Eric Paslay, WUSN PD Buddy Scott, EMI Records VP Promo Angela Lange, EMI Records Regional Chuck Swaney

Memorial Service Today For WSM Radio's "Johnny K"

/by

John Koval


Funeral services will be held today [Thursday, May 12] for Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame member John Koval.
Known professionally as “Johnny K,” the longtime WSM DJ died from complications of cancer on May 6 at the age of 77. He was a radio broadcast personality for more than 50 years. In addition to his tenure at WSM, he was also known locally for broadcasting on Madison’s WENO.
He was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2005.
His memorial service is scheduled for 7:00 PM this evening at the White House First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the church from 5:30-7:00.
He is survived by his wife Betty June, two sons Mark and Joseph, daughter Mary, brothers Casmir and Tom and sisters Becky, Pat and Stephanie, plus four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Jon Anthony Named WSIX PD

/by

Clear Channel Nashville has announced that Jon Anthony will become the new Program Director for Big 98 WSIX starting Monday, May 16. Anthony is currently Managing Partner and Program Director for Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, and will continue this role going forward.
Prior to No Shoes Radio, Anthony served as VP Country Programming for Sirius/XM where he oversaw all of the sat-caster’s country channels. Before that he was Assistant PD/MD for Clear Channel’s WMZQ/Washington, DC.
“WSIX is one of our most important brands,” says Clear Channel Nashville OM Rich Davis. “Its heritage as the premier Country music station in the town where it all begins is legendary. Jon Anthony is the perfect person to lead us to even greater success. His country experience in terrestrial radio, satellite and online, in addition to his energy and passion is the perfect fit for where WSIX is headed.”
“I’m very excited about this opportunity to join such an amazing and talented team,” says Anthony. “WSIX has long been revered as one of America’s premier country radio stations and I look forward to continuing its iconic tradition and success.”

Operation Bloodhound Sniffs Out The Hits

/by

Newly launched Flying Island Entertainment has revealed Operation Bloodhound, a music and radio testing service for its clients.
Developed by veteran radio consultant Keith Hill, Operation Bloodhound will survey radio professionals directly responsible for adding music to station playlists. A minimum of 20 panelists will be participating, representing Mediabase, Billboard or Indicator reporting stations. Each panelist will listen to an entire song and anonymously evaluate, score, and provide feedback on the song. Operation Bloodhound will be available as a standalone or package service through Flying Island.
“Operation Bloodhound is based on a panel of real decision makers,” says Hill.  “The results are genuinely meaningful and honest, because the identity of the panelists isn’t disclosed along with their comments. Therefore, they are free to be completely honest in either a negative or a positive way.”
For more information on Operation Bloodhound contact Keith Hill at 252-453-8888.

Weekly Chart Report (5/06/11)

/by



WTHO/Thomson, GA PD Steve Ferguson recently had a meet & greet and interview with Bucky Covington and his twin brother Rocky. Bucky’s "Hometown" tour sold out Augusta, GA venue Coyotes on April 22. (L-R): Bucky, Rocky, WTHO’s Steve Ferguson


SPIN ZONE
This had to happen. Following the terrible wave of storms that devastated the South and particularly Alabama last week, Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” emerges triumphantly in the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot. And remarkable guy that he is, Paisley is donating royalties from digital sales of the track to the Alabama Red Cross for relief efforts. Go forth and purchase for a good cause, people.
The first single from Lady Antebellum’s upcoming third album is “Just A Kiss,” and it looks like a big ol’ hit already. The song was digitally released at the start of the week and CountryBreakout Reporters went wild, causing it to debut at No. 54. Kenny Chesney’s “You and Tequila” featuring rocker Grace Potter also experienced a big debut by picking up 276 new spins to appear at No. 71.
A handful of independent artists are experiencing chart success as well. David Bradley’s “Hard Time Movin’ On” is at No. 28 and still pulling in the spins. Right behind at No. 29 is former Staind singer Aaron Lewis’ “Country Boy.” Newcomer D.J. Miller is showing positive gains at No. 31, followed by Badhorse’s “My Little Man” at No. 32, Mark Wills’ “Looking For America” at No. 33, and Jacob Lyda’s “I’m Doin’ Alright” at No. 34.
RADIO NEWS
Rick Healy has assumed PD duties at KNCQ/Redding, CA as of May 2. He replaces Patrick John, who will continue hosting the station’s morning show as he goes back to school. Reach Healy at [email protected].





Upcoming Singles
May 9
Thompson Square/I Got You/Stoney Creek
Glen Templeton/I Could Be The One/Capstone
LiveWire/Tater Fed/LiveWire Records
Bryan Cole/Pride and the Passion
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol
Zac Brown Band feat. Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep/Southern Ground/Atlantic/Bigger Picture
May 12
Corey Wagar/Hurricane/GTR
May 16
Burns & Poe/Second Chance/Blue Steel
David Adam Byrnes/She Only Wanted Flowers/Better Angels
Hunter Hayes/Storm Warning/Atlantic/WMN
• • • • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol — 54
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter/You And Tequilla/BNA — 71
Kelly Parkes/Girl With A Fishing Rod/Lofton Creek — 77
Greg Hanna/Makin’ Love Real/Pheromone — 80
Most Added
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol — 44
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 36
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter/You And Tequilla/BNA — 23
Billy Currington/Love Done Gone/Mercury — 16
Rodney Atkins/Take A Back Road/Curb — 14
Sugarland/Tonight/Mercury — 13
Joe Nichols/Take It Off/Show Dog-Universal — 12
Jason Michael Carroll/Numbers/For The Lonely/Quarterback — 11
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Lady Antebellum/Just A Kiss/Capitol — 573
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 539
Blake Shelton/Honey Bee/Warner Bros./WMN — 391
Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter/You And Tequilla/BNA — 276
Dierks Bentley/Am I The Only One/Capitol — 255
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Flat River Band/I’m Alright I’m Ok/FRB — 210
Jennette McCurdy/Generation Love/Capitol — 206
Jordan Carter/Daddy Never Had A Chance In Hell — 204
Landon Michael/This Ain’t California/Big Dog Records — 181
Jadi Norris/Workin’ Man’s Saturday Night/IGO Records — 178

Katie Armiger stopped by KILT/Houston for a Listener Show and caught up with the new morning team, Foley and Thunder (Corey Foley and Greg Thunder). Also joining the team on stage was Cowboy Dave, who helped pitch Katie’s new album to the captive listeners! (L-R): Cowboy Dave, Foley, Armiger, Thunder


Aria Records Nashville artist David St. Romain has been visiting radio in support of his single "Twenty Years Late.” He recently stopped to catch up with the gang at WOKO/Burlington, VT. (L-R): WOKO MD Bill Sargeant, David St. Romain, Aria Records National Radio Promoter Kristen-Cassidy Hoefel, WOKO Morning Round-Up's CK Coin.


Show Dog Universal Music’s JT Hodges stopped by WGAR/Cleveland on his radio tour and hung out with the staff on his tour bus after playing some tunes. (L-R): WGAR’s Bill Conners and Chuck Collier; Hodges; WGAR OM Keith Abrams, Andrea Castillo, and PD Charley Connolly.

Cumulus Hosts Operation Tornado Relief Today

/by

95.5FM and Nashville’s Cumulus Media radio stations are spearheading “Operation Tornado Relief” today (5/4). A semi-truck is being loaded with supplies for Tuscaloosa, AL in the cluster’s parking lot at 10 Music Circle East, Nashville, TN 37203. Drop-offs began at 6 AM during the Rick & Beth morning show, and will last until 7 PM.
Requested supplies include flashlights / lanterns, batteries, plastic storage bins, tarps / plastic sheeting, 5 gallon buckets, cleaning supplies, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, baby wipes / diapers, baby formula, dog food, large boxes, work gloves and packing tape. Details here.
The truck will head to Alabama tomorrow morning.

One of Lyda’s vehicles destroyed by the storm.


•••••
The devastating storms and tornado that roared through Alabama hit Davis Music Group artist Jacob Lyda and his family hard.
While no one was injured, Lyda and his family suffered major property damage to several structures and vehicles in their town of Stevenson, AL.

New Music From Lady Antebellum

/by

Get excited: the time for new Lady Antebellum music has arrived.
The Grammy-winning trio of Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott has released “Just A Kiss,” the lead single from their forthcoming 2011 album. The group will host a live webchat through Facebook and ladyantebellum.com/live to discuss their new music tomorrow (5/3) at 12:30 pm CT. Later in the week, they will debut the song live on Fox’s American Idol Thursday, May 5 at 7 pm CT. “Just A Kiss” will be available for purchase through all digital retailers tomorrow, but hard copies of the single will be available only at Wal-Mart stores.
“We love writing songs from personal experience, and this is definitely one of those songs,” explains Hillary Scott. “There is so much excitement at the beginning of a new relationship…all the butterflies and that optimistic feeling that this person could be ‘the one.’ This song is about one of those times when your brain kicks in and tells your heart ‘good things are worth waiting for.’”

Weekly Chart Report (4/29/11)

/by



Sunny Sweeney recently performed in Allentown, PA as part of the WCTO New Cats On The Block series. Her current single “Staying’s Worse Than Leaving” just debuted at No. 74 on the CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Sweeney, WCTO PD George King and Republic Nashville’s Director of Northeast/Midwest Promotion Shari Roth.Jim Murphy


SPIN ZONE
Keith Urban’s “Without You” earns a second week on top of the CountryBreakout Chart, with 96 stations on board. Closing up the gap behind him in a tight 2-3-4 configuration are Ronnie Dunn’s “Bleed Red,” Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” (also the greatest spin increase), and The Band Perry’s “You Lie.” Also screaming toward the top are Taylor Swift’s “Mean” at No. 8, and Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl,” which jumps to No. 11.
Summer songs are working their way into heavy rotation as well. Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” is already up to No. 27, and Jake Owen appears to have a hit on his hands with “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” at No. 32. And be on the lookout for Brantley Gilbert, whose “Country Must Be Country Wide” storms up to No. 55 in its second week charting.
Before his “Colder Weather” even has a chance to cool off, Zac Brown’s latest single “Knee Deep” (featuring Jimmy Buffett) rockets onto the chart at No. 59. Thompson Square is back with a new cut called “I Got You,” that zooms up to No. 76. Corey Smith also makes his first chart appearance at No. 78 with “Twenty One.” And a curious final chart entry at No. 80 comes courtesy of “The Good Life,” recorded by none other than Donnie & Marie Osmond.
Frozen Playlists: KNAF, Nashville XM 11, WCMS, WHMA, WKWS, WMEV, WTCR, WZZS
RADIO NEWS
Citadel’s KATC/Colorado Springs has named Jim Murphy its new Program Director, effective immediately. Most recently Murphy served as VP Country Programming for Jones Radio Networks and Dial Global Radio Network in Colorado. His career also includes time at KFKF/Kansas City, WOKQ/Portsmouth, and ABC Radio Networks. Reach him at 719-593-2714 or [email protected]






Upcoming Singles
May 2
Sunny Sweeney/Staying’s Worse Than Leaving/Republic Nashville
Lucy Angel/Serious/GForce
Russell Hitchcock/Far Enough Away From Colorado/Better Angels
Mark Cooke/I Love It/CVR/Quarterback
May 9
Thompson Square/I Got You/Stoney Creek
Glen Templeton/I Could Be The One/Capstone
May 12
Corey Wagar/Hurricane/GTR
• • • • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 59
Lucy Angel/Serious/GForce — 63
Billy Currington/Love Done Gone/Mercury — 71
Rachel Holder/Chocolate/All Entertainment — 72
Sunny Sweeney/Staying’s Worse Than Leaving — 74
Thompson Square/I Got You/Stoney Creek — 76
Ash Bowers/I Still Believe In That/Stoney Creek — 77
Corey Smith/Twenty One/Average Joe’s — 78
Donny & Marie Osmond/The Good Life/MPCA — 80
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Brad Paisley/Old Alabama/Arista — 461
Blake Shelton/Honey Bee/Warner Bros./WMN — 436
Jason Aldean/Dirt Road Anthem/Broken Bow — 416
Jake Owen/Barefoot Blue Jean Night/RCA — 334
Luke Bryan/Country Girl/Capitol — 328
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Kelly Parkes/Girl With A Fishing Rod/Lofton Creek — 205
Flat River Band/I’m Alright I’m Ok/FRB — 204
Jordan Carter/Daddy Never Had A Chance In Hell — 186
Greg Hanna/Makin’ Love Real/Pheromone — 184
Ashley Gearing/Five More Minutes/Curb — 184
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett/Knee Deep/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 20
Brantley Gilbert/Country Must Be Country Wide/Valory — 18
Ash Bowers/I Still Believe In That/Stoney Creek — 16
Jake Owen/Barefoot Blue Jean Night/RCA — 15
Thompson Square/I Got You/Stoney Creek — 15
Rodney Atkins/Take A Back Road/Curb — 13
Sunny Sweeney/Staying’s Worse Than Leaving/Republic Nashville — 11
Jason Michael Carroll/Numbers/For The Lonely/Quarterback 11
Lucy Angel/Serious/GForce — 11
Billy Currington/Love Done Gone/Mercury — 11
Jason Aldean/Dirt Road Anthem/Broken Bow — 10

Show Dog-Universal’s JT Hodges stopped to visit the morning show crew at WMAD/Madison in support of his forthcoming single, “Hunt You Down.” (L-R): WMAD’s APD/Midday’s Steph Peters, WMAD Morning Host John Flint, Hodges, WMAD Morning Host Tammy Lee, and WMAD OM, Mike Ferris.


Stealing Angels visit WKLB/Boston to share their new single “Paper Heart,” which hit No. 69 on the CountryBreakout Chart this week. (L-R): Skyville Records President Kevin Herring, Tayla Lynn, Jennifer Wayne, Mike Brophey (WKLB/Boston), Caroline Cutbirth, Skyville Records Director Regional Promotion/East Theresa Ford.


Columbia’s Josh Thompson recently stopped by WIVK/Knoxville to co-host the midday show prior to playing a date on the Jagermeister Tour. (L-R): Columbia VP/Promotion Jimmy Rector, WIVK MD/middays Colleen Addair, Thompson, WIVK OM/PD Mike Hammond, Columbia Director/Field Promotion David Friedman