Jason Michael Carroll Visits WSIX

02/14/2007

Arista Nashville newcomer Jason Michael Carroll breaks into the Top 5 this week with his first single, “Alyssa Lies.” Carroll’s album debut, Waitin’ in the Country, landed in stores on Feb. 6. Pictured during a recent radio visit at WSIX Nashville (L-R): Mike Bohan, Carroll and Gerry House.

Universal South Reworks Promo Dept.

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 02/13/2007

Rhonda Christensen

Universal Records South has named Rhonda Christensen Director of West Coast promotion. She will start with the label on Feb. 20. Christensen previously worked as Regional Promotion Manager at Epic Nashville and as regional promotion manager in the country music format at Virgin Records. As part of the restructuring, Universal Records South has added Jay Bradley as In-House secondary promoter. He has worked with Diane Richey Promotions for over two years and has also served as Music Programmer for KKJG in San Luis Obispo.

The exit of former Midwest/National Director Nathan Cruise led to the decision to rework the promotion team with five regionals. Restructured positions and titles: Sr. VP Promotion—Michael Powers, Director of Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Promotion—Matt Corbin, Director of Southeast Promotion—Rick Hughes, Director of Northeast/Midwest Promotion—Chuck Swaney, Director of Southwest Promotion—Allen Mitchell, Director of West Coast Promotion—Rhonda Christensen, Manager of Promotion—Laurie Gore.

Big & Rich Plan June Release

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 02/13/2007

Big & Rich will release their third studio album on June 5. Between Raising Hell And Amazing Grace includes the single “Lost In This Moment,” which hit radio airwaves on Fri., Feb. 9. The duo’s first book, Big & Rich: All Access, will be released simultaneously with the album on June 5 by Center Street publishing. Big & Rich are also set to join John Anderson to tape an installment of CMT Cross Country which will air March 17.

Over 20 Million Viewers Saw Sunday’s Grammy Telecast

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 02/13/2007

CBS reports that an estimated 20.1 million people watched its broadcast of the Grammy Awards on Sunday (2/11/07), according to Nielsen Media Research. This is an 18 percent increase over last year’s numbers, when the awards show was held on a Wednesday night opposite American Idol and garnered an audience of 17 million. CBS averaged an 11.7 rating/18 share in primetime to finish on top of other major networks for Sunday night. The Grammys also drew the most adults ages 18-49. Perspective: More than 35 million people tuned in for the May 2006 finale of American Idol.

Keith Urban Performs for WUSN Benefit

02/13/2007

Keith Urban’s first live U.S. show of 2007 was a sold-out benefit concert at the Chicago Theatre sponsored by radio station WUSN (US99). The benefit raised $50,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Urban donated all merchandise proceeds as well. Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Harnen, Sr. VP Promotions Capitol Nashville; Marci Braun, MD WUSN; Urban; Mike Peterson, PD WUSN; Steve Hodges, VP Promotions Capitol Nashville; and Shane Allen, VP Radio Strategies and Field Marketing Capitol Nashville.

Grammys Give Nashville Black Eye

Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood had the No. 2 and 3 best selling albums of 2006 for the entire U.S. music industry. But instead of performing songs representative of what they do as artists, Grammy...

Pure Prairie League Hosts Benefit For Member

Jon Freeman – 02/12/2007

Pure Prairie League will host a benefit for band member Mike Reilly Feb. 17 at the Wildhorse Saloon. Joining PPL for performances will be Poco, Shenandoah, Chris Wallin, Wynn Varble, John Scott Sherrill and many more, including a special guest performance by Lonnie Mack. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster outlets. A limited number of tickets for VIP seating will be available for $40 each; general admission tickets may be purchased for $20 each. The show begins at 5 p.m.

Hilly Named New Head of AMA

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 02/12/2007

Jed Hilly has been named Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and will take office beginning March 1. He is currently the Vice President of Orbison Records where he has been instrumental in the development of Roy Orbison museum exhibits, the creation of a commemorative stamp, and an all-star tribute to Orbison at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Prior to moving to Nashville in 2002, Hilly was an executive in Sony Music’s New York office where he worked with sales and distribution, international marketing, electronics and publishing. During his time in New York he worked with Pearl Jam and was Sony’s key executive responsible for superstar band Creed’s international marketing campaign. He also worked with MTV to create the first “Buzz Clip” retail marketing campaign which featured Oasis. He later became a member of the corporate executive team and was asked to develop new business strategies for Sony’s Digital Asset Management Initiative. Serving as Corporate Vice President and Global Manger of B2B applications, Hilly directed the development of worldwide multi language websites.

“We pursued Jed for this position because we know that he gets it,” says AMA President Tamara Saviano. “Jed understands that the music is what drives the artists and professionals who work in Americana, and he has the experience and vision to take the AMA to the next level while keeping the integrity of our music and artists intact.” Beginning March 1, Hilly can be reached at (615) 386-6936 or jed@americanamusic.org.

Carrie Underwood Captures Two Grammy Awards

“Jesus” Wins Best Country Song

02/12/2007

Carrie Underwood snagged her first two Grammy Awards at Sunday night’s (2/11/07) event, taking home Best Female Country Vocal Performance and the all-genre award for Best New Artist. Underwood’s six-week No. 1 single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” also earned a Best Country Song Grammy for songwriters Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson. Pictured at the SonyBMG Music Entertainment post-show party (L-R): SonyBMG Nashville Exec. VP A&R Renee Bell, SonyBMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante, Underwood, Lindsey, and James. Photo: Larry Busacca/WireImage

Gretchen Wilson Performs for St. Jude Benefit

02/12/2007

Gretchen Wilson performed in Memphis Friday night (2/9) at a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital benefit fundraiser for WGKX. Wilson’s current single is “Come to Bed.” Pictured (L-R): Columbia Nashville National Promo VP Jimmy Rector, Wilson, WGKX Memphis PD Lance Tidwell and Columbia Nashville Midwest regional Bo Martinovich.