MySpace To Stop Illegal File Sharing

Sarah Gilbert – 10/31/2006

MySpace has entered into an agreement with Gracenote to block distribution of unauthorized music on the social networking site. Gracenote’s technology “listens” to music files and then compares them with its database of millions of copyrighted songs. This fingerprinting and filtering technology will prevent users from uploading unauthorized works. Anyone who repeatedly attempts to illegally upload music will have his or her account permanently deleted. Artists who post their own copyrighted materials and music on MySpace will still be able to do this. In most cases, these artists also allow fans to post the music on their own profiles and legally share the music with others.

T.J. Martell Names New Board

The T.J. Martell Foundation’s Nashville Division announced the 2007 Officers and Board of Directors during the Board of Directors meeting on Tues., Oct. 24 at BMI. 
Officers elected:
President: Tony Conway, Pres./Co-Owner...

Garth Outsells Everyone At Wal-Mart

Sarah Gilbert – 10/31/2006

Garth Brooks is now Wal-Mart’s top-selling musical artist of all time. He sold almost 20 million discs during the first year of his exclusive relationship with the retailer. The latest offering from Brooks is a limited edition five DVD set, Garth Brooks: The Entertainer, which has already become the number one pre-order item on Walmart.com. With only one million copies available, fans can purchase the DVD set beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 1. Last year's boxed set, Garth Brooks: The Limited Series, sold half a million copies in its first day of availability and became the top-selling music item in company history. After only two weeks it passed the one million benchmark.

NBC Rejects Dixie Chicks Ad

Michelle Ross – 10/31/2006

Television network NBC has declined to air a TV commercial for Shut Up & Sing, the new documentary about the Dixie Chicks. CW network is following suit. However, some local affiliates of the networks are running the ad which features footage of the Chicks’ now-infamous London concert. The film is being distributed by the Weinstein Co. who is calling the rejection of the spots political censorship and is “exploring taking legal action.

Cancellations At “Broadway Meets Country”

Michelle Ross – 10/31/2006

Phil Vassar had to cancel his appearance at the “Broadway Meets Country” event scheduled for last night (10/30) where Broadway songs were interpreted by country artists and country songs were performed by Broadway stars. Vassar’s performance partner, Jane Krakowski canceled due to a scheduling conflict, leaving Vassar unable to participate without her. Also, Warner Bros. recording artist Joanna Cotten filled in at the last minute for Jamie O'Neal, who canceled her appearance at the show.

Salute to Roy Orbison

Michelle Ross – 10/31/2006

Danielle Peck, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Griffin and more are scheduled to appear at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame salute to Roy Orbison on Nov. 4 in Cleveland, OH.

Keith Urban Uses Recycled Goods For CD

Michelle Ross – 10/31/2006

To help with the reduction of deforestation, the first printing of Keith Urban’s new album, Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing, will be a product of recycled goods. His fourth album is set for release the day after the CMA Awards, Nov. 7.

Toby Keith Joins ONE Campaign

Michelle Ross – 10/31/2006

Toby Keith has joined the ONE Campaign and plans to appear in a new ONE Campaign television ad that will air through election day, Nov. 7 and on www.ONE.org. The anti-poverty organization is airing public service announcements that feature celebrities such as George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Alfre Woodward, Julia Roberts, and others to urge viewers to fight global AIDS and Third World poverty.

McGraw’s Movie Grosses 14 Million

Michelle Ross – 10/31/2006

Flicka, the film which stars Tim McGraw, has now grossed over 14 million dollars.

Urban Gets Another Platinum Plaque

Sarah Gilbert – 10/31/2006

Keith Urban’s Be Here, his third solo album, has been certified quadruple Platinum by the RIAA. Since the album’s debut in September 2004, Be Here has spawned three No. 1 singles: “Days Go By,” “Making Memories of Us” and “Better Life.” His new CD, Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing, will be released in the U.S. next week (11/7). Urban is reigning CMA Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year and is once again nominated in those two categories for this year’s Awards.