Artist News Daily (1/30/07)

Tracy Lawrence has released For The Love today (Jan. 30) via his new Rocky Comfort Records/A2M label. Lawrence’s first studio album in almost three years, For The Love features a title track duet with...

Kevin O’Neal Passes Away

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/29/2007

Longtime Program Director Kevin O’Neal was found dead in a Nashville hotel room over the weekend. Reportedly, he had not been heard from for 3 days and had been suffering from health problems. O’Neal (real name Ray Frazier) had most recently worked as OM for KCYE 104.3 The Coyote. His career also included time as PD of WSM-FM Nashville, WSOC Charlotte and WXTU Philadelphia. The Music Row staff sends condolences to O’Neal’s loved ones.

World Audience Opens Nashville Office

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/29/2007

Jeffrey Steele’s Son In Fatal Accident

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/29/2007

Songwriter Jeffrey Steele’s son Alex Levasseur died yesterday (1/28) due to injuries suffered during an ATV accident in Franklin, Tenn. He was driving around a curve on Lavender Rd. when he lost control and was thrown from the vehicle. Despite wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, the 13-year-old passed away after being life-flighted to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Music Row offers its deepest condolences to the Steele family at this difficult time. Cards can be sent to P.O. Box 214, Franklin, TN 37065.

Kusbit To Lead CMT Development

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/29/2007

CMT has hired Bob Kusbit as head of development for the network. In the newly-created role, he will be responsible for creating programming and overseeing such shows as CMT Comedy Stage, Trick My Truck, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and new music video showcases. Reporting to Exec. VP/GM Brian Philips, Kusbit will work out of Nashville, New York and Santa Monica, and will oversee development teams in Santa Monica and Nashville. Most recently, Kusbit ran One Louder Productions which created hit series for MTV like Made. During his time as Sr. VP of production for MTV, Kusbit helped create TRL and oversaw production of MTV Spring Break. His lengthy experience also includes creating and producing shows for ABC, NBC, New World and Paramount TV.

Rector Named Columbia VP National Promotion

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/29/2007

Sony BMG Nashville has hired promotion veteran Jimmy Rector as Vice President, National Promotion for Columbia Nashville. He fills the vacancy left by last week’s exit of Larry Pareigis. Rector was a force on the BNA Records promotion team for six-and-a-half years, with tenures in the Northeast and Southeast, before being named head of promotion at Raybaw Records in April 2006. A 15-year industry veteran, Rector began his career with stints at Capitol Nashville and Decca before first joining Sony BMG Nashville in 1999 as BNA’s Northeast Regional Promotion Manager. Rector begins his new role on Feb. 1 and will report to Exec. VP Butch Waugh.

Little Texas Visits WPCV

Christie King – 01/29/2007

Little Texas recently stopped by WPCV/Lakeland for an on-air visit and to promote their new single “Missing Years.” Their album, The Very Best of Little Texas, Live and Loud, on Montage Music Group will be in stores soon. Pictured (L-R): Mike Wilson, Montage Music Group; Porter Howell; Del Gray; Ted Wagner, Montage Music Group; Jeni Taylor, WPCV; Dwayne O’Brien; and Duane Propes.

Van Zant Back in Studio

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/26/2007

Columbia Nashville duo Van Zant recently began recording the follow-up to their Gold-certified country debut, Get Right with the Man. Produced by Mark Wright and Justin Niebank, the new disc will feature several tracks the duo co-wrote. The first single is scheduled for late March, with the album following in late summer/early fall. Pictured in the studio (L to R): Clay Bradley, Columbia Nashville A&R; Sony BMG Nashville A&R Executive VP Renee Bell; Johnny Van Zant; Donnie Van Zant; and co-producer Niebank (seated).

Gay Was On Run In Gayle’s Bus

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/26/2007

A tour bus belonging to Crystal Gayle was apparently stolen by fugitive Christopher Daniel Gay. Gay, who escaped while being transported between states, drove the bus to Lakeland, Fla. where he abandoned it at a local racetrack. Earlier this week he stole an eighteen-wheeler and drove it to Tennessee to visit his dying mother but never got to see her. He is still on the run.

European Digital Music Sales Expected To Rise

Sarah Gilbert Skates – 01/26/2007

A study by the European Commission says that European revenues from online creative content will increase fourfold over the next four years to $10.7 billion. Online music revenues are expected to rise from $369 million in 2006 to $1.4 billion in 2010. Physical music products in the European market continue to slip, going from 1.13 billion units sold in 2000 to 962 million sold in 2004.