Swift Scores No. 1 and 2 Slots on Sales Chart

Sarah Skates – 07/24/2008

Taylor Swift is the first artist this decade to score both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on Billboard’s Country CD Sales chart. Coming in at the top of the chart is Beautiful Eyes, her new CD/DVD combo available exclusively at Wal-Mart, with sales of 44,652. Her long-reigning No. 1 self-titled debut shifted to the second spot this week, with sales of 34,622. Swift has spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Country CD Sales Chart since her debut was released in Fall 2006.

The new 2-disc package coincides with the launch of Wal-Mart’s l.e.i. jeans Back-to-School 2008 campaign, of which Swift is the spokesperson. The Beautiful Eyes CD features two previously unavailable songs, an alternate version of her current hit “Should’ve Said No,” and an acoustic version of the cross-over hit “Teardrops on My Guitar.” The DVD includes exclusive content, interviews, and music videos for her five hit singles, as well as a new video for the song “Beautiful Eyes.”

Also this week, Swift was the only country artist named to the Summer 2008 “Us Weekly and MTV Presents Hot List A to Z.” The list is featured in the Aug. 4 issue of Us, and airs as an MTV special on July 26.

Industry News Thursday (7/24/08)

The Canadian Country Music Association has announced Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Doc Walker, Emerson Drive and Jessie Farrell as nominees for its Fans' Choice Award. Beginning tomorrow (7/25), the public can vote online at CMT.ca...

FCC May Announce Merger Decision Today

Sarah Skates – 07/23/2008

Several news outlets are reporting that the Federal Communications Commission will pass the XM-Sirius merger as soon as today (7/23), and may tack on a fine of about $20 million for the satcasters. Republican FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate has the deciding vote because the five member panel is split down the middle on approving the merger.

Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein voted against it this morning, joining with fellow Democrat Michael Copps after the companies did not meet his requirements for a yes vote. Among his conditions were a six-year price cap, and dedicating about one-quarter of programming to public interest/non-commercial radio.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and fellow Republican Robert McDowell have voted in favor of the deal. Martin’s vote had several conditions which were met by the companies, including a three-year price cap, and giving 8 percent of the radio spectrum to public interest programming.

Cold River Team Adds Jamice Jennings

Sarah Skates – 07/23/2008

Jamice Jennings has joined Cold River Records as Director of Radio Promotions and Artist Development. She will oversee radio relationships and work with the label’s flagship artist Katie Armiger to launch her second album, Believe. Most recently Jennings worked Rick Huckabee’s debut single, and also has experience with Big Machine artists Taylor Swift and Danielle Peck.

Skyline Music Publishing Signs Alexis Ebert

07/23/2008

Skyline Music Publishing has signed singer/songwriter Alexis Ebert through a joint venture with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Ebert started performing at fairs and festivals in her home state of Oregon at age six and by the time she was eight, performed at a fundraiser for former President Bill Clinton. She landed her first publishing deal at 11, and has penned songs for films like Ella Enchanted, Hidalgo and Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen.

(L-R): Chip Voorhis, Liz Morin, Paul Worley and Wally Wilson with Ebert in front. Photo: Jamie Rhode

BMI Adds New Vice President

Sarah Skates – 07/22/2008

Robert Boone

Robert Boone has joined BMI’s Nashville office as Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. Reporting to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Cody, Boone will be responsible for leading all aspects of Human Resources, including: recruitment, performance management, employee relations, diversity/inclusion awareness, leadership training & development, legal compliance, payroll, compensation & benefits, and safety.

Boone moves to BMI from Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was Corporate Vice President of Human Resources & Risk Management for 14 years at Isle of Capri Casinos. The entertainment/hospitality company has 12,000 employees, operating 18 properties under four brands in six states plus the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Previously, Boone served in senior management positions at Mall of America and American Express Financial Services.

Robbins Nashville Signs Chad Hudson

07/22/2008

Robbins Nashville announced today (7/22) the signing of artist-songwriter Chad Hudson to an exclusive recording contract. His debut single, “Somebody Find Me A Preacher,” goes to country radio August 18. The song was written by Shane Minor and Wendell Mobley and produced by Mickey Jack Cones. The Austin, Texas-based Hudson has been a staff writer with EMI Music Publishing since 2006 and is managed by Shane Jemelka of Jemelka Entertainment.

(L-R) front: Hudson and label president Cory Robbins. Back: Robbins Nashville VP A&R Phyllis Stark, Jemelka, and VP Promotion Tony Benken.

Benefits/Lifenotes (7/22/08)

Folk singer Artie Traum died Sunday (7/20) in New York state after a fight with liver cancer. He was 65 and lived in Bearsville, N.Y., near Woodstock. He performed as a solo artist and released...

Industry News Tuesday (7/22/08)

Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA), headed by President/CEO Tony Conway, has acquired Florida based rock booking agency Diversified National Artists Agency (DNA). Making the move with DNA is founder/agent Steve Peck who will launch...

CRB Names Three New Board Members

Sarah Skates – 07/21/2008

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® has announced the addition of three new executives to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board effective immediately are Clay Hunnicutt (Senior Vice President of Programming, Clear Channel Atlanta), Renee' Leymon (Senior Director of National Promotions at Lyric Street Records), and Keith Kaufman (Program Director at WSIX-FM Nashville).

Hunnicutt fills a term left open when KEEY's Gregg Swedburg resigned from the Board recently. Kaufman and Leymon are taking on two newly created at-large positions, which expire in March 2009 and March 2010, respectively. Both are serving on this year's CRS-40 Agenda Committee, as well.