Is Bobby Bones Quitting Country Radio?

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[Update 4:13 p.m. CT]
(MusicRow) – Skip the fuss, he’s staying on radio.
Bobby Bones shared a message of his decision with industry and fans via YouTube.

[Previous story, 3:30 p.m. CT]
Bobby Bones, host of the Premiere Radio Networks syndicated radio show The Bobby Bones Show, announced that he may be leaving the show–and radio. Bones, who is at CCM+E Country WSIX in Nashville, posted the following letter on his Twitter site:
“As you might have heard, or read on the internet, I’ve been offered a “job” outside of radio that has me reconsidering my decision to do mornings.
I love radio. I love the listeners of the show even more. And the culture we have created of “Keepin’ It Real”. That’s why I’m addressing this now and giving you all a heads up. I’m going to get off twitter for the next few days because of the rumors.
On Monday, before 3p, I need to let my agent know whether or not I’m accepting this offer. If I do, that will be the end of the Bobby Bones Show.
And to prove this is NOT a ratings stunt, I will not be making my announcement on my show. I will think it over this weekend – and on Monday at noon, I will go live on our local affiliate WSIX to explain the situation, and tell you all what I’ve decided to do.
I never wanted money to influence this sort of decision, but sometimes you can’t overlook the impact it can have. And I have been given the chance to do something that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.
I will be letting you all know everything that’s happening at NOON CST on our Nashville affiliate WSIX. I get ZERO ratings for noon, and I’m not requesting that any other stations carry it. IF they want to, they can.
I just wanted to give you guys a heads up because you are the most loyal listeners I have ever seen or heard of anywhere. You have created us.
I will think long and hard about it. I will talk with friends and have conversations with Jay Shannon and Michael Bryan, as well as Rod Phillips – People who have been important to me, both professionally and personally.
Again, this isn’t a ratings stunt. And I could have dragged this out for a long time. But I have chosen not to. However, it’s starting to reach the message boards, etc. so I felt like I needed to address it before other people do. You all, the loyal listeners that got me to where I am today, deserve as much.
Monday. Noon Central. On WSIX.
Thanks B”

Smith Launches Artist Management Training Course

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Mike Smith

Mike Smith


Mike Smith, president of Michael Smith and Associates, has launched the 2014 edition of his Artist Management Training Course. The course designed for those seeking a career as an artist manager, as well as for artists who want a better understanding of the industry and proven tools to move themselves forward.
This on-demand video teaching program features Smith and Kyle Johnson (Artist Manager with Michael Smith and Associates) talking with a number of music industry veterans including artist manager Jim Chaffee, John Mays (Centricity Music), Charles Dorris (Charles Dorris & Associates), Jan Smith (Behind the Voice Agency), Brian Mayes (Nashville Publicity Group), Brian Smith (Turning Point Media), Beth Hood-Fromm (OMG Publicity), performance coach Tom Jackson, social media expert Brody Harper (Skorinc) and many more.
“There has never been anything done like this before,” explains Smith, who has guided the careers of Restless Heart, Jaci Velasquez, Salvador, Chonda Pierce, Yancy, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, Go Fish, comedian Brad Stine and more. “We have put together a massive on-line video training course for the entertainment industry. Using state of the art teaching technology and interviews with some of the most influential people in the business, this course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of artist development. This is for serious folks who want to learn how to succeed in the industry as Artist Managers. I believe that passing on my years of experience, and all of the secrets to my success, will provide a thorough education for those who feel called to this field.”
New for 2014, Michael Smith and Associates will also be hosting a conference on artist management in Franklin, Tenn., on June 6. More details will be announced soon. Registration for the 2014 Artist Management Training Course closes on March 1. For more information, visit the Michael Smith & Associates website.

Third Man Records To Release 'The Haden Triplets' in February

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haden triplets111Petra, Rachel and Tanya Haden–together known as The Haden Triplets–are the daughters of jazz bassist Charlie Haden. The sisters will release their first vocal album, The Haden Triplets, on Tuesday (Feb. 4) on Jack White‘s Third Man Records. The project is steeped in traditional Country harmonies and includes covers of songs from the Carter Family, the Stanley Brothers, Kitty Wells, Webb Pierce, Bill Monroe and The Louvin Brothers.
Vocalist and violinist Petra has spent time as a member of rock bands That Dog and the Decemberists. Rachel has worked in a collection of rock bands including That Dog, while cellist Tanya is better known for her puppetry and work in animation.
The album features covers of Monroe’s “Memories of Mother and Dad,” The Louvin Brothers’ “A Tiny Broken Heart,” Pierce’s “Slowly I’m Falling,” and more.
Track Listing for The Haden Triplets:
1. Slowly I’m Falling
2. Single Girl, Married Girl
3. Voice From On High
4. Memories Of Mother And Dad
5. Raining
6. Making Believe
7. When I Stop Dreaming
8. My Baby’s Gone
9. Billy Bee
10. A Tiny Broken Heart
11. On A Lonesome Night
12. Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone?
13. Oh Take Me Back
The project will be available on amazon.com.

Chris Stapleton Inks Deal with Warner/Chappell Music

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Pictured (Front row, L-R): Chip Petree (Petree Law), Alicia Pruitt (Director, A&R, WCM), Chris Stapleton, Ben Vaughn (EVP, A&R, WCM). (Back row, L-R): Steve Markland (VP, A&R, WCM), Matt Michiels (Production Manager, WCM), Blain Rhodes (Creative Coordinator, A&R, WCM), Phil May (VP & CM, WCM), Kris Wiatr (Wiatr & Associates)

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Chip Petree (Petree Law), Alicia Pruitt (Director, A&R, WCM), Chris Stapleton, Ben Vaughn (EVP, A&R, WCM). (Back row, L-R): Steve Markland (VP, A&R, WCM), Matt Michiels (Production Manager, WCM), Blain Rhodes (Creative Coordinator, A&R, WCM), Phil May (VP & CM, WCM), Kris Wiatr (Wiatr & Associates)


Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with top-charting songwriter and Mercury recording artist Chris Stapleton. Effective immediately, Warner/Chappell will publish Stapleton’s complete songwriting catalog as well as his future work.
“Chris is that rare songwriter who has earned commercial and critical acclaim, along with the widespread admiration of his peers,” said Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. “He’s an exceptional storyteller, singer, and musician, who weaves together country, bluegrass, and rock into songs that are genuine and captivating. We’re proud and thrilled to be representing Chris’s entire body of work, and everyone at Warner/Chappell is looking forward to working with him.”
“I’m very happy to be joining the team at Warner/Chappell,” said Stapleton. “The fact that all my material will be together in one house is a huge plus, and I’m excited by their forward-thinking approach to publishing. I have a feeling we’re going to do great things together.”
The Kentucky-born son of a coal miner, Stapleton moved to Nashville in 2001. He has since scored four No. 1 country hits, including “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” by George Strait, “Come Back Song” by Darius Rucker,” “Your Man” by Josh Turner, and five-week chart-topper “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney. Most recently, he co-wrote Luke Bryan’s “Drink A Beer.”
Stapleton has racked up over 170 tracks on albums by, Adele, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, and many others, while his songwriting partners have included the likes of Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, and Peter Frampton. He has won six ASCAP Awards and has contributed to the soundtracks of several feature films, including Cars 2 and Valentine’s Day.
Stapleton has had a diverse performing career since arriving in Nashville, including stints as the lead singer and guitarist of the acclaimed, three-time Grammy-nominated bluegrass band The SteelDrivers, and lead vocalist in the rock band The Jompson Brothers. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his solo country debut for Mercury Records.

Hayes, The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band Featured on Elton John Deluxe Album

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elton john goodbye yellow brick road111Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton John‘s 1973 breakthrough album, has been remastered and will be issued as a two-CD 40th anniversary Deluxe Edition on March 25. Hunter Hayes, Zac Brown Band, and The Band Perry are featured on the deluxe edition, along with Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Fall Out Boy, Imelda May, John Grant, and Miguel featuring Wale.
Hayes offers a rendition of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” The Band Perry tackles “Grey Seal,” and Zac Brown Band provides their signature harmonies to “Harmony.”
The album will also be included in a box set along with Live at Hammersmith 1973 on CD, a DVD of Bryan Forbes’ 1973 film Elton John and Bernie Taupin Say Goodbye to Norma Jean and Other Things, and a 100-page illustrated hardback book packed with rare photos, memorabilia and a new essay containing interviews with John and Taupin.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, originally released in October 1973, went on to sell 31 million copies, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
The album is available for pre-order at amazon.com.

Gospel Music Association To Hold Sixth Annual Immerse Conference

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immerse logo11The Gospel Music Association will hold its sixth annual conference Immerse from June 22-25, 2014.
The event will be held at the LifeWay Christian Resources corporate headquarters in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Registration is currently open at a special discounted rate of $149 at experienceimmerse.com.
MercyMe’s Bart Millard will serve as a speaker and mentor to attendees. American Idol contestant Danny Gokey will share lessons from his career and perform songs from his forthcoming project. Additionally, executives from Capital Christian Music Group, Provident Music Group, Word Entertainment, eOne Entertainment, True Artist Management and LifeWay Worship will serve as speakers, judges and mentors.
The Monday night concert will feature Capital Kings, Jonathan McReynolds, Red Roots and actor/comedian Bone Hampton.
The Immerse conference will include classes, concerts, mentoring, networking events and competitions. Sessions will focus on various topics including music business, worship leading, songwriting and artist development.
For more information, visit experienceimmerse.com.

Industry Ink (1/31/14)

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Ed Salamon

Ed Salamon


Former WHN assistant program director (and now operations manager of Cumulus Nashville and program director of WSM-FM and WKDF) Charlie Cook, WHN music director (now with Cumulus Media Networks) Pam Green and Ed Salamon will present a panel about WHN radio with Alabama’s Jeff Cook on Monday, Feb. 17 at 6 pm at Two Old Hippies in The Gulch 401 12th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37203 (across from The Station Inn).
The discussion will be followed by a signing for Salamon’s book WHN: When New York City Went Country.
For more information, visit twooldhippies.com.

 • • •

i don't see heaven111Songwriter and author Jennifer Adan has released her debut children’s book, I Don’t See Heaven. After winning a songwriting competition sponsored by Jeffrey Steele, Adan relocated to Nashville and joined NSAI and WCA. She penned Blake Shelton‘s chart-topping single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone.”

I Don’t See Heaven is available for order on amazon.com and can be found in select Barnes & Noble bookstores nationwide.

                • • •

 ascap 100 years11ASCAP will present a writer’s round at the Bluebird Cafe on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. The round will feature Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Deric Ruttan and Leah Turner. Reservations are now available.

Gracenote, Next Big Sound Collaborate on Customizable Radio Platform

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Gracenote Logos-CMYKDigital music service Gracenote is gaining traction with plans for a customizable Internet radio program that would allow consumer brands, car companies (and anyone else) to have their own music app, according to The New York Times.
Gracenote revealed plans to collaborate with music data company Next Big Sound to enhance how it analyzes listeners’ habits and make recommendations for new music. Gracenote, which claims it has data on 180 million songs, is utilized by Apple, Amazon, Spotify and other companies to identify and organize digital music tracks. Next Big Sound focuses on social media chatter surrounding songs; it reaches out to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Wikipedia and other sources to see what songs fans are paying attention to.
Gracenote president Stephen White envisions Gracenote’s system, called Rhythm, can be used by any company to create a radio service tied to its own product or websites. White mentioned that car companies might be the most interested, as they can develop a system to be used in all of their cars around the world.
Next Big Sound has become one of the leading providers of social-media data for the music industry, parsing billions of streams, tweets and searches to tell a picture of how fans are interacting with music they like. Earlier this month, the company released its analysis of online music in 2013, which found, for example, that 0.2 percent of all musicians account for 53 percent of Facebook page likes among artists and 65 percent of the Twitter followers.

Country Artists Gear Up To Salute The Beatles

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EmilyMeghan111

Pictured (L-R): Emily West and Meghan Linsey


Numerous events across the country have been scheduled to commemorate the Beatles’ American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, which took place 50 years ago on Feb. 9, 1964.
Emily West and Steel Magnolia’s Meghan Linsey are among the many performers at the Town Hall venue for the NYC Fab 50’s America Celebrates The Beatles at Manhattan’s Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tickets range from $52-$252 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
CBS-TV will air it’s own The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute on Sunday, Feb. 9, with Keith Urban pairing with John Mayer for “Don’t Let Me Down,” and Brad Paisley teamed with Pharrell Williams for “Here Comes The Sun.” The show will begin at 8 p.m. ET–exactly 50 years to the day, date, and time of the original event.

Centricity Music Signs Lindsay McCaul

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Jim Houser, Jeanie Kaserman, Creative Trust; Caren Seidle, John Mays, Centricity Music(Front row, L-R): Blake Monroe, Creative Trust; Lindsay McCaul; Mark Mattingly, Creative Trust

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Jim Houser, Jeanie Kaserman, Creative Trust; Caren Seidle, John Mays, Centricity Music. (Front row, L-R): Blake Monroe, Creative Trust; Lindsay McCaul; Mark Mattingly, Creative Trust


Franklin, Tenn.-based Centricity Music has signed singer/songwriter Lindsay McCaul. McCaul enjoyed success with her first major label album in 2012, If It Leads Me Back, which showcased her trademark introspective songwriting and warm vocals. Her first project with Centricity Music will release August 2014 and is being produced by Brent Milligan (Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder Band) and Jeff Pardo (Matthew West, Josh Wilson).
“I’m incredibly honored and so excited to be joining the Centricity family,” says McCaul. “I am so grateful for the chance to partner with both a label and a publishing team comprised of key people whom I have long respected. I so admire the team’s pursuit of excellence as they strive to produce art that bring glory to Jesus. I’m a lifelong, diehard Christian music fan, so I also consider it a huge honor to be joining a roster that includes some of my favorite artists. I’m very much looking forward to serving our great God together.”
“We waited a long time to get the opportunity to work with Lindsay,” says John Mays, Vice President of A&R, Centricity Music. “We first met years ago when she was still a staff worship leader in Chicago and I immediately felt a connection with who she was and the music she was making. As God would have it, the time wasn’t right back then, but now we get to celebrate a new partnership with her and a new season of the best music she’s recorded to date. I’m so proud of the work she has poured in to every note of these new songs and can’t wait for the world to hear them.
McCaul hails from Merritt Island, Fla. and began writing songs when she was 12-years-old. She moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute, where she  graduated with a degree in Applied Linguistics. Now living in the Nashville area with her husband Mark, she currently leads worship as an artist-in-residence at Nashville’s Fellowship Bible Church. McCaul has enjoyed an active touring schedule with high-profile acts including, Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Mercy Me, Sanctus Real, The Afters, and others.