ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees!

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ACM Award News on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the Radio Awards nominees for the 53rd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, including double nominations for KAJA-FM in San Antonio, TX, KHAY-FM in Ventura, CA, KUBL-FM in Salt Lake City, UT, KUZZ-AM/FM in Bakersfield, CA, WFMS-FM in Indianapolis, IN, and WIL-FM in St. Louis, MO. Though not presented during the live telecast, the Radio Awards are given out during the annual Radio Winners Reception held on Saturday, April 14 in Las Vegas, NV, the day prior to the ACM Awards live telecast from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The full list of 53rd ACM Awards nominations will be announced in early March. 53rd ACM Radio Awards nominees are: NATIONAL ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  Cody Alan                                                                                            CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Eddie                                       The Bobby Bones Show Terri Clark                                                                                           Country Gold with Terri Clark Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase                                             Crook and Chase Countdown Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks                                      Ty, Kelly & Chuck   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET Bud and Broadway                                                                          WIL-FM                                St. Louis, MO Cadillac Jack                                                                                       WQYK-FM                           St. Petersburg, FL Chris Carr, Kia, Maverick and McKaila                                      KEEY-FM                              St. Louis Park, MN Paul Schadt, Meg Butterly, Geof Knight                                  WKKT-FM                            Charlotte, NC Roxanne Steele                                                                                WYCD-FM                           Detroit, MI   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET Dale Carter                                                                                         KFKF-FM                              Kansas City, MO Double-L                                                                                              KWNR-FM                           Las Vegas, NV Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt & Kevin Freeman              WFMS-FM                          Indianapolis, IN Johnson and Johnson                                                                     KUBL-FM                             Salt Lake City, UT The Randy, Jamie and JoJo Show                                               KAJA-FM                             San Antonio, TX   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET The 97.5 WPCV Breakfast Club with Roger Todd, Julie Kay and DJ Thee Trucker                                                     WPCV-FM                           Lakeland, FL Carina With A Twist Of Lime                                                        WCYQ-FM                           Knoxville, TN Buzz Jackson                                                                                      KIIM-FM                              Tucson, AZ Steve & Geoff                                                                                   KUZZ-AM/FM                    Bakersfield, CA The Odd Squad                                                                                 CKRY-FM                             Calgary, AB   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews                                                   WCOW-FM                         Sparta, WI Bobby and Steve (and Mandi!)                                                   WKYQ-FM                           Paducah, KY Dave Daniels                                                                                      KHAY-FM                             Ventura, CA Pat James                                                                                            KHUT-FM                            Hutchinson, KS The Q Crew with Jason and Ashley on Q100.3                       KRWQ-FM                           Medford, OR   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET KILT-FM                               Houston, TX KMLE-FM                            Phoenix, AZ KSCS-FM                              Dallas. TX WIL-FM                                St. Louis, MO WPOC-FM                           Baltimore, MD   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET (tie within category increased nominees) KAJA-FM                             San Antonio, TX KUBL-FM                             Salt Lake City, UT WFMS-FM                          Indianapolis, IN WKDF-FM                           Nashville, TN WSIX-FM                             Nashville, TN WSM-FM                             Nashville, TN   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET KUZZ-AM/FM                    Bakersfield, CA KXKT-FM                             Omaha, NE WGKX-FM                           Memphis, TN WQMX-FM                         Akron, OH WUSY-FM                           Chattanooga, TN   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET KCLR-FM                              Columbia, MO KHAY-FM                             Ventura, CA KTHK-FM                             Idaho Falls, ID KTTS-FM                              Springfield, MO KYKZ-FM                              Lake Charles, LA   For more information on the ACM Awards Continue reading ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees!→

Chris Janson Invited to Join The Grand Ole Opry

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The Grand Ole Opry News on Country Music News Blog

WARNER BROS./WAR artist CHRIS JANSON was surprised by KEITH URBAN during his sold-out RYMAN AUDITORIUM show in NASHVILLE last night (2/5), as URBAN invited JANSON to become an official member of the GRAND OLE OPRY. Right after teaming with JANSON on a cover of JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY’s “Sold,” URBAN made the ask, remembering his own OPRY invite, which also took place on the RYMAN stage. JANSON’s next OPRY appearance is set for TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th; his formal induction will take place in the SPRING at a date to be announced. “Over the course of more than 100 appearances since his OPRY debut in 2013, CHRIS has become a favorite of OPRY fans and fellow performers alike,” said OPRY GM SALLY WILLIAMS. “He is so passionate about the OPRY, including its rich history, the camaraderie it builds between generations of fans and artists, and its place in Country music’s future.”  

Cumulus Radio CEO to Turn Stations Around: Telling Them to “Grow a Pair”

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Country Radio Seminar 2018

“I think the radio industry needs to grow a pair.” That was CUMULUS CEO MARY BERNER when asked for a wide-angle perspective on the medium during a one-on-one keynote address at COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR (CRS). BERNER’s response to EMMIS/NEW YORK VP/Market Mgr. CHARLIE MORGAN, who conducted the Q&A, was actually an enthusiastic endorsement of radio, as she pointed out that “Radio does have strong ROI; it does have an audience; it has the goods. But we act like an ugly stepchild.” BERNER cited pricing as an example, which she described as “A race to the bottom.” The hour-long interview also touched on BERNER’s business background, which included no previous radio experience. But her strong publishing credentials with READER’s DIGEST and VOUGE magazines to name a couple, have served her well during her time at CUMULUS. BERNER described radio as “same church, different pew,” by comparison, and said an important lesson learned in print publishing was, “It begins and ends with the content.” Upon taking the CEO chair in 2015, BERNER described the company as experiencing “a free-fall,” which necessitated an immediate culture change. A corporate jet was sold within two weeks, the profits of which helped fund company raises, which — as she found out from numerous station visits — had not been granted for years. The now-famous company survey sent soon after her arrival at CUMULUS revealed a consistent keyword in responses, said BERNER: “Toxic culture.” After consulting with the executive team to determine what kind of company CUMULUS wanted to be, BERNER said the answer was, “Everything we needed to be was the opposite of where we were.” The company focus became twofold, said BERNER; “What we put on the air, and our employees.” Programming decisions and authority were restored to station level, with the caveat that accountability went with that. Asked how her non-radio programming background may have helped things, BERNER said, I told MIKE [MCVAY], If I ever give you advice, ignore it.” BERNER once again expressed commitment to, and faith in, the Country format at CUMULUS, praising the NASH brand, which she feels is better executed now; the NASH NEXT talent contest, “which helps us give back to the industry.” The recent restructuring of CUMULUS was brought up as well, something BERNER say will not affect day-to-day operations at all. “When I arrived, I knew the debt was untenable,” said BERNER. The decision to file Chapter 11 was voluntary. “We have plenty of cash,” she added. “We swapped debt for equity on our house.” Asked for a forecast of the next three to five years for both CUMULUS and the radio industry, BERNER said, “I’m not saying; I don’t think anybody knows.”

Garth Brooks & Jason Aldean Surprise CRS Guests with Duet

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Garth Brooks performs with Jason Aldean at CRS 2018

Attendees at the Amazon Music & Country Radio Seminar Monday night Showcase got one heck of a surprise when during a Jason Aldean performance, Garth Brooks stepped up to join him on stage! Fan and fellow country artist Addie Roach snuck a snippet of the duet and shared it on Twitter. When Garth Brooks shows up to sing with Jason Aldean. Pretty good Monday night. pic.twitter.com/ne468LLZe8 — Addie Roach (@AddieRoachh) February 6, 2018 We’ve all got friends in low places, but it looks like Jason has them in high places as well!

Listen Now: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats “Hey Mama”

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Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

NEW ALBUM TEARING AT THE SEAMS  OUT MARCH 9 ON STAX RECORDS CONFIRMS ADDITIONAL NORTH AMERICAN DATES   “Hey Mama,” the latest track from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats debuts today—listen to the track here: http://found.ee/NRNSheymama. The song appears on the band’s highly anticipated new album, Tearing at the Seams, out March 9 on Stax Records. The record is available for pre-order here: http://found.ee/NRNStats. Most recently, the band released their single “You Worry Me” to critical praise—Rolling Stone proclaims, “The first single from his forthcoming LP adds Southern-rock bite and weary longing to make for his most urgent song yet.” In support of the release, the band adds additional dates to their extensive North American tour. Tickets for the dates are on sale now at nathanielrateliff.com. See below for complete details. Initial writing and recording sessions for Tearing at the Seams took place in Rodeo, New Mexico where Rateliff & The Night Sweats re-established their dynamic off the stage and in the studio. “For the first record I demo’ed everything up and created most of the parts,” says Rateliff. “This time, I felt like we’ve all spent so much time on the road that we should all go off somewhere together. We should all have that experience together.” The band finished recording with producer Richard Swift—who has helmed records for The Shins and Foxygen, in addition to The Night Sweats’ debut—collectively creating a group of songs that capture the band’s emotion and intensity. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are: Rateliff (vocals, guitar), Joseph Pope III (bass), Patrick Meese (drums), Luke Mossman (guitar), Mark Shusterman (keys), Andy Wild (saxophone), Scott Frock (trumpet) and Jeff Dazey (saxophone). Their 2015 debut album is now certified Gold in the U.S., Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands, Platinum in Canada and Silver in the U.K., while their hit single “S.O.B.” is certified Platinum in the U.S. and Canada and Gold in Switzerland. TEARING AT THE SEAMS TRACK LIST: Shoe Boot Be There A Little Honey Say It Louder Hey Mama Babe I Know Intro Coolin’ Out Baby I Lost My Way, (But I’m Going Home) You Worry Me Still Out There Running Tearing at the Seams NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS LIVE February 7 & 8—Los Angeles, CA—Troubadour May 5—Saint Petersburg, FL—Jannus Live* May 6—Atlanta, GA—Shaky Knees Festival May 8—Charlotte, NC—The Fillmore* May 9—Raleigh, NC—The Ritz* May 11—Asheville, NC—Highland Brewing Company* May 12—Louisville, KY—Iroquois Amphitheater* May 14—Richmond, VA—The National May 16—Washington, DC—Anthem May 18—Toronto, ON—Massey Hall May 19—Montreal, QC—MTelus May 31—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island† June 1—Indianapolis, IN—Lawn at White River State Park June 2—Lewiston, NY—Artpark Amphitheater† June 3—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica† June 5—Cooperstown, NY—Brewery Ommegang June 6—Philadelphia, PA—Skyline Stage at the Mann Center June 8—Boston, MA—Blue Hills Bank Pavilion‡ June 9— Forest Hills, NY—Forest Hills Stadium*** August 3—Kansas City, MO—Crossroads August 5—St. Paul, MN—The Palace Theatre August 7—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Amphitheatre August 9—Missoula, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater August 10—Troutdale, OR—Edgefield Amphitheater August 15—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theater August 18—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater August 22—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre** August 23—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre††   *w/ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Continue reading Listen Now: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats “Hey Mama”→

Kenny Chesney Adds Intimate Amphitheater Dates to 2018 Trip Around the Sun

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Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Everyone knows: nobody does stadium shows like Kenny Chesney! With an armful of No. 1s, a high-energy band and the energy to throw his songs to the seats at the top of the other end zone, The Wall Street Journal crowned him “The King of the Road.” But for the songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee, there is an intimacy – and an exhale — that comes with amphitheater shows that offer an equally important experience the No Shoes Nation demands. is right in our “Nothing’s like the energy of a stadium show,” Chesney admits. “But there’s also something about the amphitheaters, where the people are all so close. It’s like being with your friends somewhere back home, singing songs and hanging out, and having the best party of the year. For us, it feels like the people are so right there, and the songs are driving the night. It’s an experience we know No Shoes Nation loves and misses when we don’t do it, so this year, we’re going to make sure there are plenty of opportunities to see us under the pavilion or out on the lawn.” While the tour kicks off April 21 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, look for the more intimate amphitheater plays to begin May 10 at Virginia Beach’s Farm Bureau Live, May 11 at Charlotte, NC’s PNC Music Pavilion and May 12 at Raleigh, NC’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park. The 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour will thread between massive stadium shows and the more streamlined concerts throughout the summer – and see Chesney create two very different kinds of concert experiences. “Part of the fun of mixing the venues is riding the energy, letting the music breathe in different ways and really giving the audience dynamics that are so intense without being the same show across America,” Chesney explains. “The amphitheaters all have their own vibes, their own attitude – and those experiences shift very specifically. Darling’s Waterfront in Bangor, Maine is one thing; Mountain View, California’s Shoreline Amphitheater is something else altogether, just like the folks in Toronto at the Molson or Austin’s Austin360 Amphitheaters.” With Chesney returning to a full touring calendar after creating more seats at Boston’s Gillette Stadium – to break the attendance record with 121,624 people over two nights – Chesney’s passion to play is at a new high. Energized by the response to Cosmic Hallelujah, The Big Revival, and the hits “American Kids,” “Noise,” “Save It for a Rainy Day” and “All the Pretty Girls,” the 8-time Entertainer of the Year is fired up and focused. “I feel like this summer, we’re going to take those songs on Live in No Shoes Nation, and lift them even higher,” Chesney says. “Listening to it over and over, hearing everyone’s voices raised… It’s what makes coming out to see us special! When you get to hear all that heart, all that fun, and life, and love coming towards the stage, it really takes our breath away. So, get ready Continue reading Kenny Chesney Adds Intimate Amphitheater Dates to 2018 Trip Around the Sun→

LOCASH HEADING TO SUPER BOWL LII TO PERFORM AT PEPSI GENERATIONS LIVE POP-UP

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Locash News on Country Music News BLog

Reviver Records breakout duo LOCASH will deliver a game-changing performance this Friday (2/2) at the Pepsi Generations Live pop-up in Minneapolis, MN as part of Super Bowl LII celebrations. Following a blitz of critical acclaim for their pumped-up anthem “Don’t Get Better Than That,” the pair will take the stage for a private show following the trophy presentation of the 2017 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. The “spellbinding” (Taste Of Country) lead single from their forthcoming sophomore album landed in Country radio’s Top 5 most added songs of the week, kicking off with 42 stations already on board. Born from a place of positivity, “Don’t Get Better Than That” was co-penned by LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust (alongside Lindsay Rimes and Phil Barton) and follows three consecutive smash singles “I Love This Life,” “I Know Somebody” and “Ring on Every Finger.” After scoring a trifecta of awards show nominations at the CMA, ACM and CMT Awards in 2017, the duo wrapped up a banner year by premiering “Don’t Get Better Than That” on NBC’s Megyn Kelly TODAY. Poised for MVP status in 2018, Lucas and Brust are set to follow their high-profile Super Bowl week performance with an appearance on the NFL Network’s comedic sports countdown show NFL Top 10. Airdates will be announced soon. Widely recognized for their hustle and drive, LOCASH is slated for a jam-packed tour schedule in the year ahead. They will headline upcoming shows in Belvidere, IL (2/7) and Wabash, IN (2/8), before sharing the bill with Eli Young Band in Columbus, OH (2/9) with an exciting tour announcement coming soon. For tour dates and additional information on LOCASH, please visit www.locashmusic.com Reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

TIM RUSHLOW SHINES DURING PERFORMANCE AT MAKE-A-WISH® MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S SIXTH ANNUAL STARS FOR WISHES

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Tim Rushlow on Country Music News Blog

Country star, Tim Rushlow, along with fellow entertainers, Lee Greenwood and Maggie Rose, shined bright while performing Saturday, January 27 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and entertaining over 400 VIP Guests for Make-A-Wish®. Attendees enjoyed a three-course meal created by renowned Chef Greg Biggers of Nashville’s Fort Louise and Chicago’s Café des Architectes at the Sofitel Hotel while celebrating Middle Tennessee’s Stars for Wishes presented by Red Light Management. The sixth annual event raised $314,000. “I cannot think of a better charity to give my time to than one that bridges hope with a wish! Make-A-Wish® is just that.” affirmed Tim Rushlow. “I am honored I am able to be a part of such an amazing organization that just blesses these kids with such heartfelt wishes when it’s needed most!” “It was an honor to have Tim Rushlow perform at Stars for Wishes,” said Beth Torres, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee.” “Make-A-Wish® is fortunate to have the support of the country music industry, and Tim is a great example of that generosity. We appreciate Tim, Maggie Rose, Lee Greenwood and everyone who helped make this year’s event the most successful yet. We’re another step closer to creating life-changing wishes to the more than 200 kids who are waiting for their wishes.”

Watch Now: 2018 Grammy Tribute to Route 91 / Manchester Shooting Victims

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Grammy Tribute 2018

Last night country stars who were linked by tragedy at the terrible shooting that occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, NV this summer joined each other on stage at the 2018 Grammy Awards to pay tribute to the lives lost both in Vegas and in Manchester to this senseless violence. The Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Eric Church provided the audience with words of comfort and healing before performing a very stripped down version of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfJ9br-S_g    

2018 Grammy Recap

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Grammy Tribute 2018

It was a night of moving tributes and big social movements as the 60th Annual Grammy Awards lit up CBS to honor the year’s most celebrated artists and art. First things first, the winners in country music: Best Country Album From A Room: Volume 1, Chris Stapleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCe_fPGlvc   Best Country Solo Performance “Either Way,” Chris Stapleton Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Better Man,” Little Big Town Best Country Song “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton Songwriters: Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton Best Americana Album The Nashville Sound, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Best American Roots Song “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Songwriter: Jason Isbell Best Bluegrass Album (tie) Laws Of Gravity, The Infamous Stringdusters All The Rage – In Concert Volume One [Live], Rhonda Vincent and The Rage Best American Roots Performance “Killer Diller Blues,” Alabama Shakes Best Folk Album Mental Illness, Aimee Mann Best Roots Gospel Album Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope, Reba McEntire Then of course, there’s the 2018 Grammy performances! Kesha – Praying The Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Eric Church – Las Vegas / Manchester Shooting Victims Tribute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfJ9br-S_g   Little Big Town – Better Man Watch Here The Debuts! Maren Morris ft. Zedd – The Middle   If you want to see the whole awards show again, CBS has it streaming in full at CBS.com