Headed For The Hall: Inside The Country Music Hall Of Fame's Class Of 2021.
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2021
AUGUST
16
CountryInsider.com | Sign Up For Daily Email Here
Headed For The Hall: Inside The
Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Class Of 2021.
This year, the Country Music Hall of Fame will induct its first multi-generational act, an artist who redefined
what country could sound like before he ever appeared on a country chart, and, due to a tie in the voting for
the Recording and/or Touring Artist category, its first pedal-steel player and its first drummer. Almost anyone
who has a history in country music will recognize the names announced this morning via livestream — The
Judds, Ray Charles, Pete Drake and Eddie Bayers. But we’re going to tell you some things you probably don’t
know. (Continued on page 4)
COUNTRY INSIDER TOP 5:
More Than 160 Cases Of COVID-19 Tied To Washington’s Watershed Festival Attendees.
George Birge’s ‘Beer Beer, Truck Truck’ Goes Into Four Wheel Drive At Country Radio.
When Coaches Coach Coaches: Mike O’Malley Recalls Two Inspirational CRS Moments.
Benztown West Coast Commercial Production Director Jeff Kelly Dies At 50.
Happy Birthday, Dan Smyers! Dan + Shay Have Both No. 1 Single And Top Debut.
1 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
Tay Hamilton
Shaun Andrews
Co-host/Producer,
Top 5 All-Time Top 5 Faves On Mornings
The Wayne D Show
Country Ballads: “Bug Country 99.7 & 101.1”
“The Big 98” WSIX, Nashville The Charts Now: WBUG, Utica, NY
1. The Worst Country Song
1. It’s Your Love -
of All Time - Brantley Gilbert
Tim McGraw/Faith Hill
f. Toby Keith & HARDY
2. Neon Moon - Brooks & Dunn
2. Fancy Like - Walker Hayes
3. Butterflies -
3. Glad You Exist -
Kacey Musgraves
Dan + Shay
4. Blue Ain’t Your Color -
4. Tequila Little Time -
Keith Urban
Jon Pardi
5. From the Ground Up -
5. Knowing You -
Dan + Shay
Kenny Chesney
More Than 160 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed Among Watershed Festival Attendees.
The Seattle Times reports that more than 160 cases of COVID-19 have been traced to
attendees of the Watershed Festival. More than 25,000 people attended the outdoor
festival, held July 30-Aug. 1 at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, and headlined by
Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Thomas Rhett. “The outbreak is the first one traced to an
outdoor entertainment event since the lifting of statewide COVID-19 prevention measures
at the end of June,” Grant County Health District Communicable Disease Coordinator Laina
Mitchell said in a news release.
Benztown West Coast Commercial Production Director Jeff Kelly Dies At 50.
Jeff Kelly, the West Coast commercial production director for Benztown, died Friday night
in Los Angeles at the age of 50. Cause of death was not revealed. Kelly joined Benztown
in January and had just recently moved to L.A. to work with the Benztown team in the
company’s Glendale, CA, studios. Jeff started his radio career in 1994 at K-MIX/KHJ in
Lancaster, CA. He moved across town to then-No. 1 “Country FM 103.1” KTPI in 1995. In
1996, Kelly headed to Cheyenne, WY, where he helped launch 97.9 KING FM/100.7 KOLT
FM, where he later became program director. He joined iHeartMedia in Albuquerque, NM,
in 2016, then Benztown in January.
Mark Chesnutt Tests Positive For COVID-19 While Recuperating From Back Surgery.
Mark Chesnutt and his wife, Tracie, both have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The singer
revealed the diagnoses Saturday on social media, saying, “I am currently on the mend from
my back surgery. But, while doing so my wife Tracie and I have tested positive for COVID-19!
Thank you all for the continuous prayers!” Severe back pain caused Chesnutt to cancel
approximately two months’ worth of dates and have surgery in early July.
Jeremy Robinson Added For Nights “Hank FM” Ft. Worth/Wichita Falls.
Jeremy Robinson joins LKCM Media Group “92.1 Hank FM” KTFW Ft. Worth, TX, which
simulcasts on KTWF Wichita Falls (95.5), for nights beginning today. “Jeremy is a proven
major market personality, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him join the Hank FM
Family!” PD Mark Phillips said in a release. Robinson previously had spent three years at
iHeartMedia AC “Star 102.1” KDGE Dallas, exiting in January to focus on his company, JPR
Multimedia.
3 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
Country Music Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021. (Continued from page 1)
RAY CHARLES • Wynonna was the first artist born in the 1960s to
have a No. 1 Billboard country hit. She was 20 when
• “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” The Judds’ “Mama He’s Crazy” topped the charts in
spent 14 weeks atop Billboard’s albums charts August 1984.
in 1962. Nashville country
albums didn’t match that run • In 1983, about six months before “Had a Dream (For
until 1992 with Garth Brooks’ the Heart)” debuted on the charts, Naomi appeared
“Ropin’ the Wind” and Billy Ray on the cover of Conway Twitty’s “Lost in the Feeling”
Cyrus’ “Some Gave All.” album, her head tilted seductively towards the
singer’s ear.
• Despite all his success with
country songs, Charles didn’t • When The Judds received their first of three CMA
appear on the country singles nominations for Entertainer of the Year in 1986,
charts until 1980 when he Wynonna was 22 years old — the youngest artist to
and Clint Eastwood recorded ever be nominated in that category. She would hold
“Beers to You” for the film “Any Which Way You Can.” the distinction until 2009, when a 19-year-old Taylor
However, Jerry Lee Lewis hit the country Top 30 in Swift won the award.
1961 with a cover of “What’d I Say,” which Charles
PETE DRAKE
wrote.
• The Hall’s first pedal-steel session musician, Georgia
• Charles and Willie Nelson, his “Seven Spanish
native Pete Drake was in such
Angels” duet partner, bonded over chess. “The first
demand during the 1960s that
time we played chess,” Nelson wrote in his book
he claimed to have once seen
“The Tao of Willie,” “Ray sat me down in the dark at
a Billboard Hot Country Singles
a Braille chessboard and he just kicked my ass. After
chart where he had played on
that, I said when we played chess, we had to have
59 of the 75 charting records.
some lights on.”
He also was among the first of
• The chart-topping success of “Seven Spanish country’s pedal-steel players to
Angels” led to Charles’ nomination for the CMA’s appear on pop and rock albums,
Horizon Award in 1985, the year after The Judds won working with artists including Elvis Presley, Bob
the category. At 54, Charles was by far the oldest Dylan, Joan Baez, Leon Russell and Tommy James.
artist ever nominated for the award, which, while
• In June 1970, Drake traveled to London to
often considered a new-artist honor, was technically
participate in recording sessions for what would
for career advancement. He lost to Sawyer Brown.
become George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass”
THE JUDDS album. Before the month was over, Drake had Ringo
Starr in a Nashville studio recording Starr’s second
• Both Judds credit Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson solo album, “Beacoups of Blues.”
with coming up with Wynonna’s stage name (she
was born Christina Ciminella) based on the Arizona • During the “All Things Must Pass” sessions, a
town of Winona. But in Benson’s autobiography 20-year-old Peter Frampton became enamored with
“Comin’ Right at Ya,” the singer a contraption Drake had that connected his pedal
says the name also has roots steel to a plastic tube that he put into his mouth,
in a discussion he and Naomi creating an effect that allowed him to “talk” his solos.
had about ‘50s blues shouter Frampton eventually developed his own version of
Wynonie Harris. “Christina’s the “talk box” and used it on such ‘70s rock staples as
mom … said that if you “Show Me the Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.”
changed the ending from ‘ie’ to
• Drake played on Ray Charles’ most successful
‘a,’ then ‘Wynona’ could be a girl’s name. ‘Well,’ I said,
Nashville album, 1984’s “Friendship,” including on
‘don’t forget Winona’ — just me trying to be funny,
the chart-topping “Seven Spanish Angels.”
quoting the song ‘Route 66.’”
(Continued on page 8)
4 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
‘Beer Beer, Truck Truck’ in Four Wheel Drive at Country Radio.
What began as a fun defense of country music that validates all of the hard work I have put in.”
spread like wildfire on TikTok has become one of the
Top 10 most-added songs on country radio. He says having his name on a list of most-added songs
with Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw is surreal. “Seeing
George Birge’s “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” released by my little name up there with them was incredible,” he
RECORDS Nashville on August 9, has been added by says. “It’s a pinch-me moment.”
stations including Steel City Media “Q104” KBEQ, MO;
Empire Broadcasting KRTY San Jose, CA (95.3); and It also shows the challenges that face the promo team
both Salt Lake City outlets. as they try to build the single’s momentum.
“The response to the live performance was huge, and “We are going up against 35 current artists that have
yes, it has been a monster online,” says KRTY’s Nate four-plus No. 1 records coming on the charts,” Jennings
Deaton. says. “We are going to fight the good fight with
everyone else. We feel like this song is going to stand
“Beer Beer, Truck Truck” has a great backstory. out on its own, and it’s going to catch on.”
After Birge’s mentor, Clay Walker,
encouraged him to start a TikTok Birge, who has opened for Jimmie
account, he saw a viral video made Allen, Dustin Lynch and Jake Owen,
by music educator Erynn Chambers. will spend the rest of this year on
Chambers joked that country music the road and on a radio tour. He co-
men only sing about, “Beer beer, wrote four of the five songs on the
truck truck, girls in tight jeans.” EP he plans to release by the end of
2021, and is featured on “Someone
Birge decided to respond by posting Somewhere,” a song on Nelly’s
a twist on her words, turning it into country-inspired project that drops
an irresistible chorus that disproves Aug. 27.
her facetious theory. It earned 3
million views in just a few days. “It has been unbelievable,” he says
Viewers encouraged him to finish the of working with Nelly. “His team
song, which he did, giving Chambers reached out to me about featuring
a co-writing credit. on his new ‘Heartland’ album, and obviously I jumped
at the opportunity. When I got the master back, it was
“Yes, the back story is interesting,” Deaton says. “But, goosebumps head-to-toe for me. Nelly was a superstar I
there are lots of backstories on songs that suck. This grew up listening to. I can’t wait for the world to hear it.
one sounds good on the radio.”
“I am a country guy at my roots,” Birge continues.
Jamice Jennings, RECORDS Nashville’s co-head of “Nelly obviously made a career in the hip-hop world,
promotion, says she is getting positive feedback from but he has done some incredible things capturing that
radio. country sound on a country-influenced record. He
made me a believer.”
“The radio stations think it is super fun, catchy and
short,” she says. “It is a little over two-and-a-half Meanwhile, “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” is converting an
minutes. You can squeeze it in before a break. It’s a impressive number of listeners into believers of Birge’s
fun song for summer through fall. I do think if given a talent.
chance, this song will take off.”
“I was at a place in my career where I wasn’t sure
Of course, Birge hopes that the song becomes a if I was going to play live music anymore,” he says.
hit. Right now, he is grateful for the support he has “I found some success writing songs for other
received at radio. people and had found peace of mind about being a
songwriter for others.
“It means everything,” he says of his debut single being
played on country radio. “It is what you dream about “This song has really changed my life,” he adds. “It got
your entire life. It is something you are a little bashful me a record deal and a publishing deal. It got me on
to tell people about because it’s a giant dream. I’ve the Nelly album. The song will always be very special
played a bunch of dive bars and nowhere stages. It to me. I hope it’s a big ol’ hit!” — Beverly Keel
6 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
Clockwise from top:
Reba McEntire and Cody Johnson attend the Nashville premiere of
Johnson’s documentary, “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story.”
L-R: Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and Ben Kline, McEntire,
Johnson, WMN’s John Esposito, Durango Artist Management’s
Howie Edelman, director Shaun Silva, WMN’s Shane Tarleton
and Mike Dupree.
Chris Janson is joined by city officials as he receives a key to Perryville,
MO, during a hometown concert.
KDKD-FM’s Steve Stevens and Radford Media Group Owner/CEO
Clay Radford show off their Missouri Broadcasters Assn. awards.
Walker Hayes hangs with WUSY staff at a Chattanooga show.
L-R: WUSY’s Cowboy Kyle, Hayes and WUSY’s Tyler Stansell and
Michael Hailey.
The Isaacs — (L-R) Lily Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs
Yeary and Ben Isaacs — will join the Grand Ole Opry cast Sept. 14.
8 Track Entertainment’s Noah Gordon and Jeff Goodwin,
Ira Dean, and 8 Track Entertainment’s Daryl Price celebrate the success
of Aaron Lewis’ “Am I the Only One,” which Dean co-wrote and which
recently topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
Jameson Rodgers (c) visits with WQMX Akron’s Jeff Lynn and Sarah Kay
during a concert at the Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown, OH.
Caitlyn Smith recently played a 103-3 Country Pickin’ Party for WKDF
Nashville. L-R: WKDF’s Marissa Petrillo and Paul Williams, Smith,
and WKDF’s Paul Koffy, Ro Stevens and Marie Mischia.
7 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
Country Music Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021. (Continued from page 4)
EDDIE BAYERS • Bayers, whose mother and sister were killed in
a car wreck when he was a teenager, suffered a
• Bayers may be the first drummer to go into potentially career-ending hand and wrist injury in a
the Hall, but he’s no stranger to its induction 1985 accident that left him unable to play for several
ceremonies. His drumming months. His first sessions following the wreck
has been the backbone of became part of The Judds’ 1987 “Heartland” album.
the ceremony’s Medallion
All-Star Band for years. • In 1984, Bayers and producer Paul Worley opened
a studio called The Money Pit. Among the hits
• Bayers spent his recorded there: Martina McBride’s “Independence
adolescent years in Day” and “A Broken Wing,” Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly”
Nashville, where he and “Suds in the Bucket,” and Cyndi Thomson’s
befriended future Judds “What I Really Meant to Say.”
producers Brent Maher.
Bayers and Maher later Bayers, Charles, Drake and The Judds will be formally
reconnected in Las Vegas inducted during a ceremony in the Country Music
and again when Maher returned to Nashville. He Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater on a
ended up playing on all of the Judds hits, as well as date yet to be announced, likely in early 2022. The
on most of Wynonna’s solo recordings (along with Medallion Ceremony for the Hall’s 2020 class —
hundreds of other gold and platinum records). Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart and Hank Williams Jr. — is
scheduled for this November, pending public health
• Before moving to Nashville permanently, Bayers guidance and the state of the pandemic. Since 2007,
spent time in California’s Bay Area. While there, the Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, a reunion of the
he appeared on albums by Creedence Clearwater Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official
Revival’s Tom Fogerty and Doug Clifford, Jefferson rite of induction for new members.
Airplane members Paul Kantner and Grace Slick, and
gospel’s Edwin and Walter Hawkins.
8 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
When Coaches Coach Coaches.
Start a conversation about the Country Radio performing, Coach Switzer revealed that one of his star
Seminar, one of the greatest of all the radio learning players stood up and, in the presence not only of the
conventions, and it won’t be long before someone offending player but the entire team shouted, “Cut him,
brings up a particular panel, keynote or take-away Coach! He’s going to cost us wins!”
that had a positive and personal impact on their job
Immediately, I imagined a weekly aircheck meeting
performance — or even life experience.
where everyone in the building was summoned to hear
With registration for CRS 2022 opening next week, breaks from each talent’s week of shows and voice their
I flashed back to two of the most memorable and opinions about the effort the talent was putting forth.
meaningful sessions I’ve attended. Both involved
Knowing your work is going to be laid bare and
famous football coaches (I know, ironic for someone
evaluated by your teammates – not only for its in-the-
who’s batty over baseball), but when coaches coach
moment impact but for its positive or negative reflection
coaches, the information can be priceless.
on the brand and everyone associated with it now and
The Importance of Doing What’s Important in the future – would indeed be one heck of a motivator!
My biggest “convention retention” is Lou Holtz’s 1997 While we don’t generally put our on-air talent through
riveting keynote, “What’s Important something like this (though it does give you pause),
Now.” Whether you’re pursuing a listeners do. Only their version of “Cut him, Coach!”
personal (improving your life) or goes something like: “I’m tuning out now because there
professional goal (like meeting a must be something more entertaining than this.”
deadline, coaching talent or working
to deliver the highest possible quality
And Now a Word From the Present
product), basing your decisions on Hopefully, we all aspire to be exceptional every break
“What’s Important Now” is a simple (or sales call or in responding to a listener touch-point)
yet powerful action that keeps you focused on every day.
achievement.
Ideally, we’re challenging ourselves daily by asking and
Lou’s question can easily morph into “What’s more acting on “what’s important now” and “what’s more
important?” Asking this is another powerful way to important.”
choose between alternatives. I’ve used both regularly
and can attest to the way they can help you become When coaches coach coaches, everybody wins.
unstuck and move forward. I’ve been inspired by Lou’s
Mike’s note: While these two sessions continue to
speech since I first heard it 24 years ago.
stand out for me, I’ve never come away from CRS short
Peer Pressure on ideas. I hope you don’t miss CRS 2022, February
23-25. In the meantime, feel free to share your most
My second most memorable takeaway involved memorable moments: mike@AandOandB.com
former Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma
Sooners Coach Barry Switzer, who was Mike O’Malley is co-founder of Albright & O’Malley &
part of a 2016 panel on talent coaching. Brenner and has consulted country radio stations in
the US and Canada since 1992. Mike’s programming
“Peer pressure is one of the greatest background includes launching WYNY New York City
motivators in professional football,” he as a country station and
said. To make his point, Coach Switzer programming it for five
went on to tell the story of a particular years. His other PD positions
Wednesday morning team meeting when the entire include country stations
Cowboys team gathered to watch videos of the in Washington, DC, and
previous week’s kicking game. Jacksonville, FL. Mike is a
2018 inductee into the
The coach recalled that as the video rolled, it quickly
Country Radio Hall of Fame.
became obvious who was or was not giving their
all. As one player was seen to be repeatedly under-
mike@AandOandB.com
9 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com
POWER
TITLE
#
AIRPLAY RETENTION CALL OUT AUDIO POWER SALES COMPOSITE
ARTIST - LABEL
1 Single Saturday Night
COLE SWINDELL - Warner/WMN
7 1 4 12 15 1
2 Things A Man Oughta Know
LAINEY WILSON - Broken Bow
6 13 5 8 11 2
3 If I Didn't Love You
JASON ALDEAN/CARRIE UNDERWOOD - Macon/Broken Bo
21 x 16 6 2 3
4 Drinkin' Beer Talkin' God Amen
CHASE RICE F/F.G.L. - Dack Janiels/BBR-BMLG
1 7 3 7 10 4
5 Glad You Exist
DAN + SHAY - Warner/WAR
2 12 1 4 16 5
6 Fancy Like
WALKER HAYES - Monument
35 x 12 1 1 6
7 Waves
LUKE BRYAN - Capitol Nashville
4 5 8 9 13 7
8 Chasing After You
RYAN HURD W/MAREN MORRIS - Arista Nashville
17 8 20 3 8 8
9 My Boy
ELVIE SHANE - Wheelhouse
10 6 6 25 14 9
10 Country Again
THOMAS RHETT - Valory
5 4 14 10 17 10
NATIONAL CALLOUT
TITLE
#
N`EAST MID WEST WEST SOUTH
ARTIST
1 Glad You Exist
Dan + Shay
1 6 1 2
2 You Time
McCreery, Scotty
3 12 3 1
3 Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen.
Rice, Chase Feat. Florida Georgia Line
5 4 2 7
4 Single Saturday Night
Swindell, Cole
10 3 4 3
5 Things A Man Oughta Know
Wilson, Lainey
4 10 12 4
6 My Boy
Shane, Elvie
9 2 7 10
7 We Didn't Have Much
Moore, Justin
2 11 11 13
8 Waves
Bryan, Luke
17 1 8 5
9 Blame It On You
Aldean, Jason
12 14 6 6
10 Memory I Don't Mess With
Brice, Lee
8 8 10 15
ACTION - UNDEREXPOSED
TITLE
#
AIRPLAY COMPOSITE
ARTIST - LABEL
1 WALKER HAYES
29 - Fancy Like
35 6
2 NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE
27 - Lil Bit
42 15
3 MORGAN WALLEN
22 - Sand In My Boots
47 25
4 ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT
21 - Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go..)
34 13
5 AARON LEWIS
18 - Am I The Only One
50 32
6 JASON ALDEAN/CARRIE UNDERWOOD
18 - If I Didn't Love You
21 3
7 DIERKS BENTLEY, BRELAND, HARDY
15 - Beers On Me
46 31
8 MIRANDA LAMBERT
14 - Settling Down
31 17
9 JORDAN DAVIS
13 - Buy Dirt f/Luke Bryan
36 23
10 LILY ROSE
9 - Villain
49 40RADIO iHeartMedia St. Louis, where she
has been serving as VP of Sales
deal also includes a centralized
NewsHub in Little Rock, AR, and the
Ray Michaels joins Eagle Radio since February of last year. Nulogic Digital Marketing Agency.
Great Bend, KS, as Operations
Manager for the cluster, which Libby Nolan joins iHeartMedia as Educational Media Foundation
includes country KAAQ (105.9) and Senior VP of Sales for its St. Louis has filed a $334,000 deal to buy
KQSK (97.5). Michaels, who most cluster, which includes country classic country “95.9 The Legend”
recently served as OM “93.7 The Bull” KSD. Nolan, who WVIG Terre
for Townsquare Media began her career as Haute, IN, from
Grand Junction, will also morning show producer David Crooks’
serve as PD of classic at KSD, reports to DLC Media. EMF
rock “The Point” KVGB- iHeartMedia St. Louis currently does not own any stations
FM (104.3). “I’m thrilled Market President John in the Terre Haute market and is
Ray will be joining our team,” GM R. Beck Jr. Nolan joins expected to put its contemporary
Matt Althouse said in a release. “He from Zimmer Radio in Springfield, Christian “K-Love”
brings some legendary experience MO, where she served as VP and format on WVIG.
to our market and will help uphold director of sales. Once the sale
our high standards for broadcast closes, DLC Media will still own
Joseph Amado is named Director rock “92.7 The Rock” WFNB, adult
excellence.” of Promotions for Max Media hits “105.5 Jack FM” WZJK, oldies
Jess Poxson joins “The Kicks Wake Hampton Roads, which includes “Super Hits 104.9” WAXI, and adult
Up Krew” on Beasley “Kicks 99” country “97.3 The standards “Timeless Classics” WAMB
WKXC Augusta, GA, succeeding Eagle” WGH. Amado (1130) in the market.
former co-host Jenny Bender, who was most recently
exited in March. Poxson serving in a similar Next year’s Country Radio
had been outside radio role for SummitMedia Seminar will begin and end
since leaving then- Richmond. “We each day with one-on-one
Entercom WYCD Detroit launched a nationwide search to conversations with the heads
(99.5) in 2019. Poxson’s find a promotions warrior that of country music’s biggest radio
previous stops include would help us win and found companies and record labels. The
Cumulus WDRQ Detroit (93.1) and him right in our backyard,” VP of “CRS Heads of
“America’s Morning Show with Blair Operations and Programming State” series will
Garner.” Eddie Haskell said in a release. feature Beasley
Media Group CEO Caroline
Brenda Franco is named GM for Mike Reed and Bill Christian’s Beasley, Hubbard Broadcasting
JVC Media Fort Walton Beach, FL, Coastal Television Broadcasting CEO Ginny Morris, Alpha Media
which includes country “Highway Group has filed a $36.9 million CEO Bob Profitt, Townsquare
98.1” WHWY. A 35-year industry deal to buy country “Y-95” WYCM, Media CEO Bill Wilson, Big
veteran, Franco most adult hits “95.3 Bob- Machine Label Group President/
recently served in the FM” WBPE, CHR “Z- CEO Scott Borchetta, Universal
market as Account 96.5” WAZY and talk Music Group Nashville Chairman/
Manager and Senior “The Patriot” WSHY CEO Mike Dungan, Warner Music
Marketing Consultant (1410) from Star Nashville Chairman/CEO John
for Cumulus Media. “I City Broadcasting in Esposito, Sony Music Nashville
am thrilled to have someone of Lafayette, IN. The deal also includes Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman
her caliber on board with the JVC the Lafayette, IN-licensed translator and BBR Music Group/BMG
family,” Executive VP Shane Reeve W282CJ at 104.3, which simulcasts Nashville President Jon Loba. All
said in a release. WSHY. The radio deal is part of Access Media Group’s Joel Denver,
a larger deal that also includes RAB’s Erica Farber, “Country
Lisa Ballance is named Senior seven low-power television stations Countdown USA” and Country
VP of Sales at iHeartMedia including WBPI-LD and WPBY- Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and McVay
Huntsville, which LD in Lafayette, IN; WNBJ-LD in Media’s Mike McVay will moderate
includes country Jackson, TN: and KJNB-LD and the discussions.
WDRM (102.1). KJNE-LD in Jonesboro, AR – along
Ballance transfers to with construction permits for two
her new position from additional LPTVs in Jonesboro. The
11 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.comWe connect music industry professionals
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT Music Health Alliance is a 501(c)3 public charityARTISTS Runaway June
gears up to join
are coming to truly honor my
career and songs really means a
Dolly Parton co-authored “Run, Luke Bryan’s great deal to me.
Rose, Run,” her first novel, with “Proud to Be
Right Here Tour” Charlie Worsham is the Artist
best-selling author James Patter- Ambassador for the CMA Founda-
son. The book will be published this weekend
with the unveil- tion, the CMA’s philanthropic arm,
by Little, Brown for August. He
and Company ing of three-
track EP “back- will participate
and available in a virtual panel
March 7, 2022. A story,” available Friday, Aug. 20.
Dann Huff and Mark Trussell pro- to discuss the
12-track album life-changing im-
will accompany duced the project with members
of the trio co-writing each of the pact of music on
the novel. “I’ve young people in
combined my three songs.
rural communi-
love of storytell- Chase Rice partners with head- ties. “It is critical
ing and books wear retailer Lids to create exclu- that we offer the next generation
with the release of #RunRose- sive hats under his Head Down a chance to discover themselves
Run,” Parton wrote on social Eyes Up brand. The first design is through the power of music,”
media. The book is described as available now Worsham said in a release.
“a thriller about a young singer- via Lids retail
songwriter on the rise and on the stores and Lids. BEXAR will release its major-label
run, and determined to do what- com. Rice wrote debut EP, “Pronounced BEAR,” via
ever it takes to survive.” “Head Down Warner Music Nashville on Friday,
Eyes Up” on Sept. 3. Ross
The RIAA cer- Copperman
tifies Carrie his hats while
in college as and Luke Laird
Underwood’s produced the
“Southbound” motivation to
not give in to outside pressures. six-track project.
platinum. “These songs
Walker “I never set out to launch a cloth-
ing brand,” Rice said in a release. mean the world
Hayes’ viral to us,” the band
hit “Fancy “I realized just how universal this
message is. We can all use the re- said in a release.
Like” is certified gold as is Lainey “We feel like they are a true repre-
Wilson’s debut single, “Things minder to keep your head down,
eyes up… keep going.” sentation of who we are as musi-
a Man Oughta Know,” currently cians and more importantly as
in the Top 10 on the Mediabase Craig Morgan, Jeannie Seely, people.”
country chart. The Gatlin Brothers, Billy Dean,
Janie Fricke, John Berry, Neal Curb Records recording artist
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant Hannah Ellis will make her Grand
will release “Raise the Roof” on McCoy, T.
Graham Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, Sept.
Friday, Nov. 19, via Rounder Re- 28. “Every country music artist
cords. The T Bone Burnett-pro- Brown,
Tracy Law- that I grew up
duced project listening to has
follows the pair’s rence and
The Issacs stood in that
2007 GRAMMY circle and sang
Award-winning have been
added to on that stage,”
album “Raising Ellis said in a
Sand.” The new the “All-Star Salute to Lee Green-
wood” concert event. The show, release. “To be
album includes able to stand
covers made which celebrates Greenwood’s
40-year career, is set for Tuesday, up there, where
famous by Merle they stood, at the Grand Ole Opry,
Haggard and the Everly Brothers. Oct. 12, at the Von Braun Center
in Huntsville, AL. “I am so looking and sing the songs that I wrote
According to Billboard, the duo is will truly be a full-circle moment
expected to tour together in 2022. forward to this night,” Greenwood
said in a release. “To know they that I almost can’t believe is hap-
pening.”
13 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.comINDUSTRY President of its Board of Directors.
“I’m honored to step into the role of
from his first co-write, and after
getting to know him as a person,
Digital music royalty collections Board President, and I look forward he continues to wow us with his
agency SoundExchange names to continuing and expanding on graciousness and work ethic,”
Stephanie Werner VP, Brand the lifesaving and life-giving work Verse 2 Music Partner Kent Earls
Marketing of The Onsite said in a release. “We’re excited to
and Industry Foundation,” help achieve all of his hopes and
Engagement, Hutfless said in dreams.”
and Barry a release. New
LeVine VP, members to the
Marketing and board of directors
Entertainment include Drybar
Partnerships. Werner and LeVine Founder Alli Webb; Big Loud
report to Chief Marketing and Records VP of Marketing Candice
Communications Officer Esther- Watkins; author/speaker Crystal
Mireya Tejada. Werner most Woodman Miller; Cracker
recently served as VP, Head Barrel CMO Jennifer Tate; and
of Global Marketing at Global Vector Management founder
Ken Levitan. The nonprofit also Nashville-based independent
Citizen, while LeVine transitions
has announced its Triumph Over music publisher and management
from his current post as VP,
Tragedy workshop, available company Eclipse Music Group
Industry Relations.
exclusively for survivors of 2017’s signs Reyna Roberts to an
Safford Motley PLC hires Lexie Route 91 Harvest Music Festival exclusive publishing deal. “We
Rigler as an Associate Attorney. mass shooting. Applications for the are thrilled to welcome Reyna to
She joins the firm from Yamaha workshop are now open. the Eclipse Music family,’’ Eclipse
Corporations of Publishing Head Penny Gattis said
America, where Universal Music Publishing in a release. “It’s been amazing to
she worked in the Nashville signs Lily Rose to a watch Reyna’s artistic vision come
company’s Artist worldwide publishing agreement. to life through her songwriting,
Relations division “Lily knows exactly who she is as powerhouse vocals and electric
as Business Affairs an artist,” UMPG live performances. She’s the
Manager. “Lexie Nashville SVP A&R definition of an entertainer and
is an incredibly bright young Cyndi Forman told her dedication to her artistry is
attorney with an exceptional work MusicRow. “Her inspiring. We are honored to be
ethic,” Safford Motley PLC Owner work ethic and her publishing home.”
Scott Safford said in a release. her passion for
songwriting was River House Artists and Sony
“[Partner] Jonathan [Motley] and
evident to our team the first time Music Publishing sign Kasey
I are thrilled to have someone of
we met with her.” Rose is signed Tyndall to a global publishing
her caliber join our team.”
to Big Loud Records, Back Blocks deal. “We have been big fans of
Nashville Songwriters Music and Republic Records. Kasey for a couple years now and
Association International (NSAI) knew that if the opportunity ever
has shifted the 2021 Nashville presented itself, we
Songwriter would love to work
Awards to with her,” River
a virtual House Artists VP/
format due GM Zebb Luster
to the COVID-19 surge. Initially said in a release.
scheduled as a private event at “Her determination
the Country Music Hall of Fame’s and confidence in who she is as
CMA Theater, it will now take Verse 2 Music, Kane Brown’s an artist has really grown since
place virtually on Tuesday, 9/14. joint venture with Sony Music moving to Nashville and we are
Publishing, signs Levon Gray. stoked to help her cultivate a
The Onsite Foundation, a 501(c)3 The singer-songwriter co-wrote long-term career in this business.”
nonprofit public charity, has named Brown’s upcoming release “One
FlyteVu Co-Founder Laura Hutfless Mississippi.” “Levon wowed us
14 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.comAUGUST 16, 2021
LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud 6a-7p %
2 1 DAN + SHAY / Glad You Exist (Warner/WAR) 29967 1939 8261 595 36.108 1.509 4150 50
3 2 JUSTIN MOORE / We Didn't Have Much (Valory) 28175 1900 7781 482 35.858 1.706 3995 51
1 3 CHASE RICE F/F.G.L. / Drinkin' Beer Talkin' God Amen 27453 -4302 7353 -1323 35.17 -5.7 3902 53
(Dack Janiels/BBR-BMLG)
4 4 LUKE BRYAN / Waves (Capitol Nashville) 27431 1293 7490 336 36.432 1.715 3851 51
7 5 LAINEY WILSON / Things A Man Oughta Know (Broken Bow) 22737 1107 6306 368 26.289 0.762 2953 47
6 6 THOMAS RHETT / Country Again (Valory) 22355 659 6214 176 29.934 1.823 3214 52
8 7 SCOTTY MCCREERY / You Time (Triple Tigers) 20650 2371 5784 721 24.68 1.758 2823 49
10 8 JAMESON RODGERS / Cold Beer Calling...f/L. Combs (River 19704 2051 5452 581 23.256 2.119 2617 48
House/Columbia Nash)
11 9 ELVIE SHANE / My Boy (Wheelhouse) 16874 943 4760 202 20.277 1.699 2327 49
13 10 LEE BRICE / Memory I Don't Mess With (Curb) 16576 1361 4408 280 20.523 2.138 2047 46
12 11 OLD DOMINION / I Was On A Boat That Day (Arista Nashville) 15540 174 4268 46 17.941 -0.096 2051 48
14 12 CARLY PEARCE / Next Girl (Big Machine) 14568 81 4115 50 16.55 -0.142 1737 42
15 13 RYAN HURD W/MAREN MORRIS / Chasing After You 13469 908 3718 290 13.808 1.271 1531 41
(Arista Nashville)
16 14 KENNY CHESNEY / Knowing You (Blue Chair/Warner/WEA) 13330 932 3755 223 15.748 1.032 1639 44
17 15 LADY A / Like A Lady (BMLG) 13257 1091 3567 291 14.372 1.22 1406 39
18 16 JIMMIE ALLEN & BRAD PAISLEY / Freedom Was A 12914 794 3549 215 14.689 0.813 1383 39
Highway (Stoney Creek)
19 17 JON PARDI / Tequila Little Time (Capitol Nashville) 12683 1601 3516 473 13.99 1.56 1502 43
22 18 JASON ALDEAN/CARRIE UNDERWOOD / If I Didn't Love 11549 2391 3114 703 14.492 2.781 1535 49
You (Macon/Broken Bow/Capitol)
23 19 LUKE COMBS / Cold As You (River House/Columbia Nash) 11233 2113 2988 559 13.53 2.143 1289 43
20 20 MICHAEL RAY / Whiskey And Rain (Warner/WEA) 11103 1015 2972 308 11.279 0.885 1126 38
21 21 PRISCILLA BLOCK / Just About Over You (Mercury 10546 728 2807 229 10.308 0.124 853 30
Nashville/InDent)
9 22 KEITH URBAN WITH P!NK / One Too Many (RCA/Capitol 9393 -8813 2727 -2436 11.624 -8.303 1310 48
Nashville)
25 23 ZAC BROWN BAND / Same Boat (Home Grown/Warner/ 9249 769 2554 212 10.607 0.964 1071 42
WAR)
24 24 CALLISTA CLARK / It's 'Cause I Am (Big Machine) 9120 549 2544 129 9.791 0.834 1088 43
26 25 RUSSELL DICKERSON / Home Sweet (Triple Tigers) 8675 436 2274 112 9.139 1.054 690 30AUGUST 16, 2021
LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud 6a-7p %
27 26 DUSTIN LYNCH / Thinking 'Bout You f/M. Porter (Broken Bow) 8573 607 2204 136 8.995 0.933 664 30
28 27 CHRIS STAPLETON / You Should Probably Leave (Mercury 7953 342 2159 75 8.623 0.298 728 34
Nashville)
29 28 KELSEA BALLERINI / Half Of My Hometown f/KChesney 7266 630 2108 195 7.354 0.52 660 31
(Black River Entertainment)
30 29 PARKER MCCOLLUM / To Be Loved By You (MCA Nashville) 6790 435 1739 103 7.404 0.83 534 31
34 30 WALKER HAYES / Fancy Like (Monument) 6552 1407 1810 361 6.908 1.612 702 39
37 31 JORDAN DAVIS / Buy Dirt f/Luke Bryan (MCA Nashville) 5456 1005 1426 276 4.556 0.508 409 29
32 32 HARDY / Give Heaven Some Hell (Big Loud) 5375 23 1533 27 4.65 0.011 362 24
35 33 ERIC CHURCH / Heart On Fire (EMI Nashville) 5086 605 1413 172 4.88 0.405 494 35
38 34 ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT / Drunk (And I Don't 4416 160 1247 55 4.2 0.248 461 37
Wanna Go..) (RCA/Columbia Nashville)
39 35 GARTH BROOKS / That's What Cowboys Do (Pearl) 4394 480 1175 124 3.651 0.52 372 32
36 36 MATT STELL / That Ain't Me No More (Arista Nashville/ 4309 -167 1193 -42 4.04 -0.322 295 25
RECORDS)
40 37 LAUREN ALAINA / Getting Over Him w/Jon Pardi 3907 32 1109 9 3.207 -0.068 210 19
(Mercury Nashville)
42 38 RILEY GREEN / If It Wasn't For Trucks (BMLG) 3506 119 1078 51 2.04 -0.101 238 22
41 39 BRETT YOUNG / Not Yet (BMLG) 3409 -27 934 -1 3.324 0.23 200 21
43 40 CAITLYN SMITH / I Can't f/Old Dominion (Monument) 3302 65 997 26 1.958 -0.025 199 20
44 41 TOBY KEITH / Old School (Show Dog Nashville) 3059 -19 965 16 1.553 -0.191 144 15
42 DAN + SHAY / Steal My Love (Warner/WAR) 2787 2787 762 762 3.852 3.852 511 67
46 43 BROTHERS OSBORNE / I'm Not For Everyone (EMI Nashville) 2739 39 794 16 1.907 0.056 182 23
45 44 LARRY FLEET / Where I Find God (Big Loud) 2680 -53 815 1 2.053 -0.01 236 29
48 45 DARIUS RUCKER / My Masterpiece (Capitol Nashville) 2346 42 674 9 2.34 0.001 111 16
49 46 DIERKS BENTLEY, BRELAND, HARDY / Beers On Me 2286 65 601 3 2.233 -0.121 223 37
(Atlantic/Big Loud/Capitol)
50 47 CHRIS BANDI / Would Have Loved Her (RECORDS Nashville) 2181 14 680 -5 1.241 -0.005 122 18
47 48 BRANTLEY GILBERT / The Worst Country Song Of... (Valory) 2128 -392 529 -100 3.333 -0.112 112 21
64 49 TIM MCGRAW / 7500 OBO (Big Machine) 2080 808 572 226 1.739 0.886 221 39
51 50 NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / Lil Bit (BMLGR/ 2074 -64 637 -14 1.866 0 210 33
RECORDS/Columbia)You can also read
