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Good Night Mr. Arnold Jimmy Carter
I am not going to even try to write here what Eddy Arnold meant to Nashville. Please Google his name in news and read a few of the great tributes. From Daily Variety and Hollywood Reporter to Billboard, Chet Flippo and The Tennessean, all were good and puts the man's career and life into some perspective.
If you are free Wednesday night, May 14th, tune in via Internet to www.wsmonline.com to Eddie Stubbs five hour tribute to Mr. Arnold.
Eddy Arnold was a role model who never let his fans down. His life, marriage, music, personal appearances, you name the category, all the kind you would love to have as your own.
This was a true Hall of Famer who frankly lived so long people forgot what a big deal he was during his hot star days of the '40s/'50s and '60s.
Go Google and read. He had an impressive resume.
This man was my friend. He hosted a show I produced in my late 20s. Gentle, so easy to work with. Years later, when I was laid off during a corporate purge, he called to see if I was okay. He was a special person.
I enjoyed all our lunches and the fun we had laughing. I loved asking him questions about things like the Lake Tahoe showrooms (he was one of the original entertainment hires). He would talk of Ben "Benny" Binion. (You have to be from Nevada to know about that guy's legend.)
He saw it all and did it all without scandal. Married for a lifetime and alcohol/drug-free. Had more money than Trump and was a real estate "Trump" in Davidson/Williamson counties.
A multi-multi millionaire, he drove crappy cars (even a Dodge mini-van) in his later years and ate at meat & threes. An H. L. Hunt sort of thrifty person. Would cry at a wind direction change. Exploded with loud, loud laughter.
Did have a yacht once; he really enjoyed it and told stories of his Mississippi/Cumberland River travels. Kind and caring and concerned. I'll stop here. I could go on and on. So sad to hear that he died, but I was heartbroken to see him lose his mobility these last two months.
Eddy Arnold brought us joy and shared with us his love. A great man. Honorable like my father. Elegant and the overused word, but it applies ... classy.
An American success story ... 89 with a week shy of 90. What a life. But without his wife of 66 years, there was no point. I witnessed this with my father. The kids weren't enough. The grandkids. The love of his life was gone and he needed to be with her. He is now. Good night, Mr. Arnold. You were and are loved!
See? I knew I couldn't just write three paragraphs on him. Impossible!
ACM week, Grammy block party and Taylor Swift prom party week.
Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson playing the Halifax Country Rocks the Commons, Aug 20th. A huge, cool event.
Small, fast items: "Gone Country" 2, like ... Hulk 2, why? ... "Speed Race" 15 minutes too long, but good for little boys ... 5th grade girls in my house could care less..
Miley losing steam. Marie Osmond talks too much. Grand Theft Auto is a BAD thing! Do all you parents really know what goes on inside this thing? No wonder these kids have no respect for police or anything else. They are raised by video games to go to strip clubs, run from the cops and shoot innocent bystanders, drive home drunk and hijack cars. I love the social responsibility of these companies! You parents better hi-tech up. Learn the text shorthand and wake up! Some of these darling school kids are dangerous! Lots of anger in our society. You can't always live in Candyland! It's what Country music used to do well. Sing about real life.
I like Sugarland's music ... they just did their last album in Atlanta ... if that floats their boat. They chose not to be a part of a great city, Nashville. Many have made that choice to varying degrees of success. Strait still does his business here. Most of his recording.
Carrie moved here and that was critical to her success. Taylor, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley. It's a music community. Atlanta is a music community if you are a hip-hopper.
Sugarland is making the non-Nashville thing work just fine. They would be an asset to this community. It's both our losses. Not all actors live in Hollywood, but the machine lives there and it's hard to work around that machine. Why make this crazy entertainment business even more difficult and crazy than it already is? To each his or her own.
Scandal!
Jimmy Carter in Edmonton on Assignment
The squeaky clean Music Row of late sure got into the hard news again as of late. The Roger Clemens/Mindy McCready story is wild! The Rocket confirms a 10-year non-sexual relationship. Wife knew Mindy was on his jet. Who around here knew about this? Ten years? Did this girl get around or what? Big story on Sports/Talk radio in NYC.
Veteran hit songwriter Richard Fagan charged with criminal homicide. Fagan wrote #1s for John Michael Montgomery like "Sold," "Be My Baby Tonight," "I Miss You A Little." Shania did one ... George Strait. Story still unfolding.
Billy Ray's billion-dollar baby scandalized with Vanity Fair pictures. WAY too mature shots of Mile taken by the darling of the still set, Annie Liebovitz. Who's to blame on this one? Disney is hopping mad ... Billy Ray may be surprised at the stink. Miley says she embarrassed by it all.
What's the deal with all this sexy shots of little girls? SICKOS! Inappropriate. These girls and boys are growing up WAY too fast!
Choosing Vanity Fair to begin with was a dangerous calculation. These print folks are very desperate, with the Internet doing so well. Anything they can do to make the front page, they will. Same thing for local TV. Falling circulation brings sensationalism.
Kenny Chesney is one tough trooper. Who doesn't respect him from playing hurt the other night in Columbia, SC. The stage lift trapped his foot and as you can see on YouTube, he was stuck and hurting! The show must and did go on! Chesney is the best to his fans.
Ashley Judd's hubby Dario nursing a broken ankle after a bad crash at Talladega. Sure don't hear or see much country music presence nationally.
The big Miranda dust-up over a bar fight turned out to be a big lie. That's what the sheriff says in Smith County, Texas. The story involved Miranda and a fan getting into it at a Tyler, Texas nightclub. Pushing and shoving was all made up, but the story got a lot of attention before the investigators determined it was false.
Why were Miranda's people so quiet? If they knew she was totally innocent, then why not say it? Instead she was dragging around and it was implied she was a moody star. Others told of their run-ins with her ... Not a case study in how to handle a PR event.
Country often screws up crisis management. See chapter on the Dixie Chicks. The truth, fast and accurate, will set you free. PR is not just about saying NO! You must get ahead of some of these stories.
Buried in all this breaking news: Tim McGraw back out doing shows and getting sponsors. Fritos affiliation was good for a day; his perfume/cologne is coming in the Fall according to Women's Wear Daily.
Major concert this weekend, May 2 -4 at Empire Polo Field, Indio, CA: Tim, Flatts, Trace, Carrie, Taylor ... even The JUDDS!
It's only MONDAY! May is just around the corner.
Good Old George!
Jimmy Carter
Leave it to the king to remove some of the stink and sting of poor retail CD sales. King George should send 160,000-170,000 through the bar code readers and debut #1 Country and Pop ... even beating R.E.M.
No one is surprised. (Even George is down in sales, though; his last CD did 242,000 first week). See where iTunes is now the #1 music retailer? The artists and others are not that happy about that ... but you better deal with it; they are not going away. The MySpace music thing will be a non-starter, too...
That credit card thing one label brought out hasn't taken off really, either. Congrats for trying anything. It seems the labels along Music Row are almost paralyzed.
The system is a bit out of control. On one end it's turned into a singles sales industry again. On the other end, see where Tim made $70 million last year and Faith $49 million? Keith Urban $35 million? I'm proud of them, but how in the world did that happen? Think about it. The top five or so Country folks made more than almost any actor/actress you can name. It is amazing. And more so when you see how little by comparison the acts before them made.
A million a night? It's all relative with inflation, etc. but still. You won't be hiring a country act for your garden party most likely!
Taylor Swift playing a Coke event at the Final Four on Sunday, She is FIRE! Big & Rich playing for the NASCAR faithful in Fort Worth.
Willie doing his picnic in Selma, Texas this year -- 4th of July in Texas, where it belongs. Jo Dee Messina hosting a big show for CBS this week. 10pm ET/PT on Tuesday the 8th. "Secret Talents of the Stars" ... Mr Sulu from Star Trek is singing country and Clint Black doing stand-up. Hmm...
The stars are involved in the clothes business...perfumes, etc. Big money in them there jeans and hats! Reba has all kinds of clothes at Dillards. Kenny Chesney in the blue jean biz now and Mr. Strait has been pushing hats and Wranglers for a long time! Smart managers at work.
Trace Adkins making a movie with Kelsey Grammar. A David Zucker film. It's a Scrooge remake and trace is an Angel!
"America Idol" rolling along ... lots of stars this week as they do their charity show. Any Country stars in this bunch? David Cook is the winner at this point ... must beat little David and the tattooed women...all three NON-country...Kristy Lee Cook of Oregon is not impressing, but she may still get a good look by the label gang -- maybe. I love Brooke White; she's not an "Idol" winner ... MAY make the Top 5, but who cares.. She's sweet and lovable and good, too. Don't wait; buy her now!
Just learned about "Country Goes Huntin'" ... Dothan Wednesday night ... wish I could go ... sounds real cool ... check their website. Google: Country Goes Huntin '(no G)
iTunes is controversial, but it is what it is ... You Tube equally so ... if you can't beat them, join them. I have a huge site on You Tube - 170-plus videos; .go to www.youtube.com, then search: askjimmycarter, then click the link to channels...I have my reasons...lots of interviews; more country ones coming...
Where Was The Help for Trace?
I didn't think of this ... some listeners did ... but why didn't more Country music artists or executives or, God forbid, the CMA call in/get or someone to call in money to help Trace Adkins on the finale of "Celebrity Apprentice"? Did any outside label or agency see the value of getting a Country artist to the finals of a big network show? Making a Country artist a big deal and attract big audiences on network TV helps EVERYONE. Or is everyone too busy working on their next self-promoting People magazine scoop?
It really is sad. We hardly get Country artists on TV outside the genre and what is done to help him? Very little.
Why? The people who should have an overview don't get past their own agenda. Some folks got it and good for them.
A hundred answers could come up, but two things come to mind. People don't help people like they once did in early Country music days or in much of anything else. Yes, radio does St Jude's, etc., but as a society we do precious little for others. A very selfish bunch at times. Of course, some do and some don't. The bigger issue is not bad people, but missed opportunities. Think of the promotional availabilities associated with 10 million people watching on the various NBC platforms.
A few people got on it, but it's getting all excited about a blurb in People Magazine is so old school. We are in a digital age ... and how is that being addressed on Music Row? Look at the sales figures? People probably do equal Wal-Mart, but is that the best we can do? Can anyone think and do something outside their playpen?
The Rolling Stones are on FACEBOOK! The movie studios were late in the game, but do a decent job chasing the new mediums. You only see sputters on it with Country artists. Do people think the Country consumers are backwards? I'm not going there. Just missed opportunities ... and even the fans see it now and ask questions.
Trace did a great job and is a credit to the whole Country Music industry. A lot of new fans for this guy and I bet we see sales of tickets and music, too.
Look at the impact in the last year of Country artists on "Dancing With the Stars" and now "Apprentice." It has kept the name of Sara Evans and Trace Adkins in front of the country and general public.
The Aussie press has been all over Keith and Nicole as he toured around the country. The curiosity factor and pregnancy have the cameras clicking. Keith seems to be handling it okay ... and she just looks ahead. No more incidents with bodyguards, I hope ... No lawsuit on that last one? Amazing!
The Jonas Brothers are the hottest thing going right now among the little kids. I bet they are making a LOT of money. Tickets on sale for their huge summer tour. I'm having to go to Syracuse to get them for my 10-year-old.
Rough year for the CRUD around Music Row and all over... Gary Levox pooped out and Rascal Flatts had to cancel a Canadian show this week. Anyone still coughing after six weeks ?
Charlie Daniels is the voice of the Williams Family Tradition at the Hall of Fame. Charlie is unique voice talent. Waylon was, too. Not everyone has the vo pipes.
George Strait's 37th album is out Tuesday, April 1st.
Spring Is Here ... Time To Renew Your MIND!
Fresh back from Hawaii ... There is a Country station in Honolulu. It sounded like a station programmed in South Alabama in the '80s! Music was modern, but presentation was awful!
Did hear a Colgate talent hunt commercial. Heard a Keith Urban song on AC radio and saw a sign for Sugarland at a downtown hall. Otherwise, not a lot of country in the 50th state.
No reason not to go ... wow, what a place. Go to VIDEOS on www.askjimmycarter.com and see Surfer Girl or Hawaii.
"Celebrity Apprentice" has been a great pr tool for Trace Adkins; I'm not so sure radio picked up on it very much ... another missed opportunity. Are some stations still not trying to help Kellie Pickler get going? The big city know-it-all boys who think she's not sophisticated enough? Some people's view of what Country radio is and is supposed to be is sure distorted! Or has become that way via consolidation and group-think.
Clint Black at Nashville's Zanies comedy, doing stand0up for a CBS show coming soon ... Not sure what to think about that.
Belmont ... the University at the end of Music Row. Did great in their NCAA B-ball game. ... lost by a point, but what a game against Duke! Thought fan Vince Gill was going to go crazy!
Toby Keith done with his film; he does have screen presence. I stipulate that; I just know how HARD a good movie is to make ... even bad movies are hard. Comedies are twice has hard as horror/or action films. Why is he doing this?
Chesney is so smart for doing those fan shows ... I wish more folks on Music Row would think outside the box and do FUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN stuff!
Charlie Daniels is a great man! In so many ways! Wonderful to see him honored at BMI this week for 50 years in the business. Who lasts 50 years? Anyone read his Soapbox column on his website? The one on the Rev. Jermiah Wright? Smoking!
Anyone noticed that a LOT of morning show changes being talked about or DONE in the past few weeks? You can NEVER grow comfortable; it's not the nature of this business.
Wish the Eagles were coming here ... Nashville has no amphitheatre? Is that crappy or what? Music City uses no outdoor concert venue. Another amazing fact!
The Eagles played 30 songs the other night in London -- took a break after song 12 ... encore after song 26 ... second encore after song 28 ... final song "Desperado." First song "How Long."
The Stones film out in the next two weeks; 18 Oscar winners worked on it ... that number may, in fact, be higher. I will go back and see it in IMAX ... Best concert film I've seen.
Keith Urban still down under playing concerts, but back in the U.S. in early April for a few weeks. He talked a bunch in newspaper interviews to Aussie papers. Says he's still getting used to all the attention that he gets with the wife. You never get really used to it; it's an awful and wonderful problem to have.
Martina LIVE in April on CD ... The Beach Boys have stopped suing each other after eight years ... The Jonas Brothers are the HOTTEST male act for the 'tweeners now (Miley still the very hottest) ... Pearl Jam back on tour ... The Supremes rarities coming, you wonder if that would work for any country acts?
See where Dolly is yelling about older acts not getting airplay? Says we are as good as we ever were if we ever were. It is silly for Country to have a more restricted demographic list than Classic Rock or AC. A loyal format of listeners and the focus of the labels is 18-36, the CD buyers ... 25-54 women only want to hear Taylor and Carrie? Rascals and Keith? Why do I feel that is wrong? It's what the labels are telling you, not your audience. There a format thinker out in Radioland who knows how to have fun on the radio, like Disney Radio does with its family...
Keep honoring these brilliant programmers some more at CRS for running jukeboxes ... excellent minds. They can schedule that music scheduling software computers like the brains at NASA. Meanwhile ... Top 40 is having fun ... the little kids are having fun ... Country radio just plows away as a "10 plays in a row" jukebox. Cox does it better than most, too.
Plenty of New Faces
One looks like an early '90s Faith Hill -- plenty of young good-looking guys and a few, but not many groups. Mostly Sugarland/Little Big Town like acts. All jumped in the water and tried to get the radio programmers' attention.
Big money for magazine cover ads and booze swinging parties thrown for several others. Whatever it takes to try to get a new kids' song on the radio. Anything within legal reason, of course.
I'm sure their deals aren't lucrative and their chances of even half of them making a dent are slim, still we wish them luck.
Will radio welcome these newcomers with open arms as they did Carrie and, fairly recently, Josh and Rodney? To be seen.
The ACM noms out this week continue to show a changing of the guard. New faces in those circles, too. Sales aren't great for anyone except Taylor Swift; still you hope for a "redneck woman" lightning bolt to strike and strike soon.
Try to book a big country act for your garden party sometime. Do the fans have any idea there are half -dozen million-bucks-a0night acts and probably close to two dozen $100,000-a-night big shots? A few not-so-old timers remember when Tim McGraw got $7,500 for a night and Kenny was playing for tips and tacos. My, my, have their fates changed!
Trace Adkins still rolling on "The Apprentice." His new single is rolling, too. Jim Cantore, the bald Wildman of the Weather Channel, stopped by Trace's CRS party, where "The Apprentice" girls showed up, too. Cantore likes country music and hurricanes!
Made it to the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo this week, with Tim McGraw opening. The event will carry on for 20 or so days. Tim was cheery when we met backstage. He's been working on new music and seems to be pumped up on how the recording is going.
Garth made it to CRS, too. He said he was working on screenplays. Toby Keith is making his "Beer For My Horses" movie with CMT. What's the deal with these Okies and the movie business? Toby was pushing his new song this week, "She's a Hottie."
CMT nominations, ACM nominations ... is anyone else afflicted with Award Show yawn and fatigue? It is just so hard to get excited about these three-hour infomercials, and the rating sure reflect the fatigue. Reinvention is badly called for.
Brad Paisley has lined up new and interesting touring partners for the summer: Chuck Wicks again, Jewel and Julianne Hough the dancer co-careering with singing.
The economy and consolidation is going to get us all this year. And has anyone noticed a changing of the guard at radio, too? Lots of morning men seem to be moving out; I didn't read the changes for a few days and got shocked at all the major moves.
Congrats to all the new DJ Hall of Fame folks. Nice dinner. Alan Jackson played and so did Charlie Daniels. Very nice night.
Sure hope Eddy Arnold gets better after his serious fall last week outside is South Davidson county home. Eddy will be 90 on May 15 -- 145 charted singles, 85 million albums sold, 28 #1s. A Hall of Famer, legend and very class act. Get well soon, Mr. Arnold!
Who Would Want The Job?
On the eve of the Country Radio Seminar, you wonder why would anyone in their right mind would want to be a program director.
A thankless job that goes 24 hours a day ... creates insanity if you were not insane already. Meglomania. Control freaks. But again, mostly a thankless job where you rarely get the credit and always get the blame.
I've had more bad ones than good. The bad apples do stick out, don't they?
It's on my mind because of all the group-think in radio today. Somedays, I think we are back on track ... and others, brainless research-driven loons are back not having any idea how to entertain an audience. It's an impossible job. and I do salute those of you who have survived and prospered
Why is Toby Keith so determined to be a movie star? Taking on comedy may be the hardest genre to attempt. The Blue Collar Comedy gang hasn't succeeded on film, and every major comic has their share of bombs. What works on the little screen mostly does NOT work on the big one. In "Beer For My Horses," the release says Toby and Rodney Carrington are deputies off to rescue their woman from drug lords. Sure sounds like hijinks that will throw us into uncontrollable laughter. Good luck, boys. Did the last film leave so many people clamoring for more? Must have....
I will tell you one good movie that's on its way any day. That's the new documentary from Martin Scorsese about The Rolling Stones. Even at 10am, it was fantastic. If you ever liked the Stones, you will want to see this mostly theatre concert film. Charlie Watts is the unsung power for this band. Keep that in mind as you listen. He's a steam engine!
Did a blonde Texas girl cancel a big appointment with big-name songwriters at the last minute? That wasn't cool. And is another blonde turning her nose up on some folks here. acting like she doesn't know you? Blondes, what do you do!
Trace Adkins bringing some the "Apprentice" folks to town for CRS. And wasn't that odd Sean Hannity canceling his keynote. Had no one looked at the calendar when they booked him and saw the primaries on March 4th. Been that date for years and years...odd.
"Gone Country" is not a bad show at all! "Nashville Star," we pray will be a very good show with Billy Ray hosting. It's got our name on it, so it needs to work or we all get slimed.
The Washington Post published a long article on Taylor Swift. She is hot, but may she NOT be as hot as Miley Cyrus, who now seems to be all of a sudden in the crosshairs of the paparazzi!
"American Idol" is horrible this year! Anyone remember contestant Kristy Lee Cook (Kristy Lee in Nashville) when she signed at Arista/BMI? She was 17, went with her mom, and was with Britney Spears' new production company.
Congratulations to Capitol Records for working the new Chris Cagle CD to a #1 debut. His career was blinking before all the hard work from artist and label. Nice to see things when they work!
Hank Jr. will be at the Country Music Hall of Fame event when they open up the new Williams Family Legacy section. Jr. deserves Hall of Fame status.
I'm still trying to figure out what the cool thing is about Facebook. Flickr has a nice layout; I did that, too. (search people: askjimmycarter)
Billy Ray's name has come from my mouth more times in the last two months than since the "Achy Breaky" days.
Nicole Kidman at the Oscars with Keith was good. The wine story sure made Cindy Adams look like an ass! Is Jeith Entertainer of the Year at ACMs or CMAs in 2008? Still Kenny? Time for Brad?
Atlanta NASCAR race at the end of CRS week. Arista's Jason Michael Carroll will do a show pre-race. Big Dukes of Hazzard going down on race day, too. F-18s on Saturday and A-10 Warthogs on Sunday for you high-flying race fans.
Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five passed away this week. One of the most unsung bands of the British invasion. At the very least, he was one of the great voices!
Did you see where Billy Bob Thornton is going to the Goober Lindsey film festival at University of North Alabama March 6 to 9? B-Bob is world's biggest "Andy of Mayberry" fan (he might have to fight T. Graham Brown for that honor!)
This is a CRAZY Business!
How can you have a 50th anniversary of the recorded music's premiere award and have such a dimly lit cast! Why did McCartney blow it off? No Madonna, Clapton, Joel, Gill, Krauss, Aretha, Simon, Richie, Jacksons ... are the labels running this show to the disregard of what is the right thing to do?
Pop music stinks right now and the ratings reflected a starless, humorless show. Concert tickets are sold to Country audiences and shows like the Stones and Rod Stewart. The Grammy reflected a bizarre mix of today's hits, and the fix for Amy Winehouse was so apparent. This production has no host and is a bunch of segments strung together. Why did Brad sing "Ticks?" Whose idea was it for Carrie to do a Britney or Nancy Sinatra impersonation?
This Grammy show needs new producers and someone needs to take it away from total control by the labels. A show producer needs to make the show like the Oscars. The studios don't run it, but support it.
I'm glad I decided not to go.
I could go on ...The Beatles salute was lame and poorly directed. The opera singers were the best moment -- that and Tina Turner.
On to the Country Music Hall of Fame: This is such an in-house odd duck. No criticism of this year's class ... last year's, either. These are all deserving people. But how can you have basically 100 people in this thing to represent the entire history of Country music?
Pop Stoneman should have been put in 30 years ago. Kenny Rogers, Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell and on and on. Three a year is crazy. Maybe they only have so much room on the walls for folks. The Oaks and Randy Travis will get in ... or I hope they do. But should they wait, like Stoneman, for 40 years after their death?
It's minor crap really. Still, The Grammys honored a crackhead and the Hall of Fame is leaving out so many deserving people, while 10% of the names on the walls aren't known outside the research library.
Sears had the idea: The customer is always right. The customers need people like Reba and Barbara to be in the Hall of fame NOW. It will help the attendance and generate some excitement. The Grammys need to be their own people. CMAs, too, for that matter. Do a great show and stop trying to be infomercials for the hits or so-called hits of the day.
CMA Music Festival has Keith Urban ... and Ticketmaster is selling now.. BamaJam has a great lineup for the same time as the CMA festival. BamaJam is June 5-7 near Enterprise. Chris Rock has been added to Bonnaroo's wild weekend.
Who hacked the Chesney keg store info and screwed things up for the people who may now not get to see him at all?
Tony Brown told me that the new Heidi Newfield (Trick Pony former) is excellent. He's would say that since he's the producer. But I bet he's right!
No Grammys For Me
Have the credentials and paid for the airline ticket, but not going to this year's Grammys. I've covered some 25 of the 50 Grammy shows. This year I am just not into POP music, the mainstay of the show.
Music sales are down in part because the music right now is crappy. There really is no "got to see" star is there? Is there anyone worth flying across the country to see? I don't feel there is. Sales may indicate the economy, the digital age and the boring factor.
Country seems a lot more interesting, as a complete genre, than any other genre of music. I am talking the fringe country people in that mix. Country is the new POP.
Country gets two performances and that's good. Taylor will be a presenter and that's about it. I like Beyonce and it would be great to see former Tennessean Tina Turner. Just nothing to get me in that metal bubble for five hours. Stargazing is fun every time, but this year flying is worse. What an overall awful experience these days. (I think I say that every week)
What a thrill it must be for Taylor Swift this weekend! Carrie is still rolling and Brad is a gem.
Trace Atkins still hanging on in "Celebrity Apprentice." Did you know you could watch missed episodes on NBC.com free?
"Nashville Star" beginnig its audition run in days ... be on the look-out.
This BamaJam event in Alabama June 5-7 sounds huge and fun. Year one tickets at 877 4Bamajam and www.bamajammusicfestival.com. Hank Jr, Daryl Worley, Little Big Town, lots of bluegrass, ZZ Top , Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ricky Skaggs and more. RVs welcome, etc. Go get more info ... I'm going!
I am NOT going to Bonaroo. Whew, bunch of hippies, no baths ... a little to loud and stinky for me. I never wanted to be in the crowd of Woodstock. Backstage, YES!
The Hollywood writers strike is done or close to it.
Summer concert of the bunch is Shea Stadium New York for Billy Joel's farewell to the stadium. "From the Beatles to Billy" it's called. July 16th.
Daytona Week ... Valentine's Day ... busy week....
Politics, too. McCain vs. Obama ... did anyone predict that a year ago?
Garth: The Pied Piper
Jimmy Carter on assignment in Macon,Ga.
I'm in Macon, Georgia, where Brad Paisley is about to play to a near sellout crowd. It will be hard to focus after last Saturday night's Garth Brooks love fest in Los Angeles. I've read the reviews, but all the words really don't describe the in arena vibe for that show. It was a bit of time travel and a bit of an adult version of Hannah Montana. Garth is up to who knows what with all these marathon shows -- and five million "Ultimate Hits" CDs that have been sold.
I just know that the Garth I saw a few days ago has a relationship with his audience that few, very few, entertainers have ever had. It's loving and respectful and fun. I purposely turned around and looked around a few time to look at people's faces and their smiles, singing along and dancing and having a great time. Only a few times did anyone even try to sit down. ( I'm getting too old to stand up for two hours, but I did)
Garth is the Ray Kroc of Country music. (Kroc invented McDonald's, if you're a young tyke). He markets himself like no one individual. Not Elvis or the Beatles. He is a marketing machine like the machine they had. His music is story-telling cowboy music. But brands don't do the guy justice.
I know that Garth is worshiped by some and disliked by others. Some of that dislike I am sure is jealousy. He is an icon and a mystery. I took my 5th grader who knew only "Pina Colada" and "Friends in Low Places." She walked away a big fan. He has stage magic and it has and still does work best LIVE.
It is the Garth concert that makes him a must for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Words cannot capture the "I have no problems in the world " place that Garth can take you to for two hours . That is a very special talent. I hope his girls force him back on that stage soon. The world is a better place when Garth is running around that stage sweating and smiling.
That was a Valentine's card to Garth I know. But it's the way I feel and felt after leaving that 5 pm show, the fourth of five.
This week ... what else? Sure seems to be a lot of weird rating books coming in for people. Can you say ethnic weighting? Up one book, down the next. They are simply not accurate. It's a voodoo science at best!
Since Brad Paisley is on my mind, how cool is it that he is going to do an instrumental CD? Good to see some art remains in our digital downloading world.
CRS is coming, so the empty heads can be filled with booze and promise of the new artists on the way. Sure haven't seen the future big deals yet! Who then?
The Grammys are next. Trying to decide whether to go ... leaning toward not. Seems like a pretty major Country music insult, for starters. Carrie and Brad only? Not sure. I hate that ride on Southwest! Painful!
Hats off to anyone who travels now for a living! Is there a more junky, bus station place than LAX Terminal One/Southwest? It's a third world country and embarrassing or should be to L.A. and Southwest. It has to be fire code illegal with overcrowding! Maybe not. Awful!
I am listening and buying more music than I have in 10 years minimum. iTunes is great and easy ... and it works. Got a new thing from Sony BMG for downloading. Will try it this week. The physical CD world with DVD, too, is going to disappear before your very eyes. Watch!
Taking a tour artist's road money and merchandise cut is not the way to save the record companies. Watch this, too, backfire. I'm not sure what the answer is, but a more repressive recording contract is not the answer.
Okay ... jet lag and crazy weather is telling me to get going to Brad's show. He's a good entertainer and artist -- very different from Mr. Brooks, but equally worthy. We have some real talents in this Country music industry. You just have to get past the hot flavors of the day!
Note to Marty Stuart and XM: What a cool show on the Lousiana Hayride today. The Hank, Sr. and Elvis aircheck stuff was really cool. Never heard that James Burton cut either ... what terrestrial radio is missing is non-jukebox entertainment. Give me a reason to tune in! A benchmark. SOMETHING besides playing "Stay" over and over again. SCREAM! The song is one of the best performances by any singer ever ... wow ... BUT enough already. It makes you want to jump out the window now. Who still wants to hear that distressing song five times a day on the way to work, too. That can't be good programming!
Another Year, Another Grammy Snub
Jimmy Carter in L.A.
Here in rainy L.A. for the Garth Brooks concerts this weekend. I am sure that's going to be something to write about next time!
Grammys are at this same building, The Staples Center, February 10th. It's Grammy 50 and I have been at most of the ones since Grammy 27.
They have never been about Country music. Ever! Remember, Country is on a good day 10% of the overall music pie. It's our 10% and has the most talented people in the world!
Carrie Underwood is featured -- and the only one at this writing. No Taylor Swift ...and she's up for Best New Artist! Vince was offered a 90-second slot and that was an insult.
The Grammys are seen all over the world and is a huge break for any artist. Why can't a Vince, Brad and Keith do a salute to Dick Dale or the Ventures? That's Grammy-esque!
It's either a total lack of creativity or a snub. If it's a snub, Country Music does need to make a stand like Vince did...90 seconds for a guy who's won 18 Grammys! Amazing!
The tours of Country music are about firmed up for 2008. Hank Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd are on a Southern tour...the Rowdy friends tour... Tom Petty is all over the country. Chesney not playing some of his normal cities ( Little Rock, Seattle, Denver) but he's working hard late spring and summer.
Look for something called BAMAJAM in Enterprise, Alabama June 7th. I hear that it will be huge! Check out New Orleans Jazz Festival too late April/Early may. Tim McGraw among the names.
New venue in the NW Atlanta suburbs -- the Verizon Encore. A million bucks in landscaping; check out the website! We know Tom Petty will be there, and we hear the EAGLES!
Willie Nelson turns 75 April30th and a lot of product on the way to celebrate. "Texas In My Soul" from his RCA sessions has been added to my iPod Touch ... great fun swing song.
Garth in L.A -- looking forward to see if the feeling is still there. Saw him in Central Park, Orlando and
New Jersey's Meadowlands back in the day. It will be interesting to see the demo and the fans!
Nashville Star ... Do or Die
It's one of the most widely seen country music shows in recent years, but Music Row and Country radio never really got behind it - "Nashville Star."
Was it thought of as an "American Idol" rip-off? Maybe, but all that is history. USA Network is gone and they were not going to invite the show back. per Variety. Now it's the mothership NBC with "Nashville Star." The smallest NBC audience is more than GAC and CMT combined. So, Music Row and Country radio better think twice before dismissing this show.
If "Nashville Star" gets a decent budget with new hosts and judges, maybe it can really fly. If it crashes and burns, we all get a little bloody. Country needs to succeed on network TV! If it does, copycats will come and away we go!
CMT's "Gone Country" starts Jan 25th. That's the reality show with the C- and D-level stars going country. I can not get excited about this one; "Celebrity Apprentice" is all I can handle as it is.
Mr. Chesney making lots of headlines this week. He was called out on stage by George Strait Thursday night in Birmingham to sing "Shiftwork." The crowd almost broke the sound barrier. Strait NOT doing the Houston Rodeo in March. He will be on his yacht.
Chesney's stadium show lineup is as strong as ever this year. Chesney with Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes and Gary Allan are the July 5th Nashville show.
Saw something amazing at the local IMAX theatre. U2 in Imax 3D. Wow, I didn't know I even liked U2 that much. A concert film that you can feel and TOUCH. IMAX sound systems are great anyway. I sort of hate the cheesy glasses you have to wear, but it's a small price to pay for the thrill. Hanna Montana is out with her 3d film in February. The Stones have an IMAX coming, too.
Dave Robbins leaving Blackhawk after 15 years. Tim McGraw has shaved his head? Faith has surgery on her knee? Stevie Nicks in town doing music that also will appear on a PBS special.
Charlie Daniels going in the Opry cast over the weekend. A smart move for both.
The Grammys and maybe even the ACMs may get muddy with the Hollywood writers strike. The Grammys may get a picket line and that will make many not able to cross. Same for the ACMs in Vegas. The strike has been civil so far ... key words: SO FAR.
Tues Jan 22nd the Grammy folks will honor all the local nominees.
The summer of '08 is getting a lot of concerts. Tim McGraw's out; so is Kenny, B&D, Toby, Flatts and Paisley.
Friends With Benefits
I was Country music-free for over a week aboard a Norwegian Cruise line in the Bahamas, Virgin Islands and The Dominican Republic. I did see a cardboard cutout of Chesney at a liquor store at a Saint Thomas place called Mountaintop. And a Filipino guitarman played like Chet Atkins. But never forget, Country has plenty of room for growth!
A new year and with the stock market volatile, oil prices insane and politics in Presidential mode, this is going to be a crazy and fast year.
Some quick odds and ends: Trace Adkins not doing anything bad on "Celebrity Apprentice." He was worried how he would come off. He's been fine. Gene Simmons is sucking up all the oxygen.
What's going on with the Muzik Mafia? A lawyer in North Alabama is saying breach of contract involving a Gretchen Wilson/John Rich no-show. Big Kenny was there and other Mafia members. Who knows, but Gretchen needs some good publicity!
Phil Vassar embarking on a busy winter/spring schedule. His new CD is called "Prayer for the Common Man." I wish him luck; he's a very talented guy!
Will the paparazzi come to Nashville to chase the pregnant Nicole Kidman?
Lots of comebacks on tap for 2008. Clay Walker's new music, followed by Collin Raye, who is using MySpace to get visibility radio wont or can't give. Good ol' Neal McCoy booking up January and July as he continues his never ending tour.
Tickets are now on sale (Jan. 12th/Saturday, 10am) for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Tim and Faith, Miley Cyrus, B&D, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts and many more.
We let Shelby Lynne get away a few years ago. She has a Dusty Springfield salute titled "Just a Little Lovin'". Two great underrated talents.
Check out the roster for the Plant City Florida Strawberry festival. From Tom Jones and Glen Campbell to AJ, Gilley, CDB and Mickey Gilley.
Is the "Idol" wave ending? They sure birthed some hot stars, such as Carrie and Daughtry. The show is back the 15th and away we go again. "Nashville Star" cranking up, too.
The writers strike is going to choke the networks very soon. If the studios let the Oscars go like they did with the Globes, then this will be a huge strike and both sides will start really twisting arms.
St. Jude training week ahead for many. Super Bowl fever is building and CRS is getting closer. 2008 is the year Music Row will rewrite the talent contracts and pay a lot more attention to the world scene. Picking a president right now is impossible. Picking the big star of 2008 may be equally elusive. Before I go, as a traveler, programmers you are burning up and out "Firecracker" by Josh Turner. Every time I cut the radio on ... whew ... really good song ... but burning up.
He's a Rock God!
I don't get blown away easily. I've seen too much for too many years to get easily wowed. You seem to compare things to Garth shows, Jimi Hendrix (Yes, I saw him in the 8th grade and still have my ticket stub), Led Zeppelin (Yes, saw them, same building in Tuscaloosa), The Stones' stadium shows. I thought the Keith Urban show I saw the other night was up there in the very big leagues.
It was not the Keith I've seen in front of Kenny or in other situations. Keith Urban today is free. He looks happy, is having fun and confident. His personality and charm and honesty shines.
I was expecting something good and got more than I bargained for.
It is hard to tell people that this very familiar figure is different. In this case, you just have to see him climb into the audience or play the lone piano. This guy is really talented and is finely getting to do what he knew he could do all along. Timing is everything in this business.
I think some of his material is a bit sappy, but I'm a guy. He should change NOTHING. The women swoon and love him. He is a star and a wonderful success story.
I have stated in this column my respect for Kenny's and Brad's shows. Kenny's stadium and Brad's most recent shows were superstar-makers for them ... coming-of-age kind of events. Add Keith Urban now to that list. He is a legitimate headliner and deserves to be. He has to be seen to be fully appreciated. I know he did for me.
This guy ROCKS! I'm not sure if he would be branded Country, but who cares. It was one of the best efforts on a stage I've ever seen. He worked and he won. That huge Keith-o-vision screen. The excellent sound design. This must be boring to read, so let me just say: Go see the show! It was great! And I don't use that G word that often especially lately.
Concerts have been a real Music Row blessing this year. The sales, well, that's another story. It just feels like voodoo economics, but The Eagles are not a Country group (they said that themselves), They are not on a Nashville-based label, so why is this in the Nashville CD sales pot?
I love the Eagles, but it sure feels like it's a cook-the-books thing. That 300,000 figure makes it look like things are jumping. Put in Garth's 100,000 week and ... boom! Sales are down, what, 15% from last year? It depends on what you are counting. When you add the Eagles in with things like that, who knows. The point is simple: What Nashville acts ARE selling music?
The off-the-top-of-the head is easy: Carrie, Flatts and Taylor Swift. Sugarland has done well and the ever-forgotten Tim McGraw has, too! Where is the new talent?
Josh Turner has been okay. But when you get past these names, you begin to go underground. Of course, a few others did some business (Reba), but have any of the newcomers actually hit a chord with hard copy sales or concert bookings? Is there anyone past Taylor Swift that the public is legitimately excited about? I sure don't feel it.
You don't even get a real feeling about what kind of Country the fans want.
You really have to wonder what 2008 is going to be like. Kenny's already sold out one stadium. A few of the festivals are going to be good again. You would think Urban/Underwood will do great. Strait is always solid.
Rascal Flatts will surely do well, and Brooks & Dunn are leaving the country for down under. I just saw the CRS New Faces lineup ... I may fall asleep. (Why is Taylor Swift in a New Faces show?)
It sure feels like a bunch of known artists have run out of gas and many of the new crop never had any gas.
I hope Jessica Simpson is not our Ace in the Hole for 2008. My wish is for Kellie Pickler to get some great material and make it. We need her star power and personality.
Ms Krauss is going out with Led Zeppelin and that's cool. Tim will work and Faith, too, but not together. Reba and Kelly Clarkson is an interesting match up.
I just want to hear some non-"American Idol" person blow me away. Taylor Swift is a star and with her next CD will certify that. Hopefully, Santa will bring some Okie or Texan or Alabamian and drop them off on 16th Ave. We need a new shiny truck and wagon operated by someone with mud on their boots that didn't get there from opening their Rolls at Neiman Marcus.
Two Great Guys
Just a first moment to say how lucky we all are to have Vince Gill and Charlie Daniels. Their talent is one thing, their character and class another.
Charlie was in Tampa today helping out a charity. He's always helping out someone. Vince is playing the Opry this weekend after playing at a mutual friend's funeral this week. Both men amaze me as artists and as human beings.
As a charter member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, I am drowning in movies right now. The Fedex and UPS carriers are loading me down with screener DVDs. I am watching, while I am typing, Mrs. Urban in "Margot at the Wedding." She may get an Oscar nomination for one of her films. Her "Golden Compass" film is opening amidst some controversy concerning the source material.
Keith is playing the arena tonight and just got back from his husbandly duties with her in London.
Garth is playing Los Angeles with tickets going on sale for that this weekend. The money goes to Southern California 2008 Fire Relief. Garth is another one who helps a lot of people with his success.
The cute "Dancing with the Stars" winning professional Julianne Hough (pronounced: "Huff") has been signed to Shania's home label Mercury. They say she can sing. The gal's already famous. Do we have another potential Carrie Underwood head start coming here? Being well known is a factor, but she has to have some GREAT songs. That part is the hard part.
Cool book out for Christmas: "Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City." Craig Havighurst has put together a fascinating history of Music City.
Willie on the cover of High Times Magazine...My, my...
So we reach the last month of 2007. I still would like to see the sales figures for the year when you do NOT include Garth and The Eagles. I guess it's fair to include them, but not really. Factor out Carrie and Taylor Swift and what DID you have this year? What new artist besides the brilliant job done with Taylor has busted out?
I just know Miley Cyrus is the real deal -- if she can just keep the wheels on the car as it speeds down the road. I also know the Internet has changed all our lives ... and people still can't figure out how to make it a cash cow.
Fake tickets at the Hannah Montana show in Atlanta. That whole ticket thing and the paparazzi are two issues someone needs to look at in 2008. Sales issues, too, but who is NOT looking at that.
Where is Nashville Star?
Goodbye Garth...Again?
Happy Thanksgiving week. It has been interesting reading about Garth Brooks and his return to the spotlight.
When you look at his sales of the last week, the man outsold Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Reba, Rascal Flatts and Carrie combined. Add the old Eagle boys and the old guys are still in charge at the cash register.
Garth has returned to Oklahoma, we guess. But you wonder how long this retirement will last. If he didn't get the stage bug again after those great shows, he is even more confusing. Maybe it's high-tech touring with the Internet. Who knows with Mr. Brooks? Never underestimate or play poker with this King of Country Music.
What a great coup it was combing the power of Keith urban and Carrie Underwood. Carrie has already opened for Brad and Kenny, but now as a co-headliner it seems more headline-worthy. She is still unproven at the box office. Just like Shania was. Does anyone doubt her power? Keith post-rehab is back and running and the race is on for Entertainer of the Year
2008. Keith could easily do it with the career plan they seem to have for him in 2008. Is Brad going to get out of the way or go for it?
The holidays are upon us. The CD sales don't seem that hot on my read. Some stars are flat as a pancake even though they are huge concert draws. It is a crazy business right now.
Has anyone heard the audio quality/mix on the reissue of the Beatles' "Help!"? If some of the classics of country could be made to sound as good as those Beatle songs ... whoaaaaaaaaaaa! I don't claim to understand audio recording technology today, but listen to the DVD as well as look at it. The sound quality is off the scale You can hear things you've never heard before. Could that be done with many of the country classics? Go to Best Buy or Amazon.com and buy "Help!" LISTEN and WATCH a truly amazing technical feat.
Getting ready for a long car road trip to the Northeast. I'm glad I have my XM, but I am going to tune around. I hope I hear more than voicetracking.
Cowboy Hats and Paris Couture
November 8,2007
With custom-designed gowns and Paris runway couture, the CMA Awards were as glamorous as any Grammy or Oscar show. Tacky, cheap, wrong clothes were out and stylist's choices were quite obvious. No Elvis Jungle room runway for this Country crop!
ABC's production flair produced beautiful high-def pictures and the sound was very good on my home system. Not perfect, but how could a LIVE show ever be?
Great clothes, stylish production and yes, even excellent #1 ratings. A 10 rating wins the night all three hours; 16 million or so viewers in any one hour. The other networks just went to sleep offering no competition. Booty Call on BET and Dog with Larry King were no match for Carrie, Taylor, Brad and the Flatts.
Great ratings. Pretty pictures. So off to the races we go. Expect more of what you saw next year. For better or worse. Why would you go in another direction with this kind of ratings report?
It seemed sort of like a second-year football coach (ABC) with its inherited team. The Coach sits tight year one, which ABC did. Then in year two says, "This year we are going with the freshman and sophpmores. A few juniors and a very few seniors will play. You fifth-year seniors ... good luck and good bye."
With a third of the performers baby acts, there was no time or room for folks like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and Toby Keith. No time for Vince to sing or for Tracy Lawrence to win his first CMA in his 17-year career.
Still, the only thing that matters is the book. The ratings book. I guess the plan worked. Country music on this show pretty much began in 2008, or something like that.
George and Reba are Elvis ... evergreens.
We are in the age of Pop country. Carrie, Flatts and Taylor. Glam gals are in, just like on Sunset Blvd. The men with hats still reign -- for now, anyway. Kenny, Dwight, George, Jason Aldean, Kix, Mr Bush of Sugarland and Brad. That seems so opposite from the glam gals and Sunset Blvd Country of the biggest acts. I guess hats are still in -- just don't tell Josh Turner, who couldn't get any more country traditional, no matter what he sings and how much goo they put in his hair.
It's out with old and in with the new. The radio remotes this year saw more strangers than in someone's first AA meeting.
Sugarland over Kix and Ronnie is a first shot fired over the bow. Brad, George and Kenny's wins were traditional choices. Tracy, too. Brad's video was just plain funny. You know, when you think of it, the show was ultra-cutting edge and the award winners were very conservative. Bill Anderson's win was nice.
Maybe the mix on TV was a little too young Country. I hope they seek a better balance. The labels do run the show and they wanted to sell music. Remember, sales are the ONLY things that matter.
Rating should equal sales and we shall see. Performances for 16 million should make cash registers beep.
Glad the moms and dads got their due at the CMAs. Brad talking to his dad was very nice. Proud of Brad in everything he's doing. Maybe Entertainer of the Year in 2008!
Just get a host. Jamie Denton was actually good. Kate Walsh ... not so good. The Eagles were fantastic. You hate to see them there and just do a song. Ouch. You wanted to hear a few, but it wasn't the place. But I would have taken it. 711,000 sales in one week for the old guys. There goes the youth theory.
Good ratings ... and that is good for Country music. We needed a win in the ratings race. STILLLLLLLLL, the show felt like an infomercial and needed more balance. The writing was terrible.
As Taylor said, "This has to be the highlight of my senior year." Now get the student council to meet and let's raise the minimum age a little bit anyway -- despite the ratings. Maybe they can get a 15 rating or even 20 with some adults on the shown, too.
CMA Week ... Hope It Works!
November 1,2007
Lot's of dice rolling on Music Row this week. Bragging rights. Sales bumps. Careers are made and, at times, hurt.
What???????????
Live TV is always dangerous.
Will the sound be good or, as more often than not, stink? Will Carrie, Taylor and Rascal Flatts be the chosen ones? Will Josh Turner jump to the next level as predicted? Will the minor labels beat the block votes?
Seen People magazine with Keith on the cover? Really glad he's doing better and hope he stays well. Sad story how addiction can take your life and throw it upside down!
Chesney grossed $75 million in 2007. That is a lot of money and he earned every bit of it. Sweating through one song at a time!
The death of Porter was very sad. The funeral service at the Opry House was sweet and traditional. He was a complicated guy. The more I studied and read about him this week, the more I liked him. What a great American success story.
Waylon Jennings once said Porter Wagoner couldn't go pop with a mouth full of firecrackers. His singing style was more Hank Williams than Rascal Flatts; for sure he was traditional yet he was also unpredictable.
Porter was the Opry's master showman. His trademark rhinestone suits were as famous as his songs. He was a producer, at times an actor, a singer and a pioneer in country music television. "The Porter Wagoner Show" was on TV for 21 years -- and began right here at channel 4 .
Porter was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Grand Old Opry and a four-time Grammy winner for his gospel work, yet this long-time ambassador of country music is still most famous for introducing the world to a young East Tennessee girl. Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner for a time WERE country music.
Porter Wayne Wagoner of West Plains ,Missouri ... for nearly 60 years a country music icon. The thin man from West Plains was a natural who made his audience feel special just by being himself...
Porter simply ran out of time. There was so much for the young stars to learn from him. A few, like Dierks, did.
Porter was a link to the past. There are a few more left. It's why the Hall of Fame not getting special attention from the CMA show is almost criminal.
What is the present without the perspective you get from the past? Yes, at the struggling labels it's all about holiday sales right now to save their jobs.
You have to wonder how much better things might be if you creatively linked the past and the present instead of either/or. The TV audience would surely be bigger. Having Kid Rock on the CMAs and not having Garth Brooks may be the dumbest thing I've heard the braintrust do yet!
The Class of '89 Revisited
From the Atlanta Raceway for my first in person NASCAR race in 32 years! You do need to be at one of these events in person to really get the scope. I knew it was big, but not this big! It's like a double Super Bowl. Massive.
Hard to believe the Country music industry never fought to the last breath to stay in bed with these people. This is so huge ... another very missed opportunity.
NASCAR wants to get away from the hillbilly/moonshine roots and went rock to some degree, but Country should have hung on. Some radio has, but the music folks not so much. Dumb, dumb, dumb!
It is really sort of hard to read the people who shill for the Row. Sales are in the dumper when you factor out the Carrie/Flatts juggernaut. It looks like there is a concerted effort to go with a whole new draft lineup. The Class of '07, if you will. New blood, but I sure am having a hard time seeing the star power in many if not any of these newcomers.
That's a broad brush, but I can't see a superstar in the bunch right now, with this Class of 07. I'm sure to be proven wrong, but hard to spot a Garth/Alan or Clint in this crowd.
Our A-list touring acts are strong ... real strong. But when you get to the names getting a radio shove right now ... no need to name names, but I am missing something.
Wal-Mart is still selling the country CDs, but the rest of the industry is not even thinking about CDs in the future. It's a strange place to be in.
I see where someone is talking about showing some video in a small way to address the Hall of Fame snub. The CMA got an earfull on that decision and remember, I bet it's ABC flying that plane if walls could talk.
Some sharp Brad Paisley kid or little Martina McBride is on the way. They will find us. The old thinkers are the ones needing the boot!
Music in general has never been more visible. The issue for some: Should Country music continue as a thing -- a brand? Or just call the music coming out of here ... music.
From a marketing point of view, make all the music, everything, so it can cross over. Carrie/Flatts/Sugarland/Urban... all of it. That sure seems like what's happening anyway. Who knows? And what's wrong with that? It's business. Who is to say what turns on the CD-buying demo?
Here the idea that goes ... when you buy a concert ticket, you get the act's CD free. Lots of ideas flying around these days.
I've been watching a lot of old Porter Waggoner lately. Looking back at the honesty of his generation of entertainers. It was real, heartfelt experience they were singing about. Country has always been about the real world.
Right now I just keep seeing Xerox. Imitation. With that in mind, what mold is the cook using? The MTV mold? Are we chasing pop or leading the way?
Like NASCAR ... just turn left. I'm lost trying to mind read people who want to ignore the past (Vince going into the Hall of Fame) and others who want to have their musical headquarters in a downtown high-rise bank building.
These are confusing times.
Pop Goes The Country 10/19/07
It is very easy to freak out these days if you are a real fan of traditional country music. Remain calm! The labels are lost and panicky. CMT thinks broadening the audience is the answer to their issues.
Jessica Simpson with a country CD soon? She could and I bet it could be good. GREENLIGHT if she is honest about it and is genuine. I still think country folks can still see a fake at 100 yards.
CMT with Robert Plant and Ms. Krauss singing "Black Dog" for a "Crossroads" show. That's cool.
The "Gone Country" show does sound like a hit and I will watch. That's the show where John Rich decides if Bobby Brown and Dee Snider are country artists. (after they are trained, of course). I think the outside world is laughing at us, not with us, but whatever.... The rules of country are now that there are no rules and the ones in place are made to be broken.
Bob Wills broke rules, Garth Brooks broke rules, Eddy Arnold broke rules. We survived. Right now, it's more important to find a business model for sales of music that actually makes sense. This thing now is Humpty-Dumpty. I even heard a plan to make albums free and give them out at concerts as part of the ticket price. How unusual and possibly cool is that?
Carrie-mania will hopefully kick in at retail in the week ahead. She is everywhere in the press and media. "Entertainment Weekly" has the most new material so far. Carrie is one to hold the cards close to the vest.
Don't stare at Carrie when you see her; she doesn't like that!
Porter Wagoner, as I write this, is in intensive care at Nashville Baptist hospital. Serious condition and weak, but his mind is strong according to family. Get well, Porter!
Ellen and Iggy the dog. Is that the weirdest tale of the week? The dog adoption people are mean as Cruella DeVille. Urban on Ellen in the week ahead.
Imus coming to RFD-TV. Emery already there. Crook and Chase on the way in prime time, too?
Sara Evans is back in business with Chevrolet sponsoring her fall tour.
GAC is all about Garth in the next few weeks. Their November lineup is good. If you don't have them, get them. GAC is a good counterbalance to CMT.
How really stupid is Britney Spears?
Take a deep breath, CMA week is almost hear ... still a little time. If you read the tea leaves, you can almost see Rascal Flatts set up for Entertainers of the Year. ABC is making a mistake of producing the show with toooo much label input and too many people with LOW TV Q. They will regret the moves.
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