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Home , Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Callista Clark, Caylee Hammack, Chris Young (musician), CMA Music Festival

2021 MAY 17 CountryInsider.com | Sign Up For Daily Email Here

How Country’s 2021 Touring Scene Is Taking Shape. Let’s review the past few weeks. sold 50,000 tickets for Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium in less than 30 minutes. kicked off a sold-out Southeastern club run and started selling tickets for a late- summer amphitheater tour. Dan + Shay, , and others announced tours, and and revealed residencies. The CDC said people immunized against COVID-19 could go unmasked in most settings, and communities nationwide began easing mask regulations. On Saturday, announced his 2021 tour during a livestreamed concert. After a year of mostly silent stages, live is on its way back. (Continued on page 4)

COUNTRY INSIDER TOP 5:

Teenage Dream: Newcomer Steadily Climbs The Chart With “It’s ‘Cause I Am.” ABC’s “” Announces Summer Concert Series Lineup. To Hold Concert Benefiting Tornado-Ravaged Hometown. Ashley McBryde’s 37-Market “This Town Talks Tour” Includes Two-Night Stand. For No. 1 , Topping Charts Is Easy In The 20’s.

1 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com

Big Frank Edwards Shawn Patrick Top 5 All-Time Favs AMD & VP, Programming Top 5 All-Time The Shawn Patrick Show, By Male Artists : K-99 Country/KRYS Country Bands: Heard Nationwide Corpus Christi, TX 1. Misery and Gin - 1. Alabama 2. 2. Blame It on - 3. Old Dominion 3. Wave on Wave - 4. 4. Beer Never Broke My Heart - 5. 5. - Garth Brooks

“GMA” Summer Concerts: , Dierks Bentley, Others To Perform. July will be full of country music at “Good Morning America.” The ABC-TV morning show announced its summer concert series lineup this morning, and it includes Lady A (July 2), and Brad Paisley (July 5), Dierks Bentley (July 23) and Old Dominion (July 30). The series kicks off Friday, May 28, with a virtual performance from K-pop group BTS and also includes scheduled appearances from Bebe Rexha and .

Ashley McBryde’s “This Town Talks Tour” Begins June 12 In Roanoke, VA. Ashley McBryde returns to the road as the “This Town Talks Tour” kicks off June 12 in Roanoke, VA’s Park at the Bridges and wraps Jan. 15, 2022, at Cleveland’s Agora Theater. Support on the 37-market tour includes Morgan Wade, Priscilla Block, Adam Hambrick and Ray Fulcher. McBryde will play two shows at ’s Ryman Auditorium, supported by Lainey Wilson on Aug. 26 and Aug. 27. “We’ve missed you all so much,” McBryde said in a release. “Now, let’s be together and make some damn music!” Public sale of tickets begins Friday.

Alan Jackson Announces Concert To Benefit Where He Comes From. Newnan, GA, native Alan Jackson initially envisioned staging a concert in Nashville to raise money for his hometown, which was struck by an EF-4 tornado in March. Instead, Newnan leaders convinced him to bring the concert home. “Where I Come From: Tornado Benefit Featuring Alan Jackson” will take place Saturday, June 26, at Newnan’s Coweta County Fairgrounds. Tickets go on sale Friday and will Benefit the Coweta Community Foundation, which is managing charitable efforts to help the people of Newnan in the wake of the March 26 storm that destroyed approximately 70 homes and damaged more than 1,700. Jackson released a new called “Where Have You Gone” last week.

Mav3rick Named Cherry Creek Media Wenatchee OM. Cherry Creek Media Wenatchee, WA, names Mav3rick Operations Manager of the seven- station cluster, which includes country “Kissin’ 97.7” KYSN. Mav3rick has been serving as PD/afternoon host at Cherry Creek Media country “Eagle 93.3” KGGL Missoula, MT. “Mav3rick did a tremendous job as Program Director of KGGL in Missoula,” Group OD Mark Elliot said in a release. “I have no doubt he’ll have the same success as our Operations Manager in Wenatchee.”

3 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com The Country Touring Landscape. (Continued from page 1) “It’s been a long-ass year, and we’ve missed you shows at a variety of venues. “We’re going to mix it guys so much,” Aldean told the capacity crowd at up, knowing that there’s such a demand for music The Bonnaroo Farm from the fans and knowing in Manchester, TN, there’s a wide array of people Saturday night. out there,” says McCreery’s manager, Scott Stem. “We “It’s a great feeling, want to make ourselves being back out there,” accessible to meet the needs Bentley said during of the fans.” a recent Zoom call with press. “It’s a lot Generally, shows are rolling of different emotions, out from south to north looking at all of these (or from red state to blue) stages.” Bentley, who as restrictions ease. “As played five shows in as America opens up, touring opportunities open up, many nights last week, as well, “ says Beckham, who notes that Paisley will says he’s mostly been begin his tour with a trio of Florida dates, which able to block out those were announced before the full tour. “Normally, emotions and focus on a Brad Paisley would do a national on-sale when his performance “and seeing the elation in the fans’ announcing the tour,” he says. faces and my band’s faces, as well. I’ve tried not to focus on the circumstances of what has happened Other than routing and health regulations, one of or is happening. I’m just going out there and trying the biggest differences in the 2021 touring season to keep it heavy on the music and have a good is the time gap between announcing the shows and time. And we have – we’ve had a lot of fun.” staging them. “In recent history, some shows would announce a year out,” says Nate Towne, a partner The pace of new tour announcements has yet to at WME. “We’re certainly going back to the way it outstrip the interest of the country audience. was done in the ‘80s and ‘90s when there might be an eight- or 12-week lead “There’s such a pent-up demand for time.” entertainment,” says Rob Beckham, co-founder of The Artist Management Additionally, the outdoor Group (The AMG), whose season is starting later clients include Paisley and than usual, so it likely . It’s a demand will extend later into that extends beyond music the year. “There may be to sports and beyond. “It’s some artists and fans going to be a very robust wearing parkas at some business for the next two to point,” Towne says. three years.” With tour How artist teams have announcements coming so quickly and so late in responded to the country’s re-opening varies the year, the touring landscape may feel more considerably. Some acts — like , Lee packed than usual. That’s not necessarily the case, Brice and — already have returned but people will have so many options so suddenly to the road. delayed his stadium — and not just in country music — that competition tour until 2022, citing the difficulty of scheduling for the audience’s attention and their money will be logistics, a reason that also sidelined Nashville’s heavy. CMA Music Festival for a second year. “The dollars people are spending in entertainment, Scotty McCreery, for instance, is putting together a whether it’s concerts or sports or whatever, will combination of fair and festival dates rescheduled probably be stretched,” Beckham says. from last year with direct support and headlining (Continued on page 7) 4 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com Is Callista Clark The Total Package At 17? Sure Looks That Way. Callista Clark may be complicated, as she sings in Zebulon at places like the Music Barn and the Opry “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” but the key to her impressive early House. “They had a little bit of an older crowd, so my success at radio is simple: The Zebulon, GA, native mom had us learn older things that they wanted to combines an extraordinary and soulful voice with an hear, like ‘80s and ‘90s country, Motown and classic irresistible melody and a message that resonates with rock,” she says. females of all ages. Those early The single, released in February, continues to pick influences up both adds and spins. Five times, “It’s ‘Cause I Am” contributed to her has been among a week’s five most-added records. unique sound, This week, “It’s ‘Cause I Am” is among the week’s five as does the fact most-added records for a fifth time. Only Luke Combs’ that she is an old “” and Chris Young and ’s soul, a phrase she “” have done the same in 2021. Clark hears often. “But was recently selected for iHeartMedia’s “On the Verge” I am also still 17,” program, helping her claim a spot in Mediabase’s Top she says, “so I can 50 last week. write about things a 17-year-old feels “It’s ‘Cause I Am” also is taking on a life of its own on and what they go social media, where fans offer interpretations and through. snapshots of their lives. “We are all that “It is so fun to see on age or have been TikTok and the other that age. It’s really social media platforms great to play both sides and write something relatable where people are to all ages and write the sound I want to bring back.” listening to it, blasting it in their and just She visited Nashville at age 11, performing at a Café flipping their hair, going Coco ’ night. The experience hooked her. crazy, just totally feeling A year later, she performed with , who the song,” Clark, 17, tells has become an important mentor. Country Insider. Her career exploded at age 13 after she posted a cover The empowerment anthem, written with Laura Veltz of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen and Cameron Jaymes, was inspired by one of many the Rain” to Facebook. The video now has 28 million times Clark has been dismissed, discouraged or views. Mega-manager saw it, signed her underestimated. and introduced her to Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta.

She recalls the hot Nashville day when she carried her “The thing that sets Callista apart, and that both into a Starbucks: “This random older guy sees listeners and programmers see and hear, is that she a young girl in Nashville with a guitar. He looks at me is real,” says GM Clay Hunnicutt. and was like, ‘Pfft. Good luck.’ I turned around and “She’s a writer, an incredible vocalist, plays eight said, ‘Thank you very much,’ and walked out. instruments, is a historian and student of music and the total package at 17. She gives fans and listeners “There were a lot of moments like that when I wasn’t something not being offered by hardly any other artist taken seriously. before I would even show in our format. anyone what I could do, so I wanted to write a song that shows what I can do.” “We always want artists to be true to themselves and to have a unique brand and identity. Callista is that, It’s hard to believe, but this bold performer is quite shy. and it’s why it’s working. She’s lived the songs she sings She began singing at her grandfather’s Georgia church and delivers them in a powerful way that is perfect for at age 2 or 3, trying to hide her little face behind the mainstream country radio and their listeners.” microphone. Soon, she started harmonizing with — Beverly Keel her brother and sister and later began performing in

5 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com POWER TITLE AIRPLAY RETENTION CALL OUT AUDIO POWER SALES COMPOSITE # ARTIST - LABEL Made For You 1 4 6 4 8 1 1 - Big Loud Breaking Up Was Easy In The... 2 13 4 5 10 2 2 SAM HUNT - MCA Nashville Forever After All 4 21 2 1 1 3 3 LUKE COMBS - River House/Columbia Nash Famous Friends 6 8 1 14 5 4 4 CHRIS YOUNG & KANE BROWN - RCA Nashville Hell Of A View 3 2 21 2 7 5 5 - EMI Nashville Settling Down 9 7 19 7 12 6 6 - RCA Nashville Glad You Exist 15 19 3 9 11 7 7 DAN + SHAY - Warner/WAR One Too Many 13 15 28 10 9 8 8 WITH P!NK - RCA/Capitol Nashville Gone 7 11 5 12 27 9 9 DIERKS BENTLEY - Capitol Nashville 19 x 34 8 6 10 10 - Valory NATIONAL CALLOUT TITLE N`EAST MID WEST WEST SOUTH # ARTIST Famous Friends 2 2 8 6 1 Young, Chris & Kane Brown Forever After All 4 3 6 5 2 Combs, Luke Glad You Exist 5 11 10 1 3 Dan + Shay Lady 3 1 7 27 4 Young, Brett Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90'S 18 4 3 7 5 Hunt, Sam The Good Ones 1 12 2 15 6 Barrett, Gabby Gone 14 9 1 11 7 Bentley, Dierks Made For You 8 6 12 24 8 Owen, Jake Nobody 6 5 21 21 9 Scott, Dylan Waves 19 7 9 25 10 Bryan, Luke ACTION - UNDEREXPOSED TITLE AIRPLAY COMPOSITE # ARTIST - LABEL & 50 16 1 34 - Lil Bit W/ 31 13 2 18 - Chasing After You LILY ROSE 47 31 3 16 - Villain 42 32 4 10 - Half Of My Hometown f/KChesney KANE BROWN 27 17 5 10 - THOMAS RHETT 19 10 6 9 - Country Again 26 18 7 8 - Wine, Beer, Whiskey DAN + SHAY 15 7 8 8 - Glad You Exist KENNY CHESNEY 32 24 9 8 - Knowing You KEITH URBAN WITH P!NK 13 8 10 5 - One Too Many The Country Touring Landscape. (Continued from page 4) Many of 2021’s tour stops, however, are dates that concert series in Fresno and Norco, CA, have sold were postponed last year then rescheduled. Some so well they’re expanding capacity, according to of those tickets were sold as far back as 2019. “It Beckham. Brad Paisley will play Nashville’s July 4 looks like a lot in the marketplace,” Towne says, celebration — an event “but you’re not asking the fan to re-buy the ticket if he was booked to play in they’ve held onto it.” 2020 — and could end up performing in front There’s more to come, too. Not every act that’s of more people than going to tour this summer and this fall has he would have under announced yet. “We’re normal circumstances trying to be smart about last year. giving each tour a little runway to get the word “We think it’ll be the out,” Towne says. “It’s based biggest crowd in on timing and what else is downtown Nashville going on the marketplace history for the Fourth of so we’re not overwhelming July – in the hundreds of the fan.” thousands of people,” Beckham says.

If the spread of COVID-19 Towne says he expects several months of the stays in check as the Roaring 20s before touring settles back into its pre- percentage of the immunized population increases, pandemic rhythms. “The desire of people to go out the big events will get bigger. Chris Young’s and congregate isn’t going anywhere,” he says. “It’s next two shows, as part of the Boots in the Park strong and will remain strong.”

7 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com Who’s Next? / Building Radio’s Future Back in my early days of program management, We definitely should count them as part of our one of my general managers adamantly insisted industry succession plan. that I develop some form of an employee succession plan for my department. He wanted DSPs and social media companies contain a very to make sure I had someone ready to assume specific talent set with that same high technical my role and other roles in programming. The knowledge, along with an ability to communicate obvious benefits were that any changes could be in various forms. They may not be on-air talent, pretty seamless and that our station would keep but they would be important additions to any growing. marketing/promotion department, if not on air. Another group that fits! Moving to the present, and a much bigger picture, what is our succession There are some very good, plan for the radio but very raw, personalities industry? Are we making involved in podcasting who a concerted effort to find just need personal coaching talent who will be ready and individual guidance. to fill our shoes when we They’re already strong in ride off into the proverbial content and the digital sunset? Or have our daily aspect. Make this the third responsibilities gotten in group. the way of thinking about Finally, how about in your own building? I know that? I have periodically found future on-air talent We’re at a crucial point in the evolution of our working for our promotional road crews. Some business as we speed through the digital age! joined because of the eventual possibility of being We must find future leaders and talent who considered for on-air work. They just need your can set the pace. There is the pessimistic view time and coaching. This group may have as good, that few people want to get into radio these or better, knowledge of your listeners than some days. There’s no question that, with continued of your air staff, just because of the frequent consolidation, the days of the small-market talent listener contact they have. One more for the pool are numbered. Believe me, there are future succession plan. broadcasters out there, ready to learn and ready No question that all of these groups are true to work. We must take the time to find them and, consumers of all that’s digital and bring an most of all, train them. understanding with them that eludes lots of I’ve served as a panelist for several seminars current programmers. involving the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Do you have any more ideas? Share at jshomby@ System and College countrysradiocoach.com. Broadcasters, Inc. Both have a large Now is the time to get this plan on the fast track. database of schools Let’s get out and find our successors! with broadcasting curriculums. I’ve gotten acquainted Reach John: 757-323-1460 with a few aspiring broadcasters, and jshomby@ all they want is a countrysradiocoach.com chance. As digital daily becomes more the norm, countrysradiocoach.com this group has a decided advantage over a lot of us. They have grown up with digital and have a much stronger knowledge of it than we do!

8 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com Clockwise from top: Kimberly Kelly signs to Show Dog Nashville, surrounded by (from top left) producer Brett Tyler, TKO Artist Management’s TK Kimbrell, Show Dog’s Rick Moxley, manager Mike Robertson, Thirty Tigers’ David Macias and Toby Keith. and Cody Johnson have recorded a duet of Nelson’s “Sad Songs and Waltzes.” (l), Miranda Lambert, and performed “In His Arms” on CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”...Maddie & Tae’s Taylor Kerr and Madison Marlow perform with for Save The Music and SongFarm.org’s “Hometown To Hometown” event. ’ Drew Bland (l), Shane McAnally and Katie McCartney (r) visit with Townsquare Media’s Kurt Johnson. iHeartCountry On the Verge artist Lainey Wilson recently performed at Losers Most Wanted Bar inside MGM Grand in Las Vegas. From left: MGM Resorts’ Eric Calhoun, Live Nation’s Sid Greenfeig, Broken Bow Records’ Layna Bunt, Redlight Management’s Mandelyn Monchick, iHeartMedia’s Edward Sheftel, MGM Resorts’ Chris Baldizan, Lainey Wilson, iHeart’s MoJoe Roberts and Yasmine Madidi, and Red Light’s Shawn McSpadden. gives “Entertainment Tonight” behind-the-scenes look at his “No Sad Songs” video. Villa 40/ Nashville artist Drew Green shows off newborn daughter Ruby.

Reach The Country Insider Staff: Managing Editor Brian Mansfield, Editor Annie Reuter, Columnist Beverly Keel. Sales: Karen Rogers

9 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com May 28. The seven-song project ET, NBC). The appearance marks ARTISTS was produced by Greg Bates and Hoot’s return to “” after , Dan + Shay, includes previously released songs winning the singing competition , Zac Brown Band “Thing Is,” “Little Bit of You” and in 2019. Clarkson was his coach and Little Big Town are among “Along Those Lines.” The duo’s on the show. The song is featured the acts set to perform as part Matt Chase and Chris Rogers on Hoot’s debut EP, “Love Out of of the Citi Music Series’ “TODAY” wrote each of the seven tracks. Time,” released in January. summer “With the craziness of 2020, we lineup. The kept our feet on the gas in the concert series writers room and in the studio,” returns in Chase and Rogers said in a release. 2021 on the TODAY plaza will release as a small in- his “Gone Too Soon” EP on Friday, person event June 4. The project includes with COVID-19 current single “Gone Too Soon” protocols and “Somebody in place. All performances will Loves You,” out comply with the Centers for now. Jannakos Disease Control and New York co-wrote every James Barker Band inks a record State guidelines. Shelton will song on the six- deal with / perform Friday, May 21, while track project. Villa 40. “Over All Over Again,” the remaining country sets are “I’m very ready the first release on the label, is TBD. The annual Citi Music Series for people to available now. “It’s not every day lineup, held Friday mornings on hear what we you start working with an act that NBC, was a virtual event last year have been working on in the already has an engaged, global due to COVID-19. studio with Derek Wells at the fan base,” Villa 40 Co-Founder helm,” Jannakos said in a release. Brad Margolis said in a release. Leslie Jordan will make his Grand “These songs mean so much to “We look forward to collaborating Ole Opry debut on Saturday, May me.” with our partners at Sony Music 22. His performance will include Nashville in continuing to build special guests will release “The the band’s success in Canada and featured on Cry of the Heart” Aug. 20. The making them a household name his new album album, out via Fat Possum in the U.S.” “Company’s Records, is Smith’s first release in Comin’.” a decade and Whelan Stone signs with MV2 th The singer her 54 album. Entertainment imprint New Lost announced the Husband Marty City Records. The duo consists performance Stuart produced of songwriters Joe Whelan and with a video posted to social the project. Andrew media that featured Tanya “Look Out Stone. Tucker, , Charlie Heart,” written The pair’s Worsham and Fancy Hagood. by Stuart and debut “I’m going to sing hymns and tell ,” single,” stories and have special guest is available now. The album Whiskey stars and it’s going to be so much includes “I Don’t Believe Me In a Wine fun,” Jordan said. Anymore,” written by Hall of Fame Glass,” is songwriter Frazier, and a out now. cover of Merle Haggard’s “ “The Takes a Hold.” energy that Whelan Stone’s music brings makes you want joins to and sing along,” MV2 Sr. Creative Director Mike Tuesday for a Whelan said in a release. “We performance can’t wait to be a part of their 25- of “I Would’ve city Southeast tour this summer. Southerland will release its Loved You” on It’s going to be an incredible debut EP “Boot Up” on Friday, “The Voice” (8pm journey.” 10 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com

his new role. “We are incredibly Hunt, who will also RADIO excited to have Bill on board,” serve as Production SummitMedia elevates Tom Midwest Evansville OM Aaron Director, was Scott to VP/Engineering. Scott will Santini said in a release. previously MD/ manage engineering for all of the night host at company’s markets throughout the Bonneville KNCI Sacramento, CA Forever Media country. He most recently served (105.1) has hired Jared “Marshall” country WXCY as Chief Engineer Goldberg for middays via Wilmington, DE (103.7), exiting in for the company, voicetracking. He June 2020. “I’m very excited to be with previous Chief started today, and is joining a great team in DuBois, Engineer roles at available to pick up and for the opportunity to be part Cox Radio Group other markets. He of a fantastic company,” Hunt and Clear Channel replaces Joey Tack, wrote on Facebook. Radio. “We are who is stepping delighted for Tom down from his role Jeni Taylor, APD/MD and midday to direct all engineering efforts as PD/middays on July 1. personality at Hall Communications for SummitMedia. It is certainly a WPCV Lakeland-Winter Haven, Gene Sandbloom, OM and well-deserved promotion,” CEO FL (97.5), exits after 23 years at Content Director of Alpha Media the station. Taylor joined the Carl Parmer said in a release. “His adult alternative KINK (101.9) depth of knowledge and strategic station in 1998 and Portland, OR, adds the role of added APD stripes vision will be invaluable to us as we Content Director at country sister continue to innovate and evolve the in 2007. “While “98.7 The Bull” KUPL Portland, technical side of our business.” understandably OR. Before joining saddened after Drew Kirby, morning host at Alpha Media, such a long run, Momentum Broadcasting KJUG Sandbloom spent I’m thankful for Visalia, CA (106.7), is departing the 25 years with CBS the priceless memories made and role. Friday, May 21, is his final Radio Los Angeles, meaningful relationships fostered day. “Stand by for further details,” overseeing modern throughout the decades,” Taylor Kirby said on rock KROQ and said in a statement. Facebook. PD Rik adult hits KCBS-FM McNeil is looking until his exit in 2017. Christofer Shank has filed a for a new morning $1.235 million deal to buy “Kicks Geoff Emery has ended full-time Country” KXKU, CHR “Hit Radio” show to succeed hosting duties for Kirby, who joined KSKU (94.7), classic rock KNZS Broadcasting KUZZ Bakersfield, the station nearly five years ago. (100.3), and classic hits KWHK CA (550 AM/107.9 FM). Emery (95.9) from Astra Radio, the McNeil seeks “a proven, engaging, co-hosted KUZZ’s morning show and compelling show is a must for partnership of Clifford and Vicki for 18 years with Steve Gradowitz, Shank, Sue Jennings and Michael this position, as well as the ability winning the ACM’s medium-market to live and understand the lifestyle Hill. Christofer Shank is the son on-air personality of Clifford and Vicki of the Country listener … This is of the year award in an extremely high-profile position, Shank. The filing says 2012 and 2018. He proceeds from the not a four-and-out-the-door job, moved to middays and not entry level. Three to sale of stock will be last summer. He will allocated to Michael five years of personality radio continue to make experience is preferred.” Hill in the amount of commercials for the $171,137.50, Clifford Shank in the Big Bill Love becomes the station and pull the amount of $1,028,250.00, and Vicki morning host occasional weekend shift. “Geoff Shank in the amount of $20,612.50. at Midwest is one of the signature voices These amounts will be paid out Communications that has ever been on the KUZZ over ten years, at 4.5% interest. “93.5 The Lloyd” airwaves,” KUZZ PD Brent Michaels Sue Jennings will be paid $15,000 at WLYD Evansville, IN, said in a release. closing. exiting Townsquare Jeff Hunt joins Seven Mountains Media WKDQ (99.5) Media “Bigfoot Country” WIFT/ Evansville after 29 WKFT (102.1/101.3) DuBois, PA years. Today is Love’s first day in for middays, effective June 1.

12 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com cultures with my pen, and I’ve The Country INDUSTRY been looking for a team of people Music Association SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher that would know how to take will host a virtual have united as SXM Media. what I’m doing to the next level,” conversation with The new group will create a Breland said in a release. “I think 2020 Country unified sales team. The cross- the Reservoir team embodies that Music Hall of Fame platform sales team will support genrelessness in a really exciting inductees Dean Dillon, Marty publishing, and progressive way.” Stuart and Jr on distribution, June 3 (2pm ET). Ryman Hospitality analytics, WSM-AM Nashville (650) morning ad format host Bill Cody will moderate the innovation event, which is open to CMA and monetization for marketers, members. creators and publishers. “SiriusXM, Pandora and Stitcher Live Nation is planning a new are each powerful brands, but concert venue called The Terminal bringing them together under in . Located at POST the SXM Media umbrella bolsters Houston, The Terminal is expected our position as the premier audio to open in November with a lineup entertainment leader and the of shows announced in July. “It fits largest digital audio advertising perfectly into the Houston market, platform in North America,” where there isn’t a 5,000-capacity SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz said in RED Creative Group signs Noah venue,” Live Nation a release. Hicks to a publishing, label and VP of Operations development deal. The 22-year- Tim Jorgensen SoundCloud names Lauren old singer released his debut told the Houston Wirtzer-Seawood Chief Content single “No More of ‘Em,” a duet Chronicle. “The & Marketing Officer. She will with songwriter , on sweet spot for report to CEO Michael Weissman. Friday. “Noah’s the real deal,” RED artists to engage with fans is often “Lauren’s Creative Group Owner Jeremy Terminal size. We’re filling a basic impressive Stover said in a release. “The Houston need and indeed expect background energy and raw talent he brings to thrive.” spanning labels, to every writer’s room and every social media, and stage is next level. We’re proud to Reyna Roberts, Harper Grae artist services have him at RED Creative. We’re and Jillette Johnson will be is unique in the not knocking on doors, we’re panelists on the June 3 “Change industry,” Weissman said in a about to kick some down.” the Conversation x MediaRow release. “I’m excited to welcome Presents: Spotlight Series” (5pm Lauren to SoundCloud and Tape Room Music hires Caroline ET, Zoom). The new quarterly partner with her to further Hodson as catalog manager. discussion presented by Change strengthen SoundCloud’s unique Hodson began as an intern at the Conversation, a movement position and relevance between the publishing company before founded by artists and fans around the working with the publishing music executives world.” department. Leslie Fram, “Caroline’s passion Tracy Gershon Reservoir has signed Daniel for songwriters, and Beverly Keel Breland, known by stage dedication and to improve the name Breland, to a worldwide tenacity make her environment for publishing deal. a perfect addition women in country music, aims The signing, which to the Tape Room to highlight the community’s includes Breland’s family,” Tape Room promising talent. The event full catalog, is the Music VP/Creative Kelly Bolton is sponsored by Starstruck songwriter’s first said in a release. “She is a rock Entertainment and will be held in publishing deal. star and I look forward to the Starstruck’s Gallery Studio with “I’m a genreless growth and future successes limited in-person attendance. It is songwriter that she will inevitably bring to our also available to view live via Zoom. wants to blur the lines between company.”

13 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com MAY 17, 2021 LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud 6a-7p % 2 1 SAM HUNT / Breaking Up Was Easy... (MCA Nashville) 30631 2893 8361 823 39.634 3.185 4297 51

1 2 JAKE OWEN / Made For You (Big Loud) 27756 -3769 7718 -999 36.624 -3.934 4088 53 3 3 ERIC CHURCH / Hell Of A View (EMI Nashville) 27144 2014 7551 581 34.761 1.87 3804 50

5 4 LUKE COMBS / Forever After All (River House/Columbia Nash) 26193 3164 7135 890 32.635 3.297 3714 52

4 5 DYLAN SCOTT / Nobody (Curb) 23687 209 6529 95 30.438 0.457 3261 50

6 6 DIERKS BENTLEY / Gone (Capitol Nashville) 22464 2343 6079 625 29.035 3.275 3118 51

7 7 CHRIS YOUNG & KANE BROWN / Famous Friends (RCA 21222 1855 5819 514 25.915 2.596 2926 50 Nashville) 8 8 JORDAN DAVIS / (MCA Nashville) 19853 790 5519 196 23.216 0.95 2556 46

9 9 MIRANDA LAMBERT / Settling Down (RCA Nashville) 19431 923 5268 282 24.615 1.417 2663 51

10 10 JASON ALDEAN / Blame It On You (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 18944 696 5003 156 23.97 1.036 2523 50

11 11 / Single Saturday Night (Warner/WMN) 17166 879 4743 192 20.481 1.787 2266 48

12 12 BLAKE SHELTON / Minimum Wage (Warner/WMN) 16215 663 4407 161 20.083 0.666 2098 48

13 13 KEITH URBAN WITH P!NK / One Too Many (RCA/Capitol 15216 468 4200 159 17.385 0.542 1955 47 Nashville) 14 14 DAN + SHAY / Glad You Exist (Warner/WAR) 15118 859 4119 237 17.122 1.032 1846 45

15 15 TIM MCGRAW & / Undivided (Big 13952 -52 3912 -35 15.765 -0.101 1824 47 Machine-BMLG) 16 16 / We Didn't Have Much (Valory) 13246 338 3711 124 15.54 0.31 1564 42

17 17 LAINEY WILSON / Things A Man Oughta Know (Broken Bow) 12660 948 3546 249 13.833 1.015 1535 43

18 18 / Next Girl (Big Machine) 12019 320 3434 105 11.942 0.259 1257 37

19 19 THOMAS RHETT / Country Again (Valory) 11889 1190 3290 362 13.988 1.607 1514 46

20 20 F/F.G.L. / Drinkin' Beer Talkin' God Amen 11275 1178 2930 321 12.744 1.613 1172 40 (Dack Janiels/BBR-BMLG) 22 21 LUKE BRYAN / Waves (Capitol Nashville) 10496 991 2903 272 12.292 1.417 1235 43

24 22 ELVIE SHANE / My Boy (Wheelhouse) 9269 84 2674 22 9.556 0.545 973 36

25 23 SCOTTY MCCREERY / You Time (Triple Tigers) 7847 371 2221 137 8.086 0.574 689 31

26 24 KANE BROWN / Worship You (RCA Nashville) 7508 562 1992 128 7.269 0.677 610 31

28 25 GARTH BROOKS & / Shallow (Pearl) 7061 667 1899 167 6.109 0.578 656 35

14 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com/Newsletters CountryInsider.comAUGUST 7, 2020 | 1 MAY 17, 2021 LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud 6a-7p % 27 26 / Memory I Don't Mess With (Curb) 6847 255 1872 109 7.563 -0.418 444 24

31 27 / Cold Beer Calling...f/L. Combs (River 6537 663 1633 176 6.653 0.676 563 34 House/Columbia Nash) 29 28 LADY A / Like A Lady (BMLG) 6509 290 1684 61 6.731 0.274 502 30

30 29 LITTLE BIG TOWN / Wine, Beer, Whiskey (Capitol Nashville) 5861 -148 1675 -53 3.367 -0.143 326 19 33 30 KENNY CHESNEY / Knowing You (Blue Chair/Warner/WEA) 5720 462 1563 132 6.163 0.728 441 28

32 31 PRISCILLA BLOCK / Just About Over You (Mercury 5567 159 1454 21 6.096 0.844 381 26 Nashville/InDent) 34 32 JIMMIE ALLEN & BRAD PAISLEY / Freedom Was A 5564 456 1524 101 5.032 0.77 344 23 Highway (Stoney Creek) 35 33 RYAN HURD W/MAREN MORRIS / Chasing After You 5539 628 1481 170 5.571 0.818 383 26 () 36 34 / Home Sweet (Triple Tigers) 4406 66 1153 16 4.849 -0.36 303 26

38 35 MICHAEL RAY / Whiskey And Rain (Warner/WEA) 4159 292 1126 63 4.246 0.507 299 27

37 36 / (Capitol Nashville) 4062 -28 1095 2 3.88 -0.389 268 24

39 37 / (Warner/WEA) 3896 310 1042 87 3.292 0.09 286 27

23 38 / How They Remember You (Big Machine) 3741 -5705 1046 -1553 4.73 -7.702 581 56 40 39 PARKER MCCOLLUM / To Be Loved By You (MCA Nashville) 3438 304 784 23 3.478 0.586 174 22

42 40 CHRIS JANSON / Waitin' On 5 (Warner/WAR) 3183 190 907 49 2.242 0.02 178 20

41 41 HARDY / Give Heaven Some Hell (Big Loud) 3165 121 890 23 2.141 0.187 164 18

43 42 LOCASH / Beers To Catch Up On (Wheelhouse) 2946 15 857 6 1.682 -0.02 139 16

44 43 / That Ain't Me No More (Arista Nashville/ 2840 21 801 26 2.075 -0.035 181 23 RECORDS) 47 44 CALLISTA CLARK / It's 'Cause I Am (Big Machine) 2618 352 741 110 1.583 0.205 117 16

45 45 KELSEA BALLERINI / Half Of My Hometown f/KChesney 2542 207 751 46 1.985 0.133 187 25 (Black River Entertainment) 48 46 BRETT YOUNG / Not Yet (BMLG) 2409 178 626 50 1.465 0.137 144 23

46 47 / Getting Over Him w/Jon Pardi 2385 115 682 25 1.572 0.012 129 19 (Mercury Nashville) 50 48 RILEY GREEN / If It Wasn't For Trucks (BMLG) 2175 106 669 17 1.169 -0.004 130 19

49 49 / Thinking 'Bout You f/M. Porter (Broken Bow) 2163 7 560 13 1.378 -0.284 132 24

51 50 CLAY WALKER / Need A Bar Sometimes (Show Dog Nashville) 1966 25 650 -8 1.095 0.102 98 15

15 | MAY 17, 2021 CountryInsider.com/Newsletters CountryInsider.comAUGUST 7, 2020 | 1