Billboard.biz - Country Music News

T.I. Debuts Big Atop Billboard 200, Hot 100

By Katie Hasty, N.Y. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

T.I. earns his third straight No. 1 on The Billboard 200 as "Paper Trail" debuts at the top this week.

Coachella Moves 2009 Dates Up Two Weeks

By Jonathan Cohen, N.Y. — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is moving its 2009 dates up two weeks to April 17-19, Billboard has learned. The event will take place as usual at Empire Polo Field in Indio, Calif., with a lineup to be confirmed early next year.

Simpson Tapped For Rascal Flatts Tour

By Mitchell Peters, L.A. — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Jessica Simpson has been tapped to support Rascal Flatts on the winter leg of the country group's ongoing Bob That Head Tour.

Dailey & Vincent Win Big At Bluegrass Music Awards

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

New duo Dailey & Vincent dominated the 19th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, which were held last night (Oct. 2) at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium.

Lambert Debuts Video On Radio Web Sites

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Country star Miranda Lambert premiered the video for her latest single, "More Like Her," exclusively online for 48 hours on country radio station Web sites.

Paisley, Underwood To Co-Host CMA Awards

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Reigning Country Music Association male and female vocalists of the year Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will co-host the 42nd Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 12.

Vause Rises At BNA Records

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

BNA Records senior director of media Wes Vause has been named to the newly created position of VP of media for the label.

Lyric Street Launches Sister Imprint Carolwood Records

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Eleven-year old Lyric Street Records, home to Rascal Flatts and Bucky Covington, among others, is launching a sister imprint, Carolwood Records.

Metallica Scores Third Week Atop Billboard 200

By Katie Hasty, N.Y. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Despite a 61% drop in sales, Metallica's "Death Magnetic" holds tight at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 for a third week.

Essig, Grady Lead ACM Board

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

The Academy of Country Music has announced new officers for its board of directors for the 2008-2009 term, following recently held elections.

Chesney, Strait, Sugarland Among CMA Performers

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban are the first performers announced for the the 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards.

Chesney To Develop New Premium Rum

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Country superstar Kenny Chesney, who is known almost as much for his island lifestyle as he is for his music, has partnered with Constellation Spirits to develop a new premium rum.

Former Skid Row Frontman Bach Has 'Gone Country'

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Former Skid Row front man Sebastian Bach is the winner of the second season of CMT's "Gone Country."

CMA Endows ‘Words & Music’

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

The Country Music Association has endowed a $1 million gift to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Words & Music” program.

Pietroluongo Named Billboard Charts Director

Billboard Staff — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Silvio Pietroluongo, who has been Billboard associate director of charts
since 2006, has been named director of charts. He replaces director of
charts/senior analyst Geoff Mayfield, who is leaving Billboard after 23
years to join the Universal Music Group Distribution as VP of business
analysis and market research.

Galante Honored By CMA

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Sony BMG Nashville chairman and longtime Country Music Association board member Joe Galante has been honored with the CMA President's Award.

Metallica Edges Ne-Yo, Nelly To Remain No. 1

By Katie Hasty, N.Y. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Metallica's "Death Magnetic" holds tight at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 for a second week after its first full frame at retail.

MySpace Music Launches with Notable Upgrades, Glaring Omissions

By Antony Bruno, Denver — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

MySpace will flip the switch on its long-anticipated MySpace Music service on Thursday, completely revamping every element of the music section of the social network and bringing several elements of the music industry to the table with the launch.

Swift Scores 'Grey's' Song

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Rising star Taylor Swift's "White Horse," a song from her forthcoming sophomore album, "Fearless," will be featured in the two hour season premier of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," which will air Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. ET.

Booth Rises At Sony BMG Nashville

By Ken Tucker, Nashville — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Sony BMG Nashville senior director of A&R administration Alison Booth rises to the newly created position of VP for the department.