September 30, 2019, Issue 672
Country Reacts To Country Music
Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns wrapped up Wednesday (9/25), but chatter has continued regarding the eight-episode, 16-plus-hour documentary series. Its impact has been immediate and far-reaching, as the soundtrack entered the top 25 albums chart. Additional music featured in the series also saw sales and streaming increases, including albums by Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. While reaction to the premier episode centered on the lessons learned (CAW 9/16), the series as a whole left most industryadjacent viewers with myriad emotions and opinions. Most could agree on the brilliance of Burns’ narrative; the emotional pull of seeing those no longer with us including Merle Haggard, Hazel Smith, Roy Clark and Mel Tillis; the masterful storytelling of format historians Marty Stuart, Vince Gill and Bill Malone; and even pride at working in an industry focused on propelling this music to new heights while maintaining a sense of its history. What no one seemed to agree on, however, was a favorite moment. KVET/Austin’s Bob Pickett: The series Bob Pickett showcased nothing but love for the format and should be required viewing for everyone in Country radio. Watching with my family, I would pause to show and offer a little more history about the subjects mentioned in the episodes. I didn’t want it to end. It left me wanting more, and that’s a healthy sign. Black River’s Jane O’Malia: The personal stories of the artists and how they Jane O’Malia found their way to country music, as well as how their lives are reflected in the stories within their music, moved me. There’s a common theme of sadness, suffering and hope, too, which the people who create country music share while continuing to move forward and evolve. (continued on page 13)
In The Know: Big Loud’s Chris Lane visits the label’s Nashvillebased promotion staff to celebrate “I Don’t Know About You” hitting No. 1. Pictured (l-r) are the label’s Brittani Koster and Stacy Blythe, Lane with dog Cooper, and the label’s Ali Matkosky and Tyler Waugh.
Preview: October Print Issue
Marconi winners are out, but Country Aircheck’s October print issue – out this week – dives into the good works of this year’s Country nominees. They’re all winners in our book. Also in the issue, label and promotion execs preview the Q4 singles and albums. But wait, there’s more! In The Interview, Summit VP/Programming, Wichita Market President and CRB board officer Beverlee Brannigan discusses the future of CRS, leading through three ownership changes in five years and the company’s current programming philosophy. “We share common values in expecting our programmers Beverlee to spend time listening to their radio station,” Brannigan she says. “That seems so simple, right? But the way many companies do business these days and with how people get stuck in data and assigned reports, a programmer can
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