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With exclusive access, Dolly’s Country (working title) comes to BBC Two this autumn as part of a season of programmes putting a spotlight on country music. On BBC Four, Country Music is a star-studded eight-part series by Ken Burns. Highlights from the Country Music Association Awards 2019 will be broadcast on BBC Four and BBC Radio 2. Also on Radio 2 is Brad Paisley: This Is Country Music, a four-part series presented by the country star, plus Bob Harris returns to The Country Show.

Dolly Parton has often been seen as a caricature. And it’s an impression she herself has done little to discourage. But for far too long this persona has obscured the real Dolly. Dolly’s Country (w/t) is a major feature length documentary which uncovers a very different character - a Dolly that is no less extraordinary, but far more authentic and far more surprising.

In the film, talking about her incredible life and career, Dolly Parton says: "You’ve got to be daring, you’ve got to be able to get outside yourself and I’ve always said... that my desire to do something was greater than my fear of it… I’ve loved the journey, and it’s been hard, and I’ve paid some major dues and learned some hard lessons, but I wouldn’t have it any other way… I wanted to be seen, I wanted to be recognised, I wanted to be appreciated for what I do.”

Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, Music Television, says: “Dolly Parton is a living legend and I’m thrilled she’s given her time to make this incredible film for BBC Two. It’s going to be a fascinating insight into her incredible career. Along with Ken Burns’ definitive major series, Country Music, and wonderful coverage of the CMA’s, this is going to be a brilliant autumn of programmes for fans of country and music-lovers everywhere.”

Dolly’s Country (w/t) is a Man Alive Entertainment production. It is the latest film from Bafta winning producer/director, Francis Whately, since David Bowe: Finding Fame which aired on BBC Two in January, which was the last in his trilogy of films on the musician (following on from David Bowie: Five Years and David Bowie: The Last Five Years).

With unprecedented access, it reveals the genius songwriter behind the rhinestones; the private individual who reveals almost everything if you take the time to explore the lyrics; the modern feminist who doesn’t want to be called a feminist. Talking about her on camera for the first time are Dolly’s musicians, co-writers and producers, in an exploration of why she is seen as one of the greatest song writers of modern times. The film uncovers that, under the wigs, is an acute social commentator, someone who has moved seamlessly with the times and has been an influence to successive generations of pop and country stars across the decades, from Olivia Newton-John to Kylie and Jack White to Miley Cyrus. And at Glastonbury in 2014, she played to possibly the largest audience ever seen at the festival. Footage from that incredible performance will be shown in the film.

Dolly personally takes viewers musically and lyrically though some of her greatest songs including The Bridge, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, revealing how they fit into her 50 year career. Coming right up-to-date, cameras capture her celebrating the 50th anniversary of her very first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s home of country, as well as featuring footage from that original performance. Surrounded by friends and fellow stars is Dolly, the universally adored, global phenomenon in action, doing what she does best - being a star! Contributors to the film include Kylie Minogue, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Danny Nozell (Dolly’s manager), Charley Pride, Mac Davis, Chris Stapleton, Wayne Moss, music producers Linda Perry, Kent Wells and Val Garay, and band members Jerry Douglas, Carl Jackson, Charlie McCoy, Eddy Anderson, Lloyd Green, Mike Severs, Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins and Stuart Duncan.

Coming to BBC Four, Ken Burns’ Country Music epic was filmed across eight years and features many of the biggest country stars. The series explores the history of this uniquely American art form across the twentieth century, from its roots in ballads, blues and hymns, to its global popularity.

Across eight episodes, Country Music features never-before-seen footage and photographs and interviews with more than 80 country music artists, with biographies of the fascinating characters who created and shaped the genre, from the Carter family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and more. It also covers the times in which they lived, featuring incredible stories of the joys and hardship they went through. The series will be broadcast as six hour long episodes followed by two 90 minute episodes.

And BBC Four will also be broadcasting highlights from the CMA Awards which take place in November which will hosted by Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.

The programmes in the Country Music season will be reflected in Radio 2’s The Country Show with Bob Harris, which features all the latest country news, reviews and interviews (Thursdays, 9-10pm). Ben Earle – one half of The Shires, the UK’s most successful country act ever – concludes his run of programmes standing in for Bob Harris (22 and 29 Aug). Multi-million selling trio, Lady Antebellum, present the programme direct from Nashville (5 Sept), and the show will come direct from the BBC Introducing stage at the Long Road Festival in Leicestershire with Paul Sexton introducing an hour of live music from the very best emerging artists in the country (12 Sept). New acts include Kezia Gill, Louis Croft, Ryan Farmer and Eva Rose, alongside special performances from Introducing alumni Roseanne Reid, The Curse of Lono, CC Smugglers and The Luck. Bob Harris returns to Radio 2 on 19 September following time away due to illness. He will be joined in session by guitarist and singer Molly Tuttle, who Bob hails as “one of the greatest performers in the world at this moment.”

Bob Harris said: “I am so happy to be returning to Radio 2.  Following my aortic dissection at the beginning of the summer the past few months have been amongst the toughest of my life, but I am now fit again and raring to go. Thank you with all my heart to the thousands of people who have sent me messages of love and support.  Your good wishes have been an essential part of my recovery.  Thank you to Kristian Bush, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Trisha Yearwood, Lady Antebellum, Paul Sexton and especially to Ben Earle for doing such a fantastic job sitting in for me and thank you to Radio 2 and my producer Mark Hagen for keeping the door open for my return”.

One of Country Music’s biggest names, Grammy Award winning Brad Paisley - who will be back in the UK performing in October - returns to BBC Radio 2 following his award-winning debut series in 2018. In Brad Paisley: This Is Country Music, he’ll again bring his incredible knowledge of the form, along with personal insights and anecdotes, delivered with real humour and warmth. The four part series will feature some of the most contemporary offerings in country alongside classic songs (21 Sept, 5, 12 and 19 Oct, from 9-10pm, a TBI Media production).

Brad Paisley said: The first series for Radio 2 was a blast. It's great to get the chance to talk about the music I‘ve grown up with, as well as the best new material coming out of Nashville and beyond. I can't wait to get back on air on with series two.”

And Patrick Kielty will be in Nashville bringing highlights to Radio 2 listeners from the annual Country Music Association awards Nashville in November. All the Radio 2 programmes will also available on BBC Sounds.

Dolly’s Country (w/t) is a Man Alive Entertainment production, producer/director is Francis Whately, executive producers Justin Gorman, Dan McGaughey and Hannah Dodson. Commissioned for the BBC by Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, Music Television. BBC Executive Producer is Phil Dolling.

Country Music is a PBS production, directed by Ken Burns; produced by Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan and Julie Dunfey. Commissioned for BBC Four by Jan Younghusband, Head of Commissioning, Music Television.

CMA Awards Highlights 2019 is commissioned for BBC Four by James Stirling, Head of BBC Music and BBC Music Introducing.

Brad Paisley: This Is Country is a TBI Media production for BBC Radio 2.

The Country Show and Country Music Association awards are BBC productions for BBC Radio 2.

28 Mar 2024 | Press release

Ostereo expands team and music catalogue with new hires and signings

  New hires include Campaign Manager for Asia and A&R/Digital Manager Original records to be released in 2024 for numerous domestic and overseas artists Ostereo reports international streaming success   Ostereo, the UK-based music label and publishing company, has announced an expansion with new hires and signings...more

28 Mar 2024 | Press release

Nadia Khan appointed as Chair of EarthPercent

  EarthPercent, the charity which harnesses the power of the music industry to support the most impactful climate organisations around the world, has announced the appointment of Nadia Khan as its Chair.  Nadia Khan is the first externally appointed Chair to the...more

28 Mar 2024 | Press release

Showcasing diversity in the European independent music scene - Impala's 100 Artists to Watch for 2024 in collaboration with YouTube

  For the third year in a row, IMPALA returns with its highly anticipated 100 Artists to Watch 2024 edition in collaboration with YouTube. This year, we're excited to showcase a vibrant selection of emerging talent from across the European independent...more

28 Mar 2024 | Press release

Taylor Swift, SEVENTEEN and Morgan Wallen top IFPI Global Album Charts

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28 Mar 2024 | Press release

Wise Music Group sign Portico Quartet

  Wise Music Group announces the signing of Portico Quartet to the global independent publishing group, as they join the roster through Campbell Connelly & Co in an exclusive songwriter agreement. The deal includes their back catalogue and future work.  Led by...more

28 Mar 2024 | Press release

Universal Music Group and Spotify Expand Strategic Relationship

Companies to collaborate on new promotional and social tools to help artists and songwriters drive interaction and excitement around new releases UMG artists will soon be able to share short pre-release teasers and expanded pre-save opportunities on Spotify   Universal Music Group (UMG),...more

28 Mar 2024 | Press release

IMS Ibiza 2024 - Full Summit Program Announced

IMS Ibiza, the thought-leadership platform at the intersection of culture, education, industry, and wellness in electronic music, announces today the full program for the fifteenth edition of the summit. Across 60+ discussions and sessions, 125+ speakers will come together with...more

27 Mar 2024 | Press release

Jordan Rakei announced as the inaugural ‘Artist In Residence’ at Abbey Road Studios

Today (27th March), Jordan Rakei has been announced as the first ever ‘Artist In Residence’ at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios. The role is the first in a series of new ‘in residence’ appointments, designed to enhance Abbey Road’s position...more

27 Mar 2024 | Press release

Miraval’s Mystery Vinyl [Music For Your Tastebuds] Pop Up Record Shop From Record Store Day & Studio By Miraval

  Record Store Day and Studio by Miraval team up to launch pop-up record shop on Wednesday 17th April  Vinyl enthusiasts have the chance to take home a brand-new mystery record and enjoy a glass of Studio by Miraval Rosé- for just £5! Proceeds...more

27 Mar 2024 | Press release

Jarvis Cocker and Darcus Beese OBE among keynote speakers revealed for the Great Escape Conference

TOM GRAY AND YOLANDA BROWN ALSO REVEALED FOR KEYNOTES  PLUS  AIM JOIN AS A CONFERENCE COLLABORATOR  DOZENS MORE SPEAKERS     The Great Escape has announced a raft of music legends and industry leaders as keynote speakers for its newly revamped conference, including Pulp frontman Jarvis...more

27 Mar 2024 | Press release

PPL pays out £18.8 million of international revenue in Q1 distribution

In today’s Q1 distribution of international revenue, PPL is paying £18.8 million to over 22,000 performers and recording rights holders. The payment is up 7% on the Q1 payment made in March 2023.   The first of four payments made by...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

TCE Presents & Broadwick group announce partnership

TCE PRESENTS & BROADWICK ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT: Pioneering spaces and culture group 'Broadwick', and New York's leading event design company 'TCE presents', announce new US venture Respectively revered for their work within the global live events industry, today - two of...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Manana Music Management launch new full service venture for Scotland's electronic music scene

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26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Soundmouse by Orfium appointed official music reporting partner for South Korean broadcast industry

Soundmouse by Orfium will enable music creators and rights holders in the world’s seventh largest music market to receive accurate and transparent royalty payments for the use of their music on radio and television    Soundmouse by Orfium (“the Company”) has been selected by...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Loop.Fans launches Web3 Music Awards - Helping Emerging Artists Grow through AI and Blockchain Technology

Website | Awards Loop.Fans is here to empower both Artists and SuperFans by leveraging the power of the latest Web3, AI and blockchain technology. The platform enables emerging talent in the electronic music industry to gain new followers, engage with and...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

GENIE (Gender Equality Networks in Europe) Project Launch

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26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Teddy Swims signs to Warner Chappell Music

Powerhouse Vocalist Hit No. 1 On The Billboard Hot 100 This Week With His Global Smash “Lose Control” Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with masterful singer and songwriter, Teddy Swims. With his RIAA platinum-certified smash hit...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

So.Co Image of Music Awards 2024 winners announced

  VIEW IMAGES HERE   Winners of seven categories unveiled at lively event in London Fearghal McGlinchey crowned Music Photographer of the Year McGlinchey also wins Image of Music with shot of Greta Van Fleet Young Music Photographer of the Year awarded to Grace Prachthauser Jill Furmanovsky...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing signs legendary soul singer and songwriter William Bell

  Today, Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of iconic soul singer-songwriter, legend of Stax Records and Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee William Bell. The administration deal, effective immediately, includes a selection of Bell’s catalog and all future works. William Bell states: "I am very...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Grassroots music inquiry - FAC comment

Today, the Culture Media & Sport Committee held three evidence sessions to explore the ongoing crisis in the grassroots music sector, after 125 venues reportedly abandoned live music in 2023.  In the third of these sessions, David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists Coalition, appeared alongside...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Bruce Springsteen to become a Fellow of the Ivors Academy

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26 Mar 2024 | Press release

The Radio Academy announces nominees for ARIAS 2024

Hosted by Alice Levine & Romesh Ranganathan, plus backstage interviews with Sam Thompson       The Radio Academy today reveals the 211 nominees that will be recognised at the 2024 ARIAS on Tuesday 7th May at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.The Radio Academy ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry Awards) are the UK's leading audio and radio awards that...more

26 Mar 2024 | Press release

Hybe and Universal Music Group announce new global alliance

The new global agreement will give UMG exclusive distribution rights across HYBE's roster of artists and labels HYBE today announced an expanded long-term agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), providing them exclusive distribution rights across HYBE music for the next 10...more

25 Mar 2024 | Press release

Rewind and Fast Forward: Keychange announces Impact Evaluation Report

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25 Mar 2024 | Press release

Calling All Music Creators! UK Music Needs Your Help

UK Music is launching its 2024 economic survey for music creators. As the collective voice for the UK music industry, UK Music needs data on creator’s earnings in 2023 to help it to calculate the economic contribution the industry made to the...more

25 Mar 2024 | Press release

AIF statement on Shindig Festival closure

Comment from AIF CEO John Rostron on Shindig Festival's announcement that its 2024 edition will be its last. This is now the 28th UK festival to announce its postponement, cancellation or closure in 2024. A full list of lost festivals can be found here.   AIF...more

25 Mar 2024 | Press release

Royal Albert Hall’s songwriter showcase goes national

The Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Future Makers’ programme, for musicians aged 14 to 19 who write their own music, is going national for the first time. The project, which has been running across London since 2022, provides talented young musicians with a...more

25 Mar 2024 | Press release

FKP Scorpio UK & Communion Presents announce formation of Communion One

THE TWO COMPANIES JOIN FORCES AS LIVE PROMOTERS FOR LIKES OF ED SHEERAN, SAM FENDER, NOAH KAHAN, PHOEBE BRIDGERS, LEWIS CAPALDI, AND MITSKI COMMUNION ONE TO PRODUCE 15,000 CAPACITY THREE NIGHT LIVE EVENT SERIES AT BRISTOL’S QUEEN SQUARE FROM 2025...more

21 Mar 2024 | Press release

Turn on, tune in, rock out: introducing the UK's newest music television destination - Staccs TV

  Staccs TV will offer high-quality music videos, concert clips, exclusive recordings and original programming - on Samsung TV Plus Staccs TV is the latest free, ad-supported television (FAST) channel available to UK viewers  Expansion marks a milestone for the Swedish start up,...more

21 Mar 2024 | Press release

Yolanda Brown breaks a Guinness World Records title

  THE MOST MONEY RAISED BY A RESTAURANT ON KICKSTARTER WORLDWIDE   YOLANDA BROWN OBE DL PUSHES BOUNDARIES AND RAISES QUARTER OF A MILLION POUND  FOR MUSIC VENUE AND RESTAURANT ‘SOUL MAMA’ YOLANDA BROWN - CHANGING THE FACE OF VENUE OWNERSHIP   Today, musician, broadcaster, composer and philanthropist, YolanDa Brown...more

28 Mar 2024

  • Is the US too reliant on paid subscriptions? (see Analysis)

27 Mar 2024

  • Misogyny, sexual discrimination and harassment are still everyday problems for female musicians (see Reports)

26 Mar 2024

  • Believe's board asks Warner Music Group to make acquisition offer (see Business)

25 Mar 2024

  • Why are IFPI & MIDiA’s 2023 revenue figures so far apart? (see Analysis)

22 Mar 2024

  • IFPI: Global recorded music revenues grew 10.2% in 2023 (see Reports)

  • How have one-hit wonders changed over time? (see Analysis)

21 Mar 2024

  • TikTok: MPs raise concerns about UK ownership (see News); AI ambitions (see Digital); UK Artist Playbook (see Reports)

20 Mar 2024

  • The composer with 650 different names identified as Sweden’s most-listened-to artist on Spotify (see Digital)

19 Mar 2024

  • Recorded Music Market report shows 9.8% growth in 2023 (see Reports)

  • Spotify updates its Loud & Clear website with 2023 data (see Reports)

  • Murmur launches with pledges to drive change in environmental solutions (see News)

18 Mar 2024

  • Global music revenue continued to rise in 2023. So why are some music organisations sounding the alarm? (see Comment)

15 Mar 2024

  • Can Sweden keep its edge in the music industry? (see Features)

  • Industry welcomes Labour Party's pledges to the music sector (see News)