Six radio broadcasting companies have united in joining Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) — and some of country music’s top songwriters — for a radio concert designed to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief fund.
“A Salute to the Songwriters,” presented by BMI, will feature country music star — and American Idol judge — Luke Bryan as a special guest co-host alongside air personalities representing stations owned by relief concert partners Cox Media Group, Alpha Media, Beasley Media Group, Hubbard Radio, Neuhoff Media and Townsquare Media.
The commercial-free three-hour concert is scheduled to air at 7pm local time, across all time zones, on Saturday (5/16). More than 100 Country stations have committed to airing the event.
Proceeds will go directly to the special MusiCares fund created by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC to support songwriters affected by the pandemic.
Songwriters behind country music’s biggest hits, straight from their living rooms and home studios, is the highlight of the radio benefit event. The line-up includes Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins, Jon Randall and Jessi Alexander, Luke Dick and Jeff Hyde, Brandon Kinney and Clint Daniels, Barry Dean and Natalie Hemby, and Dylan Altman and Wynn Varble.
In addition, the show will spotlight several songwriters on the rise as they discuss how this difficult time has directly affected them and their livelihoods.
Specifically, Bryan will share hosting duties with KKBQ-FM “93Q” in Houston midday host Christi Brooks, representing CMG; KNUC-FM “98.9 The Bull” in Seattle morning host Fitz, representing Hubbard; KCYE-FM 102.7 in Las Vegas morning co-host Jeff K, representing Beasley; Brian & Crissy, the morning hosts on Townsquare Media’s WGNA-FM in Albany, N.Y.; and, representing Neuhoff, WFMB-FM in Springfield, Ill., afternoon host and cluster OM Josh Roberts.
“We’re proud to partner with the country’s leading local radio groups to support the songwriters whose music brings us together in good times and in bad,” said BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill. “Songwriters are often considered the smallest of small businesses, and like so many small businesses, they are deeply impacted by this pandemic. We’re so grateful that some of BMI’s top country music creators are lending their voices to support this incredibly important cause.”
Cox Media Group VP of Content and Audience Tim Clarke commented, “Like so many others, songwriters have been deeply impacted by COVID-19 and the temporary closure of bars, restaurants and live music venues. Broadcasters have outstanding relationships with this community, and we are honored to join together in creating this special to celebrate and support these talented individuals who are the heart of country music.”
Listeners may donate to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund for songwriters by texting SONGWRITERS to 41444 or click here to give online. To learn more about the featured performers and for more information on the concert, please visit www.
