Michael Ray Earns First Platinum Certification For ‘Think A Little Less’
Pictured (L-R): Buffy Cooper (Morris Higham Management); Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN); Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, WMN); Michael Ray; John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Clint Higham (Morris Higham Management). Photo: Chris Hollo
Singer-songwriter Michael Ray recently celebrated his first RIAA Platinum-certified single, “Think A Little Less,” which has been certified for U.S. digital single sales of over 1 million units. Bobby Bones presented Ray with a commemorative plaque Saturday night (Aug. 28) following his 58th performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
Ray has also received four Gold certifications throughout his career for his chart-topping songs “Kiss You in the Morning” and “One That Got Away,” as well as fan favorites “Get To You” and “Her World Or Mine.”
His current single, “Whiskey And Rain,” is climbing the country radio charts and has accumulated nearly 50 million streams since its release. Ray also released his new EP, Higher Education, last Friday (Aug. 27) which was produced by Ross Copperman.
Big Loud Adds Duane Hobson As Director Of Promotion (Southeast)
Duane Hobson. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
Big Loud Records has added Duane Hobson as its Director of Promotion (Southeast). Supporting the label’s roster in the Southeast region, Hobson brings two decades of expertise to his new role and will report to SVP of Promotion, Stacy Blythe.
After graduating from Nashville State Community College, he went on to serve in various A&R capacities with RCA Records, Sony/BMG, and Sony Music Nashville. Since then, he’s spent time handling A&R Industry Consultant duties for the University of Georgia’s Music Business Department, as well as Kennesaw State University’s Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program. Most recently, Hobson worked as A&R Collaborative Manager/Tour Manager at Edge Artist Management, and has also consulted for Intercept Music, as well as numerous independent artists and producers.
“I’ve been waiting quite some time to have a spot on this team for Duane [Hobson]. He’s already beloved in our industry and we are honored that he chose Big Loud Records as the home for his return,” shares Blythe. “Duane’s passion and positivity are abounding, and I know our radio friends in the Southeast are going to love him.”
“It’s an honor to join a company that invests heavily in the individuals and in the culture that they have come to be known for,” shares Hobson. “I’m looking forward to being on the front lines daily in the Southeast representing this amazing artist roster with Big Loud Records.”
Hobson can be reached here.
Morgan Brasfield Upped To Creative Manager At Kobalt
Morgan Brasfield. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Morgan Brasfield has been promoted to Creative Manager at Kobalt Music.
Brasfield has spent her career dedicated to both amatuer and professional songwriters. After graduating from Belmont University, she worked her way from receptionist to writer representative at NSAI. She has worked on the creative team at Kobalt Music since 2017.
In her new role, she will work creatively with writer and publishing company clients while also overseeing calendar management, co-writing opportunities, and pitching songs.
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