Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves See Huge Grammy Boost
They Grammy Awards have much greater implications than just some trophies to collect dust on the mantles of artists for years to come. The point of presentations like the Grammy Awards is to be an economic engine behind artists recognized by their peers in the industry for excellence. In 2019, the recipients of some of the biggest awards and screen time were worthy country artists, and that has translated into some big sales and streaming boosts.
Kacey Musgraves has been stuck at the top of the iTunes charts ever since she won four total Grammy Awards Sunday night, including Best Country Album and the all-genre Album of the Year for Golden Hour. Along with surging streaming numbers across all platforms that will be finalized next week when the new charts surface, Golden Hour saw a 597% sales boost in the Grammy wake, and Kacey’s new single “Rainbow” saw a 9,430% spike. Musgraves also performed “Rainbow” during the presentation. Granted, sales for Musgraves before were nearly flat, but the sales numbers validate that listeners are taking the Grammy wins seriously, and converting them into interest.
Brandi Carlile also did very well after the presentation. Though all of her three Grammy Awards came during the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony, her monster performance of her Grammy-nominated song “The Joke” (see blow) caused a surge of 2,771% in sales. To many critics and viewers, Brandi Carlile had the performance of the night.
And possibly most surprising and heartwarming is that Dolly Parton also saw a big sales boost due to the multi-artist, multi-song tribute she was treated to during the 2019 Grammy Awards. “Here You Come Again,” “Jolene,” “Red Shoes.” “9 to 5,” and the Neil Young song “After The Gold Rush” that Parton performed with the famous Trio supergroup (with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt) surged an average of 700% in the moments after the Grammy Awards.
The overall Grammy impact will be measured when the weekly charts are published next week, especially since most consumers these days stream their music as opposed to purchasing it via physical copy or download. But Pandora has provided some data about the moments proceeding the 2019 Grammy Awards that give us some insight on where the streaming numbers might be headed, and once again country music artists come out on top in the largest percentage gains.
Brandi Carlie had the biggest gain of all on Pandora with a spike of 1,254%, speaking to the power of her performance of “The Joke.” Kacey Musgraves was #2 with a 870% spike. And Dolly Parton once again enters the equation, with the #9 overall Grammy boost on Pandora, with a spike of 419%. Little Big Town also did surprisingly well for their participation in the Dolly Parton tribute, lifting 702% for 5th place on the Pandora format.
Pandora Grammy Spikes:
1. Brandi Carlile: 1,254%
2. Kacey Musgraves: 870%
3. Red Hot Chili Peppers: 733%
4. H.E.R.: 716%
5. Little Big Town: 702%
6. Alicia Keys: 662%
7. Travis Scott: 536%
8. Diana Ross: 480%
9. Dolly Parton: 419%
10. Yolanda Adams: 309%
Expect Golden Hour and “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves, By The Way, I Forgive You and “The Joke” by Brandi Carlile, and well as select Dolly Parton albums and tracks to spike on the charts next week. As for the ratings of the Grammy Awards themselves, they were mostly flat in 2019, down 5% in the key 18-49 demographic, with overall viewership up from 19.8 million in 2018, to 19.9 million this year.
Melissa
February 12, 2019 @ 12:04 pm
That’s awesome for them! Love Dolly!
I still haven’t listened to Kacey Mugraves record because I heard even though good still not identified as country so basically I have intentionally avoided it. I may eventually give it a listen. I just can’t listen to pop music so I shall see how it goes.
I didn’t watch the Grammy’s but did read the articles posted here. I decided to give Brandi Carlile’s record a go yesterday on my way to work. I didn’t get very far and not quite sure why. I like her voice, it’s beautiful and unique. Talented song writer but perhaps I couldn’t relate to the subjects she was signing about. I was just like eh. plus I felt like often her voice was being drowned out by the loudness of instruments. or simply different strokes for different folks type of situation. I might try to give it another listen eventually.
Blackh4t
February 12, 2019 @ 12:29 pm
I keep trying to listen to Golden Hour and keep getting put off by electronic beats. HOWEVER, go listen to Rainbow. Its beautiful.
Marcus Pierce
February 12, 2019 @ 12:31 pm
A friend said the same thing about Brandi…he didn’t relate to the topics she sings about on her album. I can understand that to a certain extent, but you know…I like NWA and lord knows I can’t relate to living in South Central L.A.
Melissa
February 12, 2019 @ 1:00 pm
I think it depends on the context of the song even if it’s unrelatable whether I love it anyways. One of my favorite records last year was Lori McKenna’s The Tree- even though I couldn’t relate to every song her style of writing and subject matter draws me in on every song & somehow makes it relatable. Same with the Pistol Annie’s record – never divorced or had a bad break up (thankfully) but the style of writing just draws me in the same way. I think i am rambling lol it’s hard to explain.
Sinner
February 12, 2019 @ 5:26 pm
Exactly. If one needs to find the song relatable first before one can appreciate its artistic accomplishments, perhaps one should consider broadening his or her horizons or looking for something else for endorphins. Or Florida Georgia Lines.
TilBillyHill
February 17, 2019 @ 2:21 am
Lori McKenna is one of my favorites. Ironically, some of her songs aren’t exactly factually relatable to her own life. She has noted that, for whatever reason, she’s this happily-married Massachusetts native who just really found a calling in writing country music. Some of the facts of her songs may be far off from her own life. And, some of my favorites of hers are far off from my own – but still, each one has at least one gem of a line or insight that transcends the frawework of the song.
(But, I’m such a full-blown nerd/fan of music that I only JUST NOW realized that it didn’t occur to me to have thought of any “bucket list” items other than concerts of favorite artists I’ve yet to see. For someone who’s adopted, that’s pretty telling as to how much I value music.)
TilBillyHill
February 17, 2019 @ 2:13 am
I think “The Joke” was better on The Americana Music Association Awards than on the Grammy’s. I’m sure I had heard the song, but never really listened to it until seeing it on ACL’s abbreviated airing of those awards. It was one of the best performances on The Grammy broadcast, to me. Still, hard to top the one from the Ryman.
I felt the same toward Lukas Nelson’s “(Forget About) Georgia.” It wasn’t on the Grammy’s, but was on the Americana Music Association Awards. I’ve seen him in concert a few times, opening for and then taking the stage with Willie. The song is a few years old, and odds are that I have heard it. But, never like I heard it on that show.
I won’t make assumptions about why people do or don’t care for some or all of Brandi’s songs. Her voice is one that took a little time for me to get used to. It worked for me in “The Story,” and in her cover of “Hallelujah,” but misses me on some others. Usually, songwriting eventually is what grabs me. It took me a while to acclimate to Shawn Colvin’s voice. Now, I am so grateful I gave some of my first purchased CDs of hers time and additional listens.
I hope nobody feels like they can only connect with Brandi’s music (or that of other artists) if they fit some key demographics. Or, worse, worries that liking the music will give others free reign to make erroneous assumptions. If I’m wrong on that, I really need to make sure I’m never in Reno with a loaded firearm. Which brings me full circle to “soooey” and helping my Papaw call the hogs and cows (I’ve never heard that call in a song…kind of like “s’calves”). Anyway…
Brandi’s “Keep Your Heart Young” always reminds me of my Papaw, and to stay true to how I was raised on things like integrity, loyalty, community, family, independence, etc. I had read or heard that Brandi’s current album was influenced a lot by becoming a parent. I may have given it a listen. But, now I think I need to give it another closer listen. (We had tickets to see her, but that show was cancelled and refunded due to a medical issue. Somehow, we didn’t find out about the rescheduled show until it was sold out).
Going to give Lukas another listen, too. I don’t have the literal experience of his in “Georgia.” But, some of the lines of that song are so well-written and soul-crushingly applicable that it’s already secured a spot among my list of best-written songs. (The guitar lick and the unmistakeable family voice are bonuses).
Oh – and regarding Kacey Musgraves and relateability… “Merry Go Round” captures my home town so well that the first time I heard it, I had to call my best friend from growing up to make sure she gave it a listen. “Follow Your Arrow” and “Biscuits” are relatable to me. “Blowin’ Smoke” is, too, even though a lifetime spent with chainsmokimg family members and in bars to see bands has left me with asthma so bad I can’t stand to be near cigarette smoke, let alone partake. Her fashion choices for trousers, or lack thereof, well… I’ll wear my boring old jeans and she can wear what suits her and we can get along just fine. I guess we’re both still not “Pagaent Material.” Best wishes to those who are 🙂
Kent
February 12, 2019 @ 2:34 pm
“I felt like often her voice was being drowned out by the loudness of instruments”
That’s my thought too, that and a little to much reverb . And it’s sad because otherwise it’s a great album, love her voice and the songs.
Ron
February 12, 2019 @ 7:10 pm
Try Brandi’s prior album “The Firewatcher’s Daughter”. I like it better than this one. It might be more your taste.
Black Boots
February 13, 2019 @ 5:08 am
Just listen to Golden Hour. It’s not a fucking Katy Perry album or something.
TilBillyHill
February 17, 2019 @ 2:42 am
😂 😂😂
Benjamin
February 12, 2019 @ 12:25 pm
Her performance gave me chills. Hands down the best of the night. She is a powerhouse to be reckoned with. This is what music should sound like. Real instruments, really lyrics, real emotion, and pure God given talent, no autotune required.
Benjamin
February 12, 2019 @ 12:25 pm
Brandi Carlile’s Performance that is!
OlaR
February 12, 2019 @ 12:30 pm
The Good: “Rainbow” is new on #58 (Billboard Country Airplay – Source: Billboard Country Update 02/11).
The Bad: “Brand New Man” by Brooks & Dunn with Luke Combs is new on #49. Who needs a new version of a good song like “Brand New Man”?
The Ugly: “Rednecker” by Hardy is new on #50…oops it’s HARDY with “REDNECKER”.
New Stuff:
Curb signed a new guy called Filmore…
Maren Morris feat. Brandi Carlile with “Common” was released a couple of days ago.
“Woman” by FGL feat. Jason Derula is already a new entry on Billboards Hot Country Songs on #29.
More FGL: “Y’all Boys” with Hardy was released 02/08.
Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown & Cody Johnson are some of the duet-partners on the reboot-album by Brooks & Dunn (Release Date: 04/05).
&
a new Reba McEntire album is on the way (Relase Date 04/05 – Stronger Than The Truth) with songs (co-)written by Brandy Clark, Erin Enderlin & Ronnie Dunn.
Hey Arnold, A Stand Up Guy
February 12, 2019 @ 12:34 pm
Yeah, I don’t get the Brooks and Dunn single… They are just milking on the success of Luke Combs. Is their collaboration with Kane even a single?
Usually these duet albums don’t release singles to radio, or if they do… it’s only a little support from their labels for a Top 40 finish… This Brand New Man single could go to the top with Luke, becoming his 6th consecutive #1 ..
Trigger
February 12, 2019 @ 2:48 pm
Would have much preferred a new Brooks & Dunn studio record to running through the hits again. Just cements their place as a Las Vegas lounge act as opposed to trying to rekindle their early magic.
albert
February 12, 2019 @ 6:21 pm
ronnie dunn’s solo releases were arguably some of the best stuff released in the past decade . … straight-up country -country rock , with not only some great songs but ronnie dunn out-singing almost every chart artist but stapleton. except for ‘ bleed red ”, his stuff has been ignored . probably why B and D haven’t bothered releasing new stuff. this duet hits package will be way more lucrative than NEW B and D which radio would likely ignore .
Lone Wolf
February 12, 2019 @ 9:31 pm
Albert, your post has me intrigued. What Ronnie Dunn solo CD would you recommend as a starting point?
Crsync
February 13, 2019 @ 8:51 am
I’m in total agreement Albert. RD’s first solo album is one of my main go-to records. For the uninformed, go rack up “Love Owes Me One”.
hoptowntiger94
February 12, 2019 @ 6:58 pm
If they really wanted to do that kind of album, why not with Cody Jinks, Chris Stapleton, Brent Cobb, Sturgill Simpson …. that guest list is terrible. Reeks desperation. Makes me question my B&D fanhood. Up to this point, I’d be still interested in new music by B&D and going to a show, but I don’t want to be affiliated with that kind of crowd.
North Woods Country
February 12, 2019 @ 4:33 pm
They added a clap track to “Brand New Man.” It’s now an abomination.
Luckyoldsun
February 12, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
Legacy country artists have ALWAYS re-recorded their classic hits as duets with younger, hot new artists. Just from memory, I can think of Conway Twitty doing “It’s Only Make Believe” with Ronnie McDowell, Johnny Cash doing “Get Rhythm” with Martin Delray, John Anderson doing “Seminole Wind” with Big & Rich. And George Jones, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton and the Bellamy Bros. did entire albums of their old hits with new artists. Why the hell shouldn’t B&D redo “Brand New Man” if the hottest artist in country music wants to do it with them? At best, it can reconnect them with a new generation. At worst,….heck, there is no “worst.”
Hey Arnold, A Stand Up Guy
February 12, 2019 @ 12:31 pm
Speaking of women in country music….. Carrie Underwood’s current single “Love Wins” seems to be losing steam at #13 on the radio charts… Her last single(Cry Pretty) only made it to #9, which is rare for #1 hit maker Underwood…. I wonder what is up at Capitol Records???
Gina
February 12, 2019 @ 1:07 pm
Excellent news! I’m not surprised by the ratings, awards show ratings are down in general now.
Trigger
February 12, 2019 @ 2:49 pm
All told, if you can turn in flat ratings these days, you’re way ahead of the curve.
charlie
February 15, 2019 @ 10:32 am
Not that it matters much, but I think you have the “overall viewership” numbers reversed in this article. All other sources I’ve seen report total viewers this year as 19.9 million vs 19.8 million in 2018.
Trigger
February 15, 2019 @ 10:36 am
You are right. Got those transposed.
Rob
February 12, 2019 @ 2:26 pm
Any of you guys who have been to Cody Jinks concerts know if he does meet and greets? If so then when does he do it, before or after the concert?
Bobby
February 12, 2019 @ 3:25 pm
Any time a performer has a notable performance, or “that moment” (Stapleton with Timberlake, Sturgill Simpson on SNL, etc) I tend to watch it 3 or 4 times and say damn that was good. I’ve watched Brandi Carlile’s performance no less than 15 times already. That was her “moment.”
North Woods Country
February 12, 2019 @ 4:35 pm
You know, I think Sturgill’s performance of “All Around Me” at the Grammys eclipsed his SNL performance of “Call to Arms.” It’s better vocally and much, much better instrumentally from a clarity standpoint. It’s his best TV performance to date.
Erik North
February 12, 2019 @ 5:51 pm
Re. Dolly: During her Music Cares award ceremony (and I’m surprised no one has mentioned this), the biggest shock that she got was having the award presented to her by her two TRIO pals Emmylou and Linda, the latter of whom was in quite good spirits for someone whose singing voice has forever been silenced by Parkinson’s. Linda’s first Greatest Hits compilation, released in December 1976 and which first hit #2 on the Billboard C&W album chart in early 1977, has re-entered that chart at #45.
hoptowntiger94
February 12, 2019 @ 8:37 pm
I saw them in the crowd!
Did you see Linda Perry playing guitar during the Dolly Parton set? She’s been hanging around and working with Dolly a lot.
Also, I just read Shooter was playing piano during Carlile’s performance.
Erik North
February 12, 2019 @ 9:00 pm
Yes, Linda (Perry) and Dolly have indeed worked well together, with DUMPLIN’ likely only being the first thing. I don’t know that one should expect Linda to go into Dolly’s musical genre full throttle (because she might be accused of being a musical carpetbagger), but then stranger things have been known to happen in this business.
TilBillyHill
February 17, 2019 @ 2:35 am
I was watching with my Mom, as we were traveling together. I happened to notice Linda Perry in kind of a pit area just as the number was closing and said, “oh, hey! Linda Perry!” It would have been completely pointless, as my Mom has no idea who that is. But, leave it to Dolly’s impeccable timing to shout out a couple seconds later her thanks to Linda Perry.
Oh – and on the topic of examples of grace at the awards shows… did anyone else notice when Diana Ross was singing, “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” she was having people sing along with her, she pointed the mic toward someone who (either in a panic or not knowing the words to that verse) kinda shook their head “no” and tried to recede? What was most notable to me was how Ms. Ross reacted (especially compared to the Rexha story). She sweetly said, “no? Okay” and just kept going.
Glenn
February 13, 2019 @ 4:31 am
I wanted the Little Big town/Dolly version of “Red Shoes” to go on forever, and Dolly was obviously feeling the spirit as well. She was singing the hell out of that song and turned it into a “Let’s go to church” romp that swelled my heart two sizes. The other singers in the tribute were all a mess, Katy, Kacey, et al, each one either over-singing or very shaky in their pitching. And that wig on Kacey!!
Trigger
February 13, 2019 @ 9:06 am
Katy Perry was a train wreck. Thought Miley Cyrus did well too.
Jordan K
February 13, 2019 @ 9:28 am
Surprised to see you haven’t said anything about Ya Girl Caitlyn Smith being on the TODAY Show this weekend. Did she get a sales boost?
scarlettide
February 13, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
Good for them. They are all so talented. Their music is so good. Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves were couple of highlights for performers.
East Coast Red Dirt Dreamer
February 13, 2019 @ 6:43 pm
I honestly thought Kacey’s performance was a wreck. So pitchy and just felt like a Jr. High talent show performance of a great song. She won overall album because it’s a crossover so she got enough LA and NY votes added to the Nashville vote to put her over the top. The least country album nominated in the Country album category yet she won there as well and probably for the same reason. Country radio is now frantically adding Kacey’s song because they only know how to follow and not lead. The genre is in a mess, especially at radio.
RD
February 15, 2019 @ 10:47 am
The best part about Kacey Musgraves is her bouffant hairstyles and her jump suits. Its hard not to dig that. Best viewed with the computer/tv sound off.
Poppin by
February 24, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
YOu really could not appreciate what it was like to see the performance and hear the song for the first time and then only to read Merissa’s immediately following it. What a mother fing pregnant kick in the stomach, no joke. A bunch of privileged world citizens still only looking out for them selves in line for the slaughterhouse like sheep running off a cliff together. You got your rights but because you trample on so many they’ve become a joke. Don’t tap someone on the shoulder and tell them that you know about the joke at this late stage, just get used to the prison and your inmates.
Poppin by
February 24, 2019 @ 12:41 pm
anyone who has ever been bullied or had someone they cared about bullied, would have appreciated the performance. It’s a driving away song, fake your own death song. How could you not love it? It’s perfect just as it is.