How to Get Your Song on the Radio

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If you want to make it in the music business then you’ve got to get a #1 hit on the radio… but how do you do that?

The good ol’ days of sending your song to the radio station are long gone, so if you want to get on the radio you need to work with a radio promoter.

Jerry Duncan is the most successful, reputable radio promoter I know.

Since 1982 he has helped nearly every major artist land #1 hits on the radio; 72 number 1 singles in all!

More importantly (for you) he has been instrumental on breaking new country artists like…

Jason Aldean “Hicktown”, “Why”
Tim McGraw “Indian Outlaw”, “Don’t Take the Girl”
Toby Keith “Should Have Been a Cowboy”
Josh Turner “Long Black Train”
Blake Shelton “Austin”, “Ol’ Red”, “The Baby”
Soggy Bottom Boys “Man of Constant Sorrow”
Trick Pony “Pour Me”, “On a Night Like This”, “Just What I Do”
Brad Paisley “He Didn’t Have to Be”, “Me Neither”
Alison Krauss “When You Say Nothing at All”
Billy Ray Cyrus “Achy Breaky Heart”
Martina McBride “My Baby Loves Me”, “Independence Day”
Florida Georgia Line “Cruise”
Kentucky Headhunters “Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine”, “Dumas Walker”

Listen in as Jerry and I discuss…

  • How to determine which song should end up on the radio
  • The easiest way to boost radio airplay
  • How live performance and radio airplay are connected
  • If music videos help radio airplay
  • Why the lifespan of a single by a new independent artist is longer than ever
  • Jerry’s advice for aspiring singers
  • Jerry’s predictions for the future of country music

Our artist Tim Hadler is climbing the charts with the help of Jerry Duncan – check out the video for his single Down By the Railroad Tracks:

Here are a few of Tim’s other original songs, sure to become hits as well…

It takes a team of dedicated and experience radio promoters to get an unsigned artist on the charts. A professional company like Jerry Duncan Promotions is not going to take just anybody’s songs. You must have the best quality production, expertly-crafted songs, and amazing vocal talent.

Submit your demo here and let us help you get ready for radio.

19 thoughts on “How to Get Your Song on the Radio”

    1. Cathy Lemmon

      Hi Carolyn, I just saw this message from word press, but it was from 2015!! Are you still wanting someone to look over your lyrics? We do have pro writers who can help you with writing original melodies for your songs. Give me a call at (615) 589-0777. Or email me a few of your sample lyrics to: cathylemmon@gmail.com

  3. Phil Marshall

    Hi Cathy

    I am just moving to Franklin next week to work on “Crowded Streets” project we are starting by Rereleasing “Carry on my Wayward Son” song by Kansas with August Zadra Vocals Guitar from Dennis Deyoung (Styx) and 3 Members of PETRA Nashville Christian Band and Mixed by 7 time Grammy winner John Yasczc should be finished next week to send you! I have John Elefante (singer of Kansas) for next Song Kansas Morning my Original which is more of a Southern Rock Ballad I can send rough mix later anyway Cathy would like to talk more about promoting this Project and Songs

    Thanks Phil

    715-220-3986

    1. Cathy Lemmon

      I apologize Phil,
      I guess I am not tech savvy because wordpress just sent me all these messages from a few years ago that I never got! I hope your music is doing wonderful for you! If you are still in need of help, you are welcome to email me at: cathylemmon@gmail.com or call me at (615) 589-0777.
      Take care,
      Cathy

  4. Paul Chirco

    Hi Cathy
    You licensed the song “I don’t care” to Alisa Chirco. She has finished a Christmas song recently and we are looking to find a promoter to get some air time. Can you help us?
    We can get you a file to check out the song if you would like to hear it.

  7. Kgothatso

    i have been producing under ElectricalBassdrum i produced many hit songs with famous people and things didn’t work out because of some reasons ….so i’m looking for a promoter as i’m starting afresh as DjMumba Bassdrum

  8. Chuck Edson

    Hi Cathy,

    I’ve just completed a CD of 12 original songs at Jeff Cook’s (ALABAMA) studio in Fort Payne that David Hammonds produced. As of this writing the CDs have not been made (David just finished the mastering), but I’m wondering if I could have David submit it when it is done?

    Thank you for your time and have a safe and wonderful New Year’s Eve.

    2. Cathy Lemmon

      Hi Chuck,
      I apologize that I just got your message. WordPress sent me several emails from a couple years back. You are welcome to submit your music at: cathylemmon@gmail.com for a free evaluation.

  9. Carrie Nayes

    Hello,

    I am writing in regards to an artist I am managing. His name is Barry Coughlin of Austin TX. Barry is a singer/songwriter who has been working regularly for the last 35 years. The last 8 years he has been recovering from a catastrophic surgery, and even though he has been performing live on a very limited basis, he has continued to write and record, which is his passion. We have decided to put a promotional packet together and come to Nashville to meet and greet. I have included Barry’s website that has his Bio and some of his history in the music business. Feel free to contact me through email or phone. Any advice you could offer us would be greatly appreciated.

    Sincerely,
    Carrie Nayes
    214-984-4448

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