Ben Vaughn Exits EMI Music Publishing

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It remains unofficial, but MusicRow has learned that EMI Music Publishing Nashville Executive VP/GM Ben Vaughn has exited the company in the wake of the completed merger with Sony/ATV.

Vaughn became the youngest publisher to lead a major Nashville organization such as EMI, where he has spent the last 10 years and helmed the company since 2010. During this time EMI’s market share has grown from 7.3% in Q1 2010 when Vaughn took over, to 14.1% in Q1 2012. He personally signed songwriters such as Dallas Davidson (current ACM/BMI Songwriter of the Year), Rhett Akins (BMI Songwriter of the Year), Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (SESAC Songwriter of the Year) and others.

Vaughn got an early start in the publishing game being named GM at Big Tractor Music at just 20 years old. He currently serves on the Board of the Academy of Country Music, is a Governor on the Nashville NARAS Board and an active member of the CMA and NMPA.

Reach him at [email protected].

Actor and Singer Andy Griffith Dies

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Andy Griffith and Marty Stuart collaborating in 2003. Photo: Alan Mayor

Beloved television actor and singer Andy Griffith passed away earlier today (7/3) at his home in Dare County, NC. He was 86. The news was confirmed to North Carolina’s WITN News by Griffith’s friend, UNC President Bill Friday.

Known for his down-to-earth leading roles in The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968) and Matlock (1986-1995), Griffith became a symbol of small town America as Sheriff Andy Taylor. Also a talented vocalist and musician, Griffith recorded several country and gospel albums throughout his lengthy career. In 2005, Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush.

Andrew Samuel Griffith was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Griffith was originally studying to be a preacher, but changed his major to music. Following graduation, he taught high school English before launching his entertainment career.

His first forays into entertainment were comedic monologues, including “What it Was, Was Football” which charted in 1954. He landed a role in the teleplay No Time For Sergeants in 1955, and made his film debut as a darker, less wholesome character in A Face in the Crowd (1957).

The Andy Griffith Show began airing on CBS in 1960, when the Sheriff Andy Taylor character was spun off from Make Room For Daddy. The highly successful show set in fictionalized Mayberry, NC, ran eight years, earning multiple Emmy Awards for the comedic performances of Griffith’s co-star Don Knotts. Griffith later found success in 1986 with the legal drama Matlock, in which he starred as a country lawyer with a knack for winning his cases.

In addition to his humorous monologues, Griffith also recorded an album of country and gospel songs while The Andy Griffith Show was in production, which included a version of the show’s iconic theme song “The Fishin’ Hole.” He later recorded several albums of hymns for Sparrow Records, including the successful 1996 release I Love To Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns which won a Grammy Award for Best Southern Gospel Album. In 2003, Griffith recorded The Christmas Guest with producer Marty Stuart. In 2008, he appeared in Brad Paisley’s video for “Waitin’ On a Woman.”

Turner Classic Movies will pay tribute to Griffith’s career by showing four of his films on July 18. Starting at 7 pm CT, TCM will show A Face In The Crowd, No Time For Sargeants, Hearts of the West, and Onionhead.

Gwen Sebastian Partners With World Vision

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Pictured (L-R): World Vision’s Mike Severson, Michael Bianchi, Sebastian, World Vision’s Jenny Lockwald, and Tim Sawer

Flying Island’s Gwen Sebastian is partnering with World Vision in an effort to raise awareness of the organization’s work to combat worldwide poverty and injustice.

Sebastian will provide information at her concerts about the organization including child sponsorship opportunities, which help entire communities in poverty stricken areas. She also is sponsoring Celestine, an 8-year-old who lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I am honored to say that I have partnered with World Vision, an amazing organization that provides basic necessities to people in every part of the world,” said Sebastian. “Their efforts serve all people regardless of race and gender.”

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. More info here.

Nashville Welcomes Country Throwdown Tour

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The Country Throwdown Tour will rock The Woods Amphitheater At Fontanel in Nashville on Sunday (7/8). The third-annual outdoor festival is headlined by Gary Allan and features Corey Smith, Sunny Sweeney, Eric Paslay, Florida Georgia Line, Maggie Rose and special guests Drake White and Jonathan Singleton and The Grove.

Singer-songwriters including Channing Wilson, Rose Falcon, Carly Pearce and Mama’s Blue Dress will perform in-the-round at The Bluebird Cafe tent.

The tour is Fired Up by Kingsford®, and 4Fini Inc.’s Kevin Lyman and Sarah Baer are the creators and producers. Details at www.countrythrowdown.com.

Musical Chairs at Kobalt, Sony, and KP/Red Light

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Stephanie Cox

Longtime publisher Stephanie Cox recently joined Kobalt Music as VP Creative. She most recently worked for Monument Publishing as part of Sony Music Nashville. Cox reports to Kobalt Senior VP Creative, Whitney Daane, head of the Nashville operation. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Cheri Cranford has exited her post at Sony Music Nashville after almost 25 years with the company. She says, “it has been a great ride beginning at Arista with Tim, through the RCA Label Group years with Joe and Butch, and most recently my time, although short, with Gary O. Now I will look forward to the next chapter.” She can be reached at [email protected].

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Kerri Edward’s KP Entertainment/Red Light Management office has hired Jacoby Knott. The recent MTSU graduate earned a degree in Business Administration/Management and previously interned at Skyville Records, Jewell Entertainment and Taillight TV. She can be reached at 615-259-5437.

From the Road (7/3/12)

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Hide the ‘Stache
Arista Nashville’s Kix Brooks recently performed a show at Joe’s Bar in Chicago. Before the show Kix and a few female colleagues had some fake mustache fun.

(L-R) Back Row: Halie Hampton (Arista Nashville), Laurie Kapugi (WUSN PD Jeff Kapugi’s wife), Kix, Lesly Tyson (Arista Nashville), Lisa Ramsey-Perkins (Arista Nashville). Front Row: Lauren Thomas (Arista Nashville), Marci Braun (WUSN Chicago APD)

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What, No Red Solo Cup?
While headlining for this past Sunday’s (June 24, 2012) WBCT’s Birthday Bash in Grand Rapids, MI, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie and Troy celebrated backstage with the station’s PD Doug Montgomery.

(L-R): Average Joes' Joe Schuld, Eddie Montgomery, WBCT's Doug Montgomery, and Troy Gentry.

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Gary Allan, Teed Off
MCA Nashville multi-platinum artist Gary Allan recently made a stop at the famed Whistling Straits Golf Course in Milwaukee with WMIL PD, Kerry Wolfe. After playing a round, Allan and his band headlined Summerfest in downtown Milwaukee.

(L-R): Jaime Hanna (Gary Allan band member), Kerry Wolfe (WMIL PD), Gary Allan, Royce Risser (UMG Sr VP Promotion), Donna Jo Passuntino (MCA Dir. Midwest Promotion), Van Haze (MCA VP Promotion) and Levi Dennis (Gary Allan band member)

Summer NAMM In Nashville

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The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) will host Summer NAMM in Nashville July 12–14, 2012. The musical instrument and products trade show will be at the Nashville Convention Center exhibiting the newest instruments, state-of-the-art music-making technologies, DJ gear, instrument demos, lighting and sound equipment.

Sat., July 14 is Public Day, when Summer NAMM opens its doors to the general public and music enthusiasts of all ages. Admission is $15, available here.

In addition to many professional workshops, highlights also include:

Wed., July 11—A Celebration of Music at Events on Third, a venue on Printer’s Alley. Set to perform are John Oates, Gary Morris, Drake White and The Little Kids Rock student band. The free party is sponsored by Two Old Hippies, Bedell Guitars, The Music Trades and NAMM.

Thurs., July 12—NAMM Retail Summit at 8 a.m. NAMM Pres./CEO Joe Lamond and Amro Music Stores Chairman/author Chip Averwater offer an in-depth discussion of retail success.
The Best of Nashville Music Event, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., features The Duffy Jackson Big Band, Three Ring Circle, 18 South, The Charles Walker Quartet and more. Presented by the Nashville Musicians Association and NAMM.

Fri., July 13—Joe Lamond discussion with Bill Ivey, founding director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt, 10-11:00 a.m.

Over 10,000 music industry professionals from 20+ countries are planning to attend the three-day event. Details at www.namm.org/summer/2012.

Alan Jackson Supports Wildfire Relief at Denver Concert

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Alan Jackson performing at Red Rocks. Photo: Scott Scovill

Alan Jackson played Denver’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Thurs, June 28, and recognized the devastation Colorado is currently experiencing with wildfires by helping raise funds for relief.

Jackson partnered with AEG and KYGO/Denver to offer front row reserved seats at a special premium price, donating all proceeds to the Denver Foundation for use by the Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund. KYGO announced the tickets were available on the morning of the show and within hours, several thousand dollars had been raised.

“It’s just the saddest thing. I’m just heart broke about all the fires out here,” Jackson told the audience from the stage. “We really appreciate all the great people that have been helping them out here.”

Donations for wildfire disaster relief efforts can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by visiting the Colorado chapter’s website at www.coloradoredcross.org.

ICM Awards Partners With Ronald McDonald Charity

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The 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards, set for Oct. 18 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, has named the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville as its charity of choice for this year’s week-long celebration.

The ICM Faith, Family and Country™ 20 Year Homecoming Concert Celebration, taking place Oct., 14 – 18 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, is open to the public and includes showcases, a songwriting contest, seminars, a talent competition and much more. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville.

For more information on the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards, please visit www.ccma.cc/ and for more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville, please visit www.rmhcnashville.com.

Paisley to Join President and Military on Independence Day

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The USO and President Obama are teaming up for the Fourth Annual “Salute To the Military” USO Concert on Wednesday, July 4, and Arista Nashville’s Brad Paisley has been named as the performer.

The concert aims to honor the sacrifice, service and dedication of the men and women in the United States armed forces. The event will take place at 8:10 pm ET on the White House South Lawn in Washington, DC and includes a barbecue, games, a musical selection by “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, and an hour-long USO show by Paisley. Over 1,200 troops and families are expected to attend.

“Salute to the Military” is part of the Joining Forces initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, and will also be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov. For other 4th of July country music news, check here.