Music Biz Delivers First Honors In Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Fred Beteille (Chairman of Music Biz), Scott Borchetta (president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group), Tom Johnston (The Doobie Brothers), Martina McBride, Patrick Simmons (The Doobie Brothers), Meghan Trainor, John McFee (The Doobie Brothers), and James Donio (Music Biz President). Photo: Rick Diamond.

The Music Business Association (Music Biz; formerly NARM), made its award presentations this afternoon (May 14) prior to wrapping up its first conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The Sheraton’s Capitol ballroom welcomed honorees including Meghan Trainor (Breakthrough Artist), Scott Borchetta (Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement), Martina McBride (Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award), The Who (Outstanding Achievement Award for 50 Years of Musical Excellence), The Doobie Brothers (Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement) and Jack White (Music Biz’s inaugural Innovator Award).

The Who and White were honored in presentations made earlier in the week with the former appearing via video at the luncheon.

Music Biz president James Donio served as host for the two hour event, which honored Trainor with her first award ever.

“I’ve never been to an award ceremony like this and actually won,” said Trainor. “Thank you to all the people who help me sing about my bass. Nashville was the first place that opened their arms to let me write here. Thank you to Carla Wallace, who is like my second mother. Big Yellow Dog signed me as a baby when I was deciding whether or not to go to college. Thank you for supporting me writing for all these crazy genres.”

Sandy Chapin, Harry Chapin’s widow, presented McBride for her humanitarian achievements.

“It’s interesting to be recognized for humanitarian efforts,” McBride said humbly. “I feel like God has given me this platform, but it’s really the volunteers that do all the work. It’s on their behalf that I accept this award.”

Borchetta, fresh off the plane from last night’s American Idol finale in Los Angeles, spoke directly to the business-focused audience, noting, “I love the [NARM to Music Biz] name change. My entire career, it’s been music first. The businesses follows. I get questions about wearing the [Music Has Value logo]. It’s a great conversation starter. Free music streaming is going to time out. We don’t let someone else build an industry on our backs. Let’s own it!”

Candace Berry, EVP and GM of Universal Music Group distribution, presented Borchetta with a giant plaque commemorating record sales from their partnership.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta (President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group), Linda Kury (Vice President Sales Associated Labels at Universal Music Group), Troy Scott (Director of Label and Non-Trad Marketing at Universal Music Group), Joshua Tario (Senior Director Sales – Catalog at Universal Music Group), and Candace Berry (EVP GM Universal Music Distribution). Photo: Rick Diamond.

The Doobie Brothers were honored by YouTube product manager Fred Beteille, who was recently appointed to chairman of Music Biz. Tom Johnston of the legendary rock band accepted the trophy alongside Patrick Simmons.

“We had a wonderful experience with Sony Nashville,” said Simmons. “It was great for us to creatively step in a new headspace. Thank you to David Huff, our producer, and Kate Richardson (marketing/PR). It’s great to still be rockin’ all these years.”

Michael McDonald, a Franklin, Tenn. resident, offered regrets for attendance but appreciation via video presentation.