Industry Pics: SOLID, Taylor Swift, BMI, Rounder Records, Marshall Tucker Band

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SOLID Session: The Team Behind Luke Bryan

Pictured (L-R): Cait Murphy (SOLID, KP Entertainment) , SOLID President, Basak Kizilisik; Partner at WME, Jay Williams; President at KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards; and CEO of UMG Nashville, Mike Dungan. Photo: Avery King |

Music industry organization SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) hosted “The Team Behind the Artist, Luke Bryan,” an informational session with music industry leaders Kerri Edwards (Manager/President, KP Entertainment and founding SOLID member), Jay Williams (Agent/Co-Head/Partner, WME), and Mike Dungan (Chairman/CEO, UMG Nashville) that were key to country music superstar Luke Bryan’s success last night at Nashville’s Topgolf location.

 

Taylor Swift Surprises Nashville Target Shoppers

Following the release of the pop star’s latest studio album, Reputation, on Friday (Nov. 10), Taylor Swift surprised shoppers at Nashville’s White Bridge Target store. Swift continued her tradition of stopping in at a Target store after an album release. Swift captured the trip with a series of videos on her Instagram story.

According to Nielsen Soundscan, the album has already sold more than 1 million copies in the United States.

 

BMI Showcases “8 Off 8th”

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson poses with “8 Off 8th” performers Maddie Larkin, Emily Hackett and Taylor Edwards. Photo: Rachel Deeb

BMI wrapped up a year of BMI-curated “8 Off 8th” showcases with a talented lineup of up-and-coming female songwriters at Mercy Lounge. The final show of the year included powerhouse performances from Krysten Simone, Lara Johnston, Baylor Wilson, Taylor Edwards, Emily Hackett, Maddie Larkin, Catie Offerman and Heather Bond. Stay tuned for more details on BMI’s “8 Off 8th” plans for 2018.

 

Chris Hillman Celebrates Album Release With Rounder Records

Pictured (L-R): Connie Pappas Hillman (manager), Adam Jones (Rounder Records), Matt Miller (Rounder Records), Gary Paczosa (Rounder Records), Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Eliza Levy (Rounder Records), Ayappa Biddanda (Concord Music), Jess Jocoy (Rounder Records), John Jorgenson, Ashley Moyer (Rounder Records)

Chris Hillman released his new album Bidin’ My Time in September. During a recent stop at City Winery in Nashville he met with his label Rounder Records to celebrate the effort.

 

Marshall Tucker Band Plays For Georgia Jam Series

Pictured (L-R): Doug Gray, Jaimoe, Charlie Brusco, (Red Light), and Darren Hagen (Red Light) backstage at Atlanta’s Georgia Jam Concert at the Variety Playhouse

The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) recently performed as part of the revived Georgia Jam concert series where they were joined by Allman Brothers original member Jaimoe (Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band) for standing room only shows at Macon’s Capitol Cox Theatre and Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse. In Macon, the MTB was honored for their impact on the local music scene, while Jaimoe was presented with the Harriett Tubman Medal of Freedom. At Grant’s Lounge, Doug Gray was presented with a plaque commemorating the band’s history in Macon.

Pictured (L-R): Wes Griffith (Moonhanger Group), Doug Gray,  Ed Grant Jr. (Moonhanger Group)

Blake Shelton Featured As First Country Artist For People’s Sexiest Man Alive

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Blake Shelton has been selected as the first country music artist for People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive list.

Shelton, who coaches NBC’s The Voice, said exclusively to the magazine, “Y’all must be running out of people. Like, Wow, we’re down to somebody who is somewhat symmetrical.”

Fellow The Voice coach, Adam Levine, was picked as the only other, and first musician for People‘s 2013 Sexiest Man. Shelton’s comments continued of his 2017 ‘SMA’ appointment:

It’s going to be used in every conversation, whether it’s at The Voice, or at the feed in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, or in a conversation with a doctor,” he says. “When [people] would say to Adam, ‘Mr. Sexy,’ you’d always see him go, ‘Well, awwww…’ If you say that to me, it’s going to be, ‘You’re damn right, I’m Mr. Sexy! I’ve been ugly my whole life, if I can be sexy for a year, I’m taking it. I’m taking it.

The 41 year old, 6’5″ Oklahoman released his latest project, Texoma Shore on Nov. 3.

 

Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson To Play MerleFest 2018

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MerleFest has announced its initial lineup for MerleFest 2018, which will be held April 26-29. Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Robert Earl Keen, The Devil Makes Three, Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, Mission Temple Fireworks Revival featuring Paul Thorn & Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama and the McCrary Sisters, and many more will play the prestigious annual homecoming festival on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

The 2018 Midnight Jam presented by The Bluegrass Situation on Saturday, April 28 will start at 10:30 p.m. and run well past midnight, with special hosts Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale. This very popular after-hours hootenanny gathers many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history.

Ticket sales for the event began yesterday. Additional performers for MerleFest 2018 will be announced in the coming months, and the full lineup and performance schedule can be found at MerleFest.org/lineup.

 

Szlachetka Joins Gellman Management Roster

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(L-R): Szlachetka and manager Michelle Goble

Nashville-based Americana artist Szlachetka has signed with Gellman Management for representation. 

Szlachetka is set to release his sophomore solo album, Heart of My Hometown, Feb. 16, 2018.  He is on tour this November performing shows with Granville Automatic and opening for Brandy Clark.

“We are thrilled for Szlachetka to join the Gellman Management roster,” says Michelle Goble, Manager and Artist Development.  “He is a triple threat as an artist, a songwriter and a musician whose talent and dedication to his craft is inspiring.  We are honored to be a part of his team and look forward to a bright future.”

In addition to Szlachetka, Gellman Management’s roster includes Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland, Jim Lauderdale; Brandy Clark, Patty Smyth, Cross Atlantic and Katelyn Clampett.    

Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Adds Five New Staffers

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Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Inc. has added five new team members: Liz Arango, Jeremy Baquing, Megan McClary, Nicole Jones and Paul Rossetti.

“Each of our newest account assistants possesses a spectacular work ethic and a great enthusiasm for business management,” said Jamie Cheek, president of FBMM. “Our talented staff ensures that our clients receive outstanding services at both our Nashville and New York offices.”

McClary comes to FBMM from William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, where she served as an HR coordinator and spearheaded internal programs, led philanthropic efforts and managed the intern program. Prior to that, she was a senior label relations manager for Naxos of America. She started her career interning for Sony Music Entertainment and has an MBA with a concentration in marketing from Middle Tennessee State University.

Jones brings over seven years of management experience to FBMM. She processed payroll and handled patient complaints at Children’s Clinic East as an operations manager, and also worked as a house supervisor at Village Behavioral Health. She graduated from King University in 2016.

Rossetti joins FBMM from Rock The Soul Entertainment, where he recently worked as a production assistant and oversaw session planning, managed projects and archived session data. He is a Grammy-Award winning engineer, winning Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2015 and received a nomination for the same award this year. He studied marketing at Georgia College and State University and earned an audio engineering certification from Dark Horse Institute in Franklin, Tenn.

Arango joins the New York City FBMM team. Previously, Arango worked as an account trainee for Kate Spade in New York. She also worked as a digital analyst for PHD Media. She studied economics at Bernard M. Baruch College and received a Master of Science degree in accounting from the University of Miami.

Baquing comes to FBMM after graduating from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. He previously interned for AMAX Talent and Creative in Nashville.

 

John Legend, Carrie Underwood To Host ‘Grammys Greatest Stories’

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John Legend and Carrie Underwood will co-host a new Grammy anniversary retrospective, Grammys Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special, that will air Nov. 24 on CBS. The all-encompassing show will be packed with epic moments from the past 59 years of Grammy history, including new stories from the artists about how their Grammy performances came to be.

The unique broadcast event will feature rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and special appearances by multi-Grammy winners and nominees Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Dave Grohl, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Chris Martin, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Justin Timberlake, and U2.

Special show segments will include reactions from Grammy producers and members of the music community following some legendary performances, including Paul McCartney bringing the Beatles’ legendary album, Abbey Road, to the Grammy stage.

Among the highlighted moments being recalled for the show are Blake Shelton’s appearance with Glen Campbell on The 54th Grammy Awards in 2012. “I have never felt more honored, proud, and nervous, and a sense of unexpected accomplishment,” said Shelton about the collaboration. “My first moment on that stage was with one of the greatest legends—not in country music—of the entertainment industry, period!”

MTheory Nashville Names Michael Corcoran As Exec VP

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Michael Corcoran

Artist manager services and artist development company mtheory Nashville has added Michael Corcoran as the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. He will report directly to President, Cameo Carlson.

Corcoran exits Borman Entertainment where he has spent the past seven years as the associate manager of Alison Krauss, overseeing all aspects of the artist’s career from recording to marketing and touring. Prior to Borman, Corcoran spent five years as an artist manager at Nettwerk.

Mtheory was founded in 2010 to provide artist managers with the tools they need to be successful in building multi-faceted artist careers in the modern music industry. With over 30 employees and offices in New York and Los Angeles, the company works with a diverse roster of artist managers across a variety of genres, including country, rock, pop, hip-hop, singer-songwriter and electronic.

Corcoran can be reached at [email protected].

Bobby Karl Works The 7th Annual NATD Honors

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Pictured (Back row L-R) Ron Harman, Steve, Moe Bandy, Gene Ward, Bill Anderson, Kelly Lang, TG Sheppard, Sally Williams, (front row L-R) Zach Farnum, Carrie Moore-Reed, Jeanny Seely, Gus Arrendale, and Debbie Moore attend the 2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 580

If you’re a booking agent who isn’t a member of the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD), you don’t know what you’re missing.

The NATD’s speaker series, annual picnics, industry workshops, Christmas party and other fellowship events are always warm and convivial. And no other awards banquet can touch the NATD’s for intimacy, visual atmosphere, cuisine and camaraderie.

The seventh annual event was again staged at the opulent, 1910 beaux-arts Hermitage Hotel. The cocktail party on Tuesday (Nov. 14) was held in the venue’s exquisite lobby, topped with its breath-taking, stained-glass ceiling.

The awards banquet took place in the sumptuous ballroom amid vintage woven carpet, brocade-draped windows, polychromed and elaborately coffered ceiling, art deco chandeliers, rare chestnut paneled walls and Tennessee presidential portraits.

Honorees Charlie Daniels and Charley Pride attend the 2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD

The company was as delightful as the surroundings. We greeted Shawn Camp, Charlene Tilton, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Cerrito, Dave Brainard, Steve Buchanan, Pete Fisher, Rod Essig, Bob Romeo, comedian Dick Hardwick and super promising new singer-songwriters Jenny Tolman, Cherish Lee and Lauren Mascitti.

This year’s honorees were Charley Pride, Bobby Roberts, David Corlew, Jeannie Seely, Sean Henry and Barbara Hubbard. Many standing ovations punctuated the evening.

During the cocktail reception Chaz Corzine honored Sean Henry, the president and CEO of The Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena. “Back in 2010, there were people who didn’t think Nashville was a hockey town,” said Corzine. “Now the Predators are the No. 1 franchise in all of sports.

“No one has combined sports and entertainment like Sean Henry has.” Stars like Vince, Tim, Faith, Charlie Daniels and Carrie Underwood regularly fire up fans at the hockey games. Henry has brought SEC men and women’s basketball tournaments to Bridgestone, not to mention a parade of superstar concert attractions. Oh, and the Preds sold out every one of their Bridgestone home games in the 2016-17 season.

“We told the sports world how great Nashville is,” said Henry in accepting his honor. “This is one of the great sports stories. We’re gonna do it all again this year!”

2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD. [Click photo to enlarge]

Inside the ballroom, NATD president Steve Tolman greeted the crowd saying, “Welcome to the NATD living room for the evening.” Membership chair Zach Farnum promised, “NATD is going to have its biggest and best year yet in 2018. This will be our 60th anniversary year.”

Co-hosts for the gala were Stephanie Langston and Shawn Parr. The former introduced Charlie Daniels as, “the man I might love more than Santa Claus.” He was there to honor Corlew.

“He came to work with me 44 years ago,” said Daniels. “I have leaned on David a lot in my life. He deserves this award.”

Corlew is the star’s personal manager. He runs song publishing companies, is the president of Blue Hat Records, runs a film production outfit and co-founded the Journey Home Project to benefit veterans.

“I love this event – It’s so much fun to come here and see all of my friends,” said the honoree. “The music business has always been the center of my heart, the center of my soul and the center of my life. This is a caring business. It’s a loving business.”

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Blake McDaniel, Randi Perkins, Rod Essig, Ed Bazel, Steve Tolman, Tony Conway, Chaz Corzine, Zach Farum, (front row L-R) Rod Harris, Carrie Moore-Reed, Bonnie Sugarman, Pepper Meiler, and Charlynn Carter attend the 2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD

Hubbard, known as “Mother Hubbard” is a veteran concert promoter at New Mexico State University. Now 90, she was presented with her honor by Doc McGhee.

“I hope all of you realize how blessed we are,” she told the audience.

The Bobby Roberts Company has represented 11 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Longtime client and friend John Anderson sang “Seminole Wind” to salute him. Sons Travis James Roberts and Lance Roberts presented the NATD honor.

“It’s been a wonderful journey for us,” said Bobby. “I’ve represented some of the icons in this business, my personal heroes. Music was always central to my life. We built a family business as a family. This is one more blessing, so thank you very, very much.”

Bobby Bare surprised Pride when he took the stage. “Charley is country from the tip of his toes to the top of his head,” Bare said. “You can’t fool The People — he proved it with his singing.” Bare honored Pride by performing “I’m So Afraid of Losing You Again.”

“I’m proud to be here,” Pride said. “To the many promoters…thanks. I appreciate this.”

Pictured (L-R): Charlie Daniels, Hazel Daniels, Charley Pride, Barbara Hubbard, David Corlew, and Caroline Corlew attend the 2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD

Lorrie Morgan surprised Seely via a torrid, torchy performance of the latter’s Grammy-winning signature song “Don’t Touch Me.” Sally Williams cited Seely as the first woman to host a segment on the Grand Ole Opry. She also recalled Seely’s challenge to conservative Opry management by wearing mini skirts instead of ginghams.

“You are a bad ass, and I’m happy to call you my partner in crime,” Williams added.

She then brought on Bill Anderson, another surprise. “Fooled ya, didn’t we?” he kidded the honoree. “Jeannie described herself best. Here’s what she said, ‘They say everybody marches to the beat of a different drummer — I’m looking for a drummer who will beat to the way I march.’”

“I’m so proud to be in this room,” Seely said. “I didn’t plan anything [to say]. I never do. I’ve been flying by the seat of my pantyhose for a long time. Thanks to Gene Ward. I always needed a good lawyer and couldn’t find one. So I married one.

“This is awesome. Thank you so much.”

Each honoree was introduced with a video bio. Making video cameo appearances were such stars as Garth, Reba, Dolly, Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin and Sylvia.

Honoree Jeannie Seely and Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations – Grand Ole Opry Sally Williams attend the 2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD

Applauding and schmoozing were Steve Lassiter, Bebe Evans, Dan Rogers, Bonnie Sugarman, Preshias Harris, Bev Moser, Ray Shelide, Paula Szeigis, Carolyn Corlew, Randi Perkins, Moore & Moore, Dick Beacham, Michael Campbell and Dolly Chandler.

In addition to being sublimely gorgeous, The Hermitage is a real hotel. Ergo, our meals were superb. Salads of artisanal lettuces, radishes and carrots were dressed with citrus vinaigrette. The main course was tender filet mignon, jumbo asparagus and potato, cauliflower and white cheddar mash with truffle jus. Layered coconut cream and vanilla cake topped with whipped icing finished the repast.

Steve Tolman, Tony Conway and Blake McDaniel announced that the NATD was presenting $2,500 to Scott Hamilton’s ScottCares Foundation, $5,000 to Hubbard’s ACTS scholarships to entertainment-industry students and a washer-dryer to Dupont Tyler Middle School.

The event had just a touch of bonjour tristesse. Farnum is evidently doing such a good NATD recruiting job that the Hermitage ballroom is now stretched to its 150-person capacity. I fear it might soon outgrow this elegant, intimate venue.

Honorees Bobby Roberts, Charley Pride, and Sean Henry attend the 2017 NATD Honors Gala at Hermitage Hotel on November 14, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD

 

Lee Thomas Miller Officially Launches Campaign For U.S. Congress

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Lee Thomas Miller

Songwriter Lee Thomas Miller has officially launched his campaign for U.S Congress’ seventh district today (Nov. 14), following last week’s announcement from BMI’s Mike O’Neill.

The son of Kentucky tobacco farmer and a small town librarian has become an award winning songwriter who lives in Williamson County in Tennessee with his wife Jana and their four kids, all of whom attend public schools in their community.

He has penned seven No. 1 songs, 12 top 10 songs and earned three Grammy nominations with artists including Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Jamey Johnson and Chris Stapleton. Most people know his hit songs, like “In Color,” “The Impossible,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and “I’m Still a Guy.”

Miller recently stepped down from his former post as president of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in order to run for the seat. He has tirelessly worked with NSAI to defend the rights and livelihood on Capitol Hill of the “smallest small business”—songwriters.

See Miller’s official announcement video below:

Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo Launches Digital Ticketing, Secondary Marketplace

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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will implement a digital ticketing delivery method — Flash Seats digital tickets by AXS — and an official secondary marketplace for RodeoHouston for 2018.

“We are excited to provide Flash Seats to all of our RodeoHouston fans,” said Joel Cowley, Rodeo president and CEO. “The use of Flash Seats and the secondary market will provide better customer service to our loyal season ticket buyers who will now be able to resell their unused seats to enthusiastic fans in a safe and secure environment. This change to our previous ticket resale policy allows us to adapt to new technology and user needs.”

Flash Seats digital tickets allows for an easy transfer of tickets to family, friends and co-workers, and will be the only method of delivery for individual tickets to all 20 RodeoHouston performances in 2018.

Additionally, the RodeoHouston Marketplace will give individual ticket holders a secure online portal where they can resell and purchase Rodeo tickets with confidence, and will provide buyers with the security of knowing that tickets purchased on the RodeoHouston Marketplace are valid for entry. The RodeoHouston Marketplace will open to the public in early December.

Garth Brooks was previously announced as a headliner for the 2018 RodeoHouston. The full RodeoHouston lineup will be announced Thursday, Jan. 4, and tickets for the remaining Rodeo performances will go on sale Thursday, Jan. 11, via rodeohouston.com.