Industry Ink: Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame, Average Joes, Grayscale Marketing

Sarah Cates Elected NaSHOF Board Chair

Sarah Cates

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) has elected Sarah Cates as its new board chair. She is the first female to serve with that title, joining Hall of Fame songwriter Wayland Holyfield (vice-chair), Rich Hallworth (secretary) and Mike Vaden (treasurer) as officers for 2019. Cates has served on the Foundation’s board since 2015.

Directors for the organization include Hall of Fame songwriters Pat Alger, Dickey Lee, Layng Martine Jr. and Allen Shamblin, serving with Beth Seigenthaler Courtney, Celia Froehlig, Ken Paulson, John Stein and John Van Mol.  Robert K. Oermann (historian) and Barry Neil Shrum, Esq. (counsel) are ex officios. Mark Ford is the nonprofit’s executive director.

“Serving an organization that celebrates world-renowned creators in one of Music City’s most iconic professions is a deep honor to me,” says Cates.  “The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame exists to honor this city’s history of songwriting excellence. I will do my best to serve this mission, as we honor the legacy of our members and celebrate Nashville as home to the finest songwriters from all genres of music.”

Average Joes Adds Smo To Roster

Pictured: Forrest Latta, AJE/Director-A&R; Smo; David Ray, Producer; Nathan Thompson, AJE/Sr. Director-Business Development

Homegrown Tennessee artist and reality star SMO has signed to Average Joes Entertainment. Currently in the studio finishing his new album, Smo’s first single, “Tear Da Mud Up,” is featured on Average Joes’ compilation series, Mud Digger 10, set for release July 12, 2019.

“Everyone at the label is excited to welcome SMO to the roster,” stated Average Joes’ Forrest Latta. “His talent, authenticity, and ability to deliver resonates with a broad fan base which has been firmly established.  The entire team at Average Joes Entertainment is excited for what’s to come in the next chapter of SMO.”

Grayscale Marketing Adds Four

Nashville-based advertising, PR and marketing company Grayscale Marketing has added four staffers. Liz McCormick has joined Grayscale Marketing as a Publicist working alongside the PR team for the agency’s brand and entertainment clients.  Carson Greenway has joined Grayscale Marketing as a Video & Motion Graphics Designer. Greenway also leads the agency’s photography and event creative team. Bridgette McAuliffe joins Grayscale Marketing as a Copywriter & Engagement Specialist. Jordan Formosa joins Grayscale Marketing as a Copywriter & Engagement Specialist.

Tim Gray, CEO of Grayscale Marketing, says, “I’m excited to welcome the new staff to our agency family. We’ve experienced rapid growth over the last 12 months and we’re incredibly lucky to have found these superstars. Their dedication to doing things the right way, passion for our clients, and focus on the big picture is what will help us and our clients in the years to come.”

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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