MTSU Inducts Two Into College Of Media And Entertainment Wall Of Fame

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music GM Mike Molinar, MTSU Department of Recording Industry Chair John Merchant. Photo: Courtesy of MTSU College of Media and Entertainment

Big Machine Music GM Mike Molinar has been inducted into MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment Wall of Fame.

The ceremony was held on April 14 in the new Chris Young Café where Molinar was joined by his wife and their two sons, as well as dear friend and fellow MTSU Wall of Fame member Martha Earls.

Molinar has overseen Big Machine Music since its launch in 2012. Under Molinar, BMM has scored more than 38 No. 1 hits, including the back-to-back CMA Song of the Year for 2019 and 2020, among many other honors. Molinar was previously named a member of the 2012-2013 MTSU Class of of Distinguished Alumni.

“I am thrilled that Mike Molinar received our College’s highest honor,” says Beverly Keel, dean of the college. “Mike is such a trusted and respected member of the music industry and is proof that nice guys can finish first. I remain in awe of his commitment to songwriters and his dedication to remaining aware of the changes in industry, policies and trends. He is a wonderful ambassador to MTSU and a wonderful role model for our students.”

Also inducted into the College of Media and Entertainment’s Wall of Fame was Electric Lady Manager and Partner, Lee Foster, who wasn’t able to attend the induction ceremony.

Foster secured a summer internship at Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village through MTSU when he was a student, and when he finished his internship, returned to MTSU to complete his degree. After graduation, he returned to Electric Lady and helped reinvigorate the studio which in its heyday, hosted some of the biggest artists on the planet like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Chic, the Clash and many others. Through Lee’s efforts as Manager and Partner, Electric Lady thrived and experienced a rebirth, once again hosting the biggest names in music, from Kanye West to Taylor Swift. Electric Lady now includes a record label, new production suites, and a management division for audio engineers and producers.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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