Industry Ink: Jenn Essiembre, Miranda Lambert, David Olney, More
Jenn Essiembre Joins Big Loud Rock As SVP/A&R
Jenn Essiembre. Photo: Willow Rothbart
Jenn Essiembre has been named SVP of A&R at Big Loud Rock in Los Angeles. In her new role, Essiembre will spearhead the label’s A&R strategy and execution, reporting directly to Big Loud Partner Joey Moi and Lloyd Norman, GM of Big Loud Rock. Before joining Big Loud Rock, Essiembre served as Vice President of 300 Publishing, a division of 300 Entertainment. Her foundation in the industry was built at ole Music Publishing, where she achieved placements with global artists such as Sam Smith, Justin Timberlake and Maluma.
Miranda Lambert’s Muttnation Honors Lucky Break Rescue With Inaugural Idyllwind Award
Miranda Lambert with Lucky Break Rescue founder Cait Luca. Photo: Cooper Norland
Miranda Lambert has announced the inaugural Idyllwind Award, administered by her MuttNation Foundation, will go to Lucky Break Rescue in Arizona with a $25,000 donation. Named after Lambert’s first horse, Idyllwind Ellund, the Idyllwind Award will annually recognize an outstanding U.S. equine rescue or sanctuary that rehabilitates and/or rehomes horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, while also educating the public about the difficult conditions these horses face. Lambert spoke about the Idyllwind Award at the recent taping of the Boot Barn: Voiceless fashion show, premiering on Roku December 15 and airing on Hulu in early 2025. Boot Barn is the exclusive retailer of Lambert’s Idyllwind clothing and boot line.
“We’re so excited to be adding this new award to our MuttNation programs,” says Lambert. “The strong bond that horses form with people is one of the most magical – and caring for horses that have been mistreated takes a very special kind of person. Cait Luca, who started Lucky Break Rescue, is one of the most special I’ve ever known. Her rescue is the perfect choice for this first Idyllwind Award.”
CMHOFM Honors David Olney With Songwriter Round Tribute
Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Public Programs Manager Aimee Graham, Jim Lauderdale, Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris at the museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round honoring singer-songwriter David Olney last weekend. The program included tribute performances by Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris and Jim Lauderdale. Olney, who died in 2020, released more than two dozen albums during his five-decade career as both a solo artist and a member of the Nashville Jug Band and the X-Rays. His songs have been recorded by Kieran Kane, Del McCoury, Linda Ronstadt, Townes Van Zandt and Emmylou Harris.
The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Blessing Offor Debuts On ‘Today With Hoda & Jenna’
Blessing Offor
Blessing Offor made his debut on Today With Hoda & Jenna last week, performing his latest single, “All Over The World.”
On Friday (Dec. 6), Blessing will release a new EP, Covers, featuring his unique take on Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” Taylor Swift’s “Holy Ground,” John Mayer’s “Gravity” and Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” featuring Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy. Previously only available via Amazon Music, Offor’s version of “Godspeed” marks one of his top-streamed songs across platforms. This will also mark the first time “Holy Ground,” and “Gravity” have been available outside of Apple Music.
Bayker Blankenship Performs On’ CBS Saturday Morning’
Bayker Blankenship performs on CBS Saturday Morning
Rising star Bayker Blankenship made his network TV debut this past Saturday on CBS Saturday Morning. A Livingston, Tennessee native with over 770,000 followers on TikTok, Blankenship performed his songs “Tennessee Sunset,” “Maxed Out” and the unreleased “300 Miles” (which drops Dec. 11) for CBS Saturday Morning’s Saturday Sessions. In addition, Blankenship recently announced his upcoming “The Maxed Out Tour,” which kicks off in Athens, Georgia on Jan. 15.
