Joel A. Katz Will Receive City Of Hope’s Top Honor

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Joel Katz

Joel A. Katz

Entertainment lawyer Joel A. Katz of Greenberg Traurig will be recognized with the City of Hope’s 2016 Spirit of Life Award.

Katz is chair of the Global Entertainment and Media Practice of Greenberg Traurig. He will be honored with the award by City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group at a gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 10. The presentation follows a year-long fundraising campaign that supports City of Hope’s ability to quickly speed new therapies and scientific breakthroughs to patients who need them.

City of Hope is a world leader in cancer and diabetes research and treatment. The award is City of Hope’s highest honor, and each year recognizes a leader whose work has fundamentally impacted the music, film and entertainment industries.

“City of Hope is proud to honor Joel this year in recognition of his support of our mission,” said Robert W. Stone, president and chief executive officer of City of Hope. “We deeply appreciate Joel’s unwavering commitment to our Spirit of Life campaign which propels our innovative research and treatments that outsmart deadly diseases — one patient at a time.”

“It is my honor to receive The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope. I congratulate this organization in launching this outstanding fundraising campaign which supports the physicians and scientists who are dedicated to developing innovative, disease-fighting strategies in the battle against cancer,” Katz said.

Katz began his career in 1971 leading his own law practice, Katz, Smith and Cohen, which became one of the nation’s largest entertainment law firms. In 1988, when Katz merged his thriving practice with Greenberg Traurig, his client list had expanded to include some of the nation’s most renowned entertainers.

His first client was music icon, James Brown, followed by B.B. King, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, who remains a client to this day.

His and Greenberg Traurig’s client roster grew rapidly to include more than 50 celebrated artists, among them Kix Brooks, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, George Strait, and others.

In addition, Katz and Greenberg Traurig serve a number of corporate clients such as Big Machine Label Group, BMG Rights Management GmbH, Country Music Association, Dick Clark Productions, Jason Owen and Sandbox Management, and National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Industry Ink: SOURCE, Regions Music Row, Capitol Nashville “Bowen Years” Reunion

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SOURCE Welcomes Speaker Shelby Kennedy

Pictured (L-R): Suzanne Lee, ASCAP; Pat Rolfe, SOURCE member and longtime ASCAP employee); Shelby Kennedy, TuneCore V.P. Photo credit: SOURCE

Pictured (L-R): Suzanne Lee, ASCAP; Pat Rolfe, SOURCE member and longtime ASCAP employee; Shelby Kennedy, VP, TuneCore. Photo credit: SOURCE

SOURCE—the Nashville music industry executive women’s organization—held its monthly membership luncheon on Thursday (June 23) at ASCAP. This month’s guest was Shelby Kennedy, Vice President of Entertainment Relations for TuneCore, a global digital music distribution, publishing, administration and licensing company.

Founded in 1991, SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting women executives and professionals who work in all facets of the Nashville music industry. In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established to pay respect to and honor the women who helped develop and build upon the foundation of the music industry in Nashville. SOURCE also pays tribute to women who presently make major contributions with their work in the industry.

 

The Bass Brothers Perform For Regions Music Row Team

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The Bass Brothers, a trio of performing brothers from England, did an impromptu musical performance for the Regions Music Row team on Monday, June 29. Their latest project, which will soon be released, is produced by brothers David and Dann Huff.

 

Capitol Nashville Reunion, The Bowen Years

CapitolRecordsNashville-LogoA group of Nashville executives is planning a reunion event for staffers, management, and artists affiliated with Capitol Nashville during 1990-1995.

Organizers call it “The Bowen Years,” referencing label head Jimmy Bowen.

Those interested in attending and receiving more information can contact capitolnashvillereunion@gmail.com.

Toby Keith Adds Waterloo Revival To Open Tour Dates

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Front Row (L-R): Waterloo Revival’s Cody Cooper, Toby Keith, Waterloo Revival’s George Birge. Back Row (L-R): TKO Artist Management’s TK Kimbrell, Show Dog Nashville General Manager George Nunes, Show Dog Nashville VP Promotion Rick Moxley

Front Row (L-R): Waterloo Revival’s Cody Cooper, Toby Keith, Waterloo Revival’s George Birge. Back Row (L-R): TKO Artist Management’s TK Kimbrell, Show Dog Nashville General Manager George Nunes, Show Dog Nashville VP Promotion Rick Moxley

Show Dog Nashville’s Waterloo Revival has been added to the Toby Keith Interstates & Tailgates Tour Presented by Ford F-Series. Waterloo Revival will open shows beginning Thursday (June 30) and continuing through October.

Recently signed to the Show Dog Nashville roster, Waterloo Revival has been touring non-stop the past year. The duo is comprised of lead singer/guitarist George Birge and singer/guitarist Cody Cooper.

Toby Keith Interstates & Tailgates Tour Presented by Ford F-Series tour dates:

June 30: Cherokee, N.C.; Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Resort
July 8: Virginia Beach, Va.; Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
July 9: Washington, DC; Jiffy Lube Live
July 10: Raleigh, N.C.; Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
July 15: Darien Lake, N.Y.; Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 16: Hartford, Conn.; XFINITY Theatre
July 21: Bangor, Maine; Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
July 22: Boston; XFINITY Center
Aug. 12: Chicago; Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 13: Pittsburgh; First Niagara Pavilion
Aug. 14: Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Aug. 20: Red Wing, Minn.; Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Sept. 8: Cincinnati; Riverbend Music Center
Sept. 9: Indianapolis; Klipsch Music Center
Sept. 10: St Louis; Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sept. 23: Tampa, Fla.; Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sept. 24: West Palm Beach, Fla.; Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
Oct. 16: Austin, Texas; Austin360Amphitheter

Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris Visit ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp

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Carrie Underwood spends time with ACM Lifting Lives campers. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Academy of Country Music

Carrie Underwood spends time with ACM Lifting Lives campers. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

Carrie Underwood and Maren Morris are the latest country artists taking part in ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp this week in Nashville. The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome while providing music enrichment through performance and education. Campers from around the country participate in a week of activities and excursions in Music City.

Carrie Underwood and ACM Lifting Lives campers. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Academy of Country Music

Carrie Underwood and ACM Lifting Lives campers. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

On Monday (June 27), Underwood visited the campers during a recording session, where they did a Q&A and sang a few songs together. That was followed by the campers recording their original song, “Happy Together” with producer Ross Copperman at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Nashville Studios. The campers wrote the song on Thursday during a songwriting session with Copperman and Eric Paslay.

Later that day, campers were treated to a special set at the Bluebird Cafe with Maren Morris. Her performance included “My Church” and “80s Mercedes” as well as a Q&A with the campers.

Erika Wollam Nichols, Bluebird Cafe; Paul Moore, ACM Parliamentarian; Beth Moore, ACM Lifting Lives & Director of Community Development at Vanderbilt University; Maren Morris; Ed Warm, ACM Lifting Lives President; Teresa George, ACM SVP, Brand Integration & Strategic Partnerships; Stuart Dill, VUMC Entertainment Industry Liaison; Janet Weir, Red Light Management; Mary Catherine Kinney, Sony Music. Photo: Getty Images/Terry Wyatt/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

Erika Wollam Nichols, Bluebird Cafe; Paul Moore, ACM Parliamentarian; Beth Moore, ACM Lifting Lives & Director of Community Development at Vanderbilt University; Maren Morris; Ed Warm, ACM Lifting Lives President; Teresa George, ACM SVP, Brand Integration & Strategic Partnerships; Stuart Dill, VUMC Entertainment Industry Liaison; Janet Weir, Red Light Management; Mary Catherine Kinney, Sony Music. Photo: Getty Images/Terry Wyatt/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

 

Darius Rucker Reveals New Single, “If I Told You”

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unnamedDarius Rucker has released the new track “If I Told You,” via iHeart Radio and digital sales and streaming services. It is expected to be the first single from his upcoming fifth country album for Capitol Records Nashville.

“I always tell people, the first time I heard [the Black Crowes’] ‘She Talks to Angels,’ those lyrics did something to me. I probably requested that song eight times at different bars in Columbia, S.C. before going home, putting on Bonnie Raitt’s Home Plate, and trying to write ‘She Talks to Angels’ for Bonnie Raitt. ‘Let Her Cry’ just poured out,” shares Rucker. “For me, ‘If I Told You’ inspired me like ‘Angels’ as it’s not a song I wrote, but as a songwriter I would not change a line as it moves me to want to not only sing along but also as a songwriter it inspires a new perspective.”

In his first project with producer Ross Copperman, “If I Told You” also marks the first time Rucker has worked with Copperman’s co-writers on the single, Jon Nite and Shane McAnally.

“What I love about each album is the opportunity to expand on what we’ve done in the past—to push myself and the band creatively, vocally and lyrically,” adds Rucker. “At the end of the day, I’m a fan of great stories and great songs. With ‘Wagon Wheel’ I loved the visual it painted and it’s a song I can truly say I look forward to performing every night. With ‘If I Told You,’ I can’t wait to share in that vulnerability with the fans from the stage night after night.”

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Industry Ink: Lorrie Morgan, Hazel Smith, City Winery

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Pictured (L-R): Tony Conway, Lorrie Morgan, David Kiswiney

Pictured (L-R): Tony Conway, Lorrie Morgan, David Kiswiney

Lorrie Morgan has returned to booking agency Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA), the organization that was involved in launching her performing career.

BLA Senior VP David Kiswiney and CEO Donna Lee will serve as her agents.

“Lorrie Morgan is the essence of pure country music. There isn’t a better female talent out there that can deliver the truth and honesty in a country song better that Lorrie. Everyone at BLA is excited to have Lorrie back on the roster again. We feel as if she has ‘come home’, and are looking forward to a great partnership,” said Kiswiney.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Country Music Hall of Fame member George Morgan, Lorrie signed with BLA in the early phases of her career where former BLA booking agent Tony Conway booked her for 33 years before becoming her longtime and current manager at Ontourage Management.

Morgan released two albums this year, including Letting Go…Slow, and the compilation project A Picture Of Me. Upcoming performances include a stop at the Grand Ole Opry on July 8.

 

Hazel Smith To Be Honored At ‘Music Row Storytellers’

Hazel Smith

Hazel Smith

Hazel Smith will be honored during the first Music Row Storytellers event, part of an event series designed to honor those that make the music industry fascinating—the journalists, interviewers, reporters, show hosts and others who chronicle and share the stories of Music Row and its music makers.

The event will be held on Monday, Aug. 15 at Well Placed Smile (907 Gleaves St., Nashville, TN 37203). A 6 p.m. cocktail reception will be followed by a 6:30pm program honoring Smith and benefiting Music Health Alliance. The evening will be filled with smiles, laughter and stories from Hazel and surprise guests who’ve been part of her career.

Smith moved to Nashville in the late ’60s, and became a songwriter, publicist, manager and journalist. Smith coined the phrase “Outlaw Music” to describe the sound that she was hearing from then-clients Kinky Friedman, Tompall Glaser, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Hazel would go on to tell many more of Music Row’s stories as a writer for Country Music magazine, a radio reporter, and a regular columnist for CMT.com.

Tickets are available for purchase at Event Brite for $100, as well as a limited amount of reserved seating for $110.

 

City Winery Celebrates Vinyl

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Nashville venue City Winery has partnered with record club Vinyl Me, Please for Nashville’s first installation of Vinyl Me, Please’s free event series, The Spins. The event encourages record enthusiasts and music lovers to gather at select venues across the country to listen to the same featured record together.

The Nashville installment will take place Thursday, June 30 at 5 p.m. at City Winery. Special guests Duck (featuring members of local Nashville garage punk band Diarrhea Planet) will be spinning Vinyl Me, Please’s June Record of the Month, Watch Out! by Wells Fargo. The album, now available for the first time in record form, was originally released as a series of singles during the last decade of Zimbabwe’s War of Independence in the 1970s, and will also be available for purchase at the restaurant during the event.

Additionally, City Winery will be offering wine and food specials beginning at 5 p.m., and guests will receive raffle tickets for the chance to win vinyl giveaways and other special prizes.

“As an urban winery and music venue—and as a personal fan of vinyl—we’re so excited to be partnering with a great company like Vinyl Me, Please, and to launch The Spins series here in Nashville,” said David Richter, National Director of Hospitality for City Winery. “It’s unlike any event we’ve ever hosted at City Winery, but with the combination of music and wine pairings, and bringing together people who appreciate all of those things, it’s a natural fit.”

Submissions Now Open For ‘MusicRow’ Artist Roster Issue

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ArtistRoster2016

Submissions for the upcoming MusicRow Artist Roster issue are now being accepted.

The issue includes company listings and rosters for Nashville record labels, publicists, managers, talent agencies and artist services.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 8.

To submit, please complete the form and send to directory@musicrow.com.

Advertising: To reserve Artist Roster ad space, e-mail sales@musicrow.com. Get Rate Card

Roc Nation Nashville Launch Involves Warner/Chappell Music, Jesse Frasure, BJ Hill

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Roc Nation Nashville, a newly-formed division of Jay Z’s Roc Nation, has entered into a publishing partnership with Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group. Under the agreement, WCM will publish Roc Nation Nashville’s music publishing repertoire. This marks the latest pact between Roc Nation and WCM, which first joined forces in 2013, when the companies signed global publishing agreements for Jay Z and Roc Nation’s music publishing roster.

Jesse Frasure

Jesse Frasure. Photo: Allen Clarke

Roc Nation Nashville and WCM have also established a venture, Rhythm House, with songwriter/producer/publisher/DJ Jesse Frasure. Rhythm House will include Frasure’s own writing and production activities, as well as the signing and development of other composers and producers. Frasure was most recently Vice President of A&R for Major Bob Music.

Coinciding with the launch of Roc Nation Nashville, WCM has promoted BJ Hill to Vice President of A&R. Hill, who was most recently Senior Director of A&R, will split his time between Rhythm House and WCM. Prior to WCM, he was with Universal Music Group and Jody Williams Music.

BJ Hill

BJ Hill

Jay Brown, President, Roc Nation stated, “There is nothing like working with the right individuals, at the right time, forming the right partnership. Launching Roc Nation Nashville with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville is a natural extension of the relationship we started so many years ago, and our venture with Jesse Frasure and his Rhythm House take the possibilities to a next level. Jesse’s talent, understanding of the craft and creativity are unmatched. We’re also excited to work with BJ Hill. He has a passion and respect for artists and their artistry and we look forward to working alongside him as we grow the Roc Nation Nashville roster.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Roc Nation to Music City and to our Warner/Chappell Nashville family,” said Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President of Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. “All of us at WCM are excited to expand our already successful relationship that started with Jon Platt, JAY Z, and Jay Brown. We’re also fortunate to work with Roc Nation’s Tamara Conniff, and are incredibly happy that Jesse Frasure is on board with the new partnership. Jesse’s one of the most creative, dynamic, and multi-talented figures on the music scene today, and his new venture is a fantastic way to help Roc Nation make the Nashville music market more diverse and exciting. To top it off, we’re excited to watch longtime publishing colleague BJ Hill flourish in his expanded role.”

Frasure added, “I’m honored and grateful to begin this next chapter with partners like Roc Nation and Warner/Chappell, whom I’ve admired throughout my career. Having this opportunity—combined with having a longtime friend and industry-respected individual like BJ Hill join the Rhythm House team—is a dream come true.”

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MusicPreneur Series To Tackle Networking, Touring And Tech

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Pictured (L-R): Leslie Fram, Jody Williams, and Mackenzie Stokel.

Pictured (L-R): Leslie Fram, Jody Williams, and Makenzie Stokel.

The third annual MusicPreneur series, presented by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Music City Music Council and Young Entertainment Professionals, will begin July 12.

Among the panelists during the series will be CMT’s Leslie Fram, BMI’s Jody Williams, and EVAmore’s Makenzie Stokel.

This year’s topics include career growth and maintenance, the live music business, and technology’s impact on access to music. The series is incorporated into the EC’s year-round Project Music initiative and each session includes networking time, a panel discussion with Q&A and a “Resource Village” of partners for young professionals and entrepreneurs. All sessions are held at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, located at 41 Peabody Street in Nashville. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

“MusicPreneur provides a unique opportunity to support Nashville’s growing scene of young professionals,” states Joe Galante, EC Board Member and Co-Chair of MC2. “The entrepreneurial spirit at the EC coupled with the Council’s experienced industry leaders have the ability to showcase the expanding opportunities in the entertainment industry to YEP membership and others new to the community.”

Session I: Tuesday, July 12 / 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Topic: Growing & Maintaining A Career In The Music Biz
About: A multigenerational dialogue about the tips and tricks for growing and maintaining a career in the music industry. It will include a discussion about work/life balance, the role of mentorship, networking secrets, social media’s impact, working for an indie versus a major company, the entrepreneurial path and other insights to growing and maintaining a career in the entertainment industry.
Moderator Andrew Cohen (Suit Music, YEP Board Member). Panelists: Leslie Fram (SVP/Music Strategy, CMT), Jody Williams (Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI), and Makenzie Stokel (COO, EVAmore)

Session II: Tuesday, Aug. 9 / 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Topic: Buses, Bookings & Box Offices: Opportunities in the Live Music Biz
About: Panelists will be guided through representing the artist, manager, promoter and booking agent perspectives through a multifaceted dialogue outlining the growing impact of live music and merchandise revenues, the challenges faced by touring artists and their teams and the innovation and career opportunities in live music.
Moderator/Justine Avila (Executive Director, Mayor’s Music City Music Council)

Session III: Tuesday, Sept. 13 / 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Topic: Tech-Yea: How Tech is Changing Access to Music
About: The session will explore how technology’s impact is enabling faster, more frequent releases and enabling more music engagement than ever. Panelists will discuss how artists and labels are using technology to break the traditional release model, engage fans and market themselves while being challenged by shrinking margins and smaller revenue streams.
Moderator/Heather McBee (VP, Accelerator Programming, EC)

 

Industry Ink: BBR Music Group, NMPA, Warner Music Group, APRA

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BBR Music Group Adds Byron Kennedy

Byron Kennedy

Byron Kennedy

BBR Music Group has added Byron Kennedy has Director of West Coast Regional Promotion for its Wheelhouse Records imprint.

Kennedy spent the last 15 years at CBS Radio working his way through various formats to Program Director of KNCI and VP of Programming for the entire Sacramento, California, cluster. Additionally, Kennedy launched several CBS Radio stations in both Sacramento and Phoenix and worked previous stints in Honolulu and Fresno radio markets.

Kennedy will report directly to Teddi Bonadies, and will begin July 11. He can be reached at 916-798-1025 and byron@wheelhousebbrmg.com

 

Warner/Chappell Music Chairman & CEO Added To NMPA Board of Directors

Jon_Platt_WCM

Jon Platt

Jon Platt, Warner/Chappell Music Chairman & CEO, has been added to the Board of Directors for the National Music Publishers’ Association.

NMPA Board Chairman Irwin Robinson said, “We are so pleased to have Jon join our Board. He brings with him a wealth of varied experience in both the business and creative areas of our world. His experience speaks for itself and he is a major addition to the board.”

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite added, “Jon’s reputation and record of finding and nurturing the industry’s top songwriters is legendary. For decades he has fostered the biggest talent in the business and amassed lasting friendships and limitless knowledge.” Israelite added, “It is a privilege to have Jon on the Board, and I know his insight will elevate NMPA just as he has elevated the careers of those he has found and promoted.”

 

Warner Music Group/Team WEA Adds Manager, West Regional Promotion

Ray Mariner

Ray Mariner

Ray Mariner has been announced as Warner Music Group/Team WEA’s new Mgr./West regional promotion.

Mariner’s background includes 10 years on air at Star 94/Atlanta and another 10 years working pop radio promotion for Columbia Records.  Most recently Ray served as PD of Cumulus/New Orleans where he oversaw both country & sports talk formats.

Mariner has begun his new role and will be relocating from New Orleans to Denver. He can be reached 770-298-7365 and his email will be ray.mariner@wmg.com.

 

Songwriters Converge In Nashville For SongHubs

Group PhotoSeveral songwriters gathered at the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) headquarters this month as part of SongHubs, a program of the Australasian Performing Right Association Ltd and the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society program. Led by songwriter Phil Barton, Australian writers, producers, and artists were paired with Nashville songwriters for creative partnership and heightening their craft.

Participants included Kylie Sackley, Lindsay Rimes, Mia Fieldes, Adam Argyle; Jim Beavers, Seth Ennis, Ashley Gearing, Kevin Griffin, Lee Groves, Jason Matthews, Nash Overstreet, Liz Rose, and Emily Shackelton.

This year’s members were songwriter/producer/The Potbelleez band member Ilan Kidron and songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist/ engineer Pip Norman. Joining them were Nashville resident APRA AMCOS members Alex Lloyd, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Danielle Blakey, Joel Chapman, Lindsey Jackson, Missy Lancaster, Morgan Evans, Nat Dunn, O’Shea, Nikita King and Kaylee Bell.