eOne Adds Dualtone Music Group To Its Portfolio

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Nashville-based Dualtone Music Group has been acquired by Entertainment One (eONe), an international company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content.

Dualtone’s roster includes Guy Clark, Noah Gundersen, Robert Earl Keen, The Lumineers, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, Langhorne Slim & The Law, and Wild Child.

In its 15-year history, Dualtone has released 16 Grammy-nominated albums, garnering four wins. The company was founded in 2001 by Scott Robinson, who continues to lead the business along with Paul Roper.

“We are delighted to welcome Scott, Paul, their team and the talented Dualtone family of artists to eOne,” said Darren Throop, President & CEO, Entertainment One. “We have long recognized the potential in Americana and indie rock and we were keen to find the right opportunity to add the popular music format to our portfolio. Dualtone’s expertise and track record of success make them stand out, both strategically and culturally, and we are confident that this new relationship will be very complementary.”

“I am very excited to join Darren, Michael Olsen, Michael Healy and the whole eOne team,” said Robinson. “As we continue to grow, eOne will be a strong strategic partner; they share our passion for music, they have the financial resources, infrastructure and vision to see our business into the future and they can offer our artists new and expansive opportunities.”

Dualtone will continue to operate with the identity and brand that has seen it emerge as a home for artists of creatively and culturally important music. The company’s recorded music catalog contains nearly 300 albums, totaling more than 3500 tracks, including albums by June Carter Cash and three critically-acclaimed releases by songwriter Brett Dennen.

eOne, which also owns Nashville-based music brand Light Records, produces music as an independent label and has an established catalog business in both the U.S. and Canada.

Little Big Town, Adele Announced As Grammy Performers

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Little Big Town

Little Big Town

Current two-time Grammy nominee Little Big Town and pop star Adele are among the first round of performers announced for the 58th annual Grammy awards. Kendrick Lamar, who is nominated for 11 Grammy honors this year, is also slated to perform, along with seven-time nominee The Weeknd. A tribute to 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year Lionel Richie will also take place during the event.

Little Big Town is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Girl Crush”) and Best Country Album (Pain Killer).

The 58th annual Grammy Awards will take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 15.

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In related new, the Grammy Awards will be aired live in Pacific and Mountain time zones for the first time. Stations that take part in the live broadcast will air the award show from 5 until 8:30 p.m. PST, and 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. MST. This brings the Grammy Awards up to speed with other major award shows that broadcast live across the country, including the Oscars and the Golden Globes.

“We’ve discussed this with CBS for years, but a variety of factors came together this year, and we collectively agreed that we had the perfect opportunity to try a new model and see how viewers respond,” said the Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation president Neil Portnow. “I’m very pleased to share that, for the first time, West Coast TV viewers will be able to watch the Grammy Awards live.”

AIMP Nashville Names Three New Board Officers

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Pictured (L-R): John Ozier, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Kim McCollum-Mele

Pictured (L-R): John Ozier, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Kim McCollum-Mele

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville has announced new board officers for 2016.

John Ozier (ole) has been elected the new Executive Director, a position formerly held by Marc Driskill (Sea Gayle Music). Ree Guyer Buchanan (Wrensong Music) has maintained her position as Treasurer, and Kim McCollum-Mele (Words & Music) succeeds Denise Nichols (The Primacy Firm) as Secretary.

John Allen (New West Records/Publishing), Craig Currier (peermusic), Marc Driskill, Tim Fink (SESAC), Michael Martin (ASCAP), Denise Nichols, and Randy Wachtler (Warner Chappell Production Music) are also serving on the board.

AIMP Nashville’s mission is to present quarterly educational/networking events that offer independent publishers and the Nashville music community collectively a quality source of education and business development that supports their businesses in the face of the dynamic challenges of a globally-driven music industry.

Formed in 1977 by a group of Los Angeles music publishers, the AIMP has chapters in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. The organization hosts regular panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities and special events. Its membership is comprised of professionals in the music publishing and entertainment industries, including independent music publishers and publishers affiliated with record labels, motion picture and television production companies, music supervisors, songwriters, artist managers, marketing executives, as well as legal and accounting professionals.

LifeNotes: Longtime Agent Danny O’Brian Passes

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Danny O'Brian

Danny O’Brian

Danny O’Brian, who was George Strait’s longtime agent and a vice president at the Erv Woolsey Company, died Sunday, Jan. 17, in Nashville. He was 73.

The executive joined Woolsey’s company in 1984 and had a guiding hand in Strait’s career. O’Brian, born Frank Whitley Dickey Jr., was a radio disc jockey in Texas and also worked for MCA Records before joining Woolsey.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anita Dickey; his son, Darrin Dickey; daughter, Darci Taylor; and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 22) and a graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Jan. 23) at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 Johnny Cash Parkway, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Hendersonville Funeral Home is overseeing memorial preparations.

Pictured (L-R): Erv Woolsey, George Strait, Danny O'Brian. Photo courtesy of EB Media

Pictured (L-R): Erv Woolsey, George Strait, Danny O’Brian. Photo courtesy of EB Media

Kris Kristofferson Tribute Concert Set For Bridgestone Arena

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Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson will be the guest of honor at an all-star tribute concert taping at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on March 16.

Tickets go on sale Saturday (Jan. 23) at 10 a.m. CT.

The event will be filmed and recorded by Blackbird Presents for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital).

Billed as The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson, the concert will feature performances by Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker and Trisha Yearwood and special performances by Kris Kristofferson. Additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Keith Wortman is the creator and executive producer of the show, and CEO of Blackbird Presents. Don Was will serve as music director and will lead an all-star band backing the performers. Was has produced several of Kristofferson’s albums, including A Moment Of Forever, This Old Road, Closer to the Bone and Feeling Mortal.

Kristofferson is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame whose songwriting credits include “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “For The Good Times,” among many others.

“Few musicians have had as profound an impact on music as Kris Kristofferson,” Wortman said. “It’s only fitting that we celebrate his artistry just blocks from where the legend was born with both his friends and contemporaries and those who are continuing his legacy with raw, honest songwriting of their own.”

“A major reason for Kris’ enduring popularity is that he’s always been very honest and open about revealing his inner life,” says producer Don Was, who has worked with Kristofferson for more than 20 years. “In doing that he has created an incredible body of work that has resonated for decades with millions of listeners. It’s always a deeply moving experience to sing and play his songs.”

Kris Kristofferson poster

Starbucks Teams With Spotify For Music Discovery

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Starbucks has partnered with streaming service Spotify to offer customers the Starbucks music experience wherever they go. Through a new digital music experience, Starbucks Mobile App customers can discover music playing overhead in Starbucks stores, save Starbucks-curated songs to a Spotify playlist, and listen to Starbucks music on Spotify. The experience is available in Starbucks’ 7500 company-operated stores in the United States, as well as 10 million My Starbucks Rewards loyalty members, and U.S. Spotify users.

Users can also “Love” songs to influence future Starbucks playlists, and share the songs on social networks. Spotify users can also find new playlists from Starbucks as well as Starbucks’ most popular music from the past 20 years on Spotify. These features are accessible on Spotify’s Free and Premium services.

“Music has played a pivotal role in our stores for over 40 years and we have been at the forefront of how to integrate it into a retail environment,” said Howard Schultz, chairman and CEO of Starbucks. “Today is the next era in that experience. We are merging the physical and digital, providing new access points for Spotify as they continue to grow globally, placing more control into our customers’ hands and giving artists the world’s largest stage for them to share their talent.”

The new Starbucks music platform is available to both iPhone and Android users within Starbucks Mobile App.

SESAC Names New President For SESAC International

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Alexander Wolf

Alexander Wolf

Alexander Wolf has been appointed President of SESAC International. Wolf will be responsible for identifying and implementing a portfolio of new multi-territory licensing and service offerings for SESAC. Wolf will also represent SESAC Performing Rights in its reciprocal relationships with societies around the world as well as exploitation of the Rumblefish and HFA (Harry Fox Agency) catalogs outside the U.S. Wolf will report to SESAC Chairman/CEO John Josephson.

Wolf was previously with Solar Music rights management where he was Executive Managing Director. Prior to that, Wolf was Managing Director of CELAS, a company set up to represent EMI’s music publishing repertoire for online and mobile use across Europe.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Alexander to SESAC. As we look at growth opportunities, it’s clear that we need to think about our business on a global basis. Following our acquisition of HFA and its merger with Rumblefish, we’ve already begun the process of going to market with new and innovative service offerings. As we expand our focus to include a portfolio of global licensing and service solutions, Alexander will be instrumental in helping us realize our objectives,” said Josephson.

Wolf said, “I look forward to working with John and the entire SESAC team as we pursue superior results for our writers and publishers. The chance to be engaged with an independent, market-driven organization that is looking to help define the future of the music industry is an amazing opportunity.”

BMI Icon Dean Dillon Leads Mountain High Music Festival In Colorado

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Led by legendary songwriter and BMI Icon Dean Dillon, several BMI songwriters and artists showcased their talents in Colorado last week as part of the Mountain High Music Festival in Crested Butte, Colorado. The event was developed by Dillon, BMI, and partners LMG, SunTrust Bank, Texas Roadhouse, HD Radio, Bedell Guitars and more.

Among those lending their talents to the event were GAC and SiriusXM on-air personality Storme Warren, as well as Southern rock group Marshall Tucker Band, No. 1 hit writer Wendell Mobley, award-winning country songwriter Kendell Marvel, songwriters’ advocate and country music writer Lee Thomas Miller, as well as up-and-coming country/hip-hop artist Julia Cole, Colorado-based singer Evelyn Roper, and the Texas Jamm Band.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Adaptive Sports Center, an organization providing high-quality adventure activities for individuals with disabilities in and around Crested Butte. Also benefiting from the event is Tough Enough to Wear Pink, a nationally-recognized program for rodeos and other Western events to promote breast cancer awareness and fundraising.

BMI songwriters Dean Dillon and The Marshall Tucker Band’s Doug Gray sing together during the Mountain High Music Festival. Photo: Cole Claassen.

BMI songwriters Dean Dillon and The Marshall Tucker Band’s Doug Gray sing together during the Mountain High Music Festival. Photo: Cole Claassen

Pictured (L-R): SunTrust’s Andrew Kintz, BMI songwriters Kendell Marvel, Julia Cole and Randy Montana and SunTrust’s Bryan Bolton. Photo: Mark Mason.

Pictured (L-R): SunTrust’s Andrew Kintz, BMI songwriters Kendell Marvel, Julia Cole and Randy Montana and SunTrust’s Bryan Bolton. Photo: Mark Mason

Pictured (L-R): Texas Roadhouse’s Travis Doster, BMI songwriter Kendell Marvel, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Texas Roadhouse’s Kent Taylor and BMI songwriters Dean Dillon and Wendell Mobley. Photo: Mark Mason

Pictured (L-R): Texas Roadhouse’s Travis Doster, BMI songwriter Kendell Marvel, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Texas Roadhouse’s Kent Taylor and BMI songwriters Dean Dillon and Wendell Mobley. Photo: Mark Mason

Industry Ink: ACM, ole, Nancy Cardwell, Rodney Crowell, Mary Karr

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ACM Seeks Director, Marketing

acmThe Academy of Country Music is seeking to fill the role of Director, Marketing.

The Director, Marketing will oversee the planning, execution and analysis of marketing for the Academy. The position collaborates closely with all departments, while working hand-in-hand with the Creative & Content Production and Public Relations departments.

The Director, Marketing will manage all advertising and marketing, and will be responsible for a comprehensive marketing plan for the Academy and its events, including evaluating and creating programs that help meet and exceed attendance and ticket revenue goals for events.

The applicant must be well-versed in ticket-based marketing, and developing ticket promotions and partnerships that help increase ticket sales and maximize brand awareness. Experience in music festival marketing is a plus.

Resumes/inquiries can be directed to Tiffany Moon at tiffany@acmcountry.com

 

ole Promotes Essiembre to Sr. Manager, Creative

Jennifer Essiembrie

Jennifer Essiembre

ole has promoted Jennifer Essiembre to the role of Sr. Manager of Creative. Essiembre will oversee creative operations for ole’s pop/urban division, working closely with ole Vice President of Business Development David Weitzman and the company’s Label Services team in Los Angeles.

She is a graduate of Metalworks Institute of Sound & Music Productions, Essiembre entered the music business with artist management company Jamm Entertainment Group, where she became the personal assistant to Bad Boy Records recording artists B5 during the promotional tour for their sophomore release, Don’t Talk, Just Listen.

She joined ole as an office coordinator before being promoted to creative coordinator and then creative manager. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing all catalog management, as well as working cooperatively with the ole creative team to maximize opportunities for ole properties across all media, genres, and borders.

 

Nancy Cardwell Signs On To Represent Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, and Ray Cardwell & Tennessee Moon

Screen Shot 2016-01-19 at 11.45.17 AMWorking in conjunction with BuckleDown Productions owned by J. Gregory Heinike and Valerie Smith, Nancy Cardwell will be booking dates in 2016 and 2017 for Bluegrass Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, as well as Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike and Ray Cardwell & Tennessee Moon. Cardwell may be reached at (615) 260-4807 or nancyk.cardwell@gmail.com. The home office for BuckleDown Productions is in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Their office line at (931) 389-0222.

Cardwell is a graduate of Leadership Bluegrass (2000) and Leadership Music (2009), and served as Special Projects Director at International Bluegrass Music Association from 1994-2012. She served as IBMA’s Executive Director from 2012-2015.

She has written for entertainment and trade publications about bluegrass and country music since 1981, and her book, The Words and Music of Dolly Parton, Country Music’s Iron Butterfly, was published by Praeger (ABC-Clio) in 2011. Cardwell was honored with the Charlie Lamb Excellence in Country Music Journalism Award at the International Academic Conference on Country Music in 2006.

 

Rodney Crowell, Mary Karr Team For Porch Writers’ Collective Fundraiser

Screen Shot 2016-01-19 at 12.02.08 PMRodney Crowell and memoirist Mary Karr have joined forces for Kinship: An Evening with Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell. The event is slated for Feb. 6 at Nashville’s Green Door Gourmet (7011 River Road Pike), beginning with a VIP reception at 6:30 p.m., and the show starting at 8 p.m. VIP tickets are $150, with ground floor tickets available for $75 and balcony seats for $50.

The event is hosted by The Porch Writers’ Collective. For more information, visit porchtn.org.

 

Country Artists And Industry Mourn The Eagles’ Glenn Frey

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Glenn Frey. Photo: GlennFrey.com

Glenn Frey. Photo: GlennFrey.com

Country stars and Nashville industry reacted to the unexpected passing of The Eagles’ Glenn Frey with social media comments, some included below. Frye passed away in New York City on Monday, Jan. 18, due to reported complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. He was 67.

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Don Henley: He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry — and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved his wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year History of the Eagles Tour to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some.

Irving Azoff (to TheWrap): I wouldn’t have been the success that I’ve been without Glenn Frey teaching me, leading me and supporting me for over 40 years. He was a passionate family man, a great father, a great humanitarian, and he’s gone way too soon. (To Billboard): I can’t believe he’s gone. I can’t believe everything we accomplished. It was a staggering body of work and just an amazing run. I don’t think there will ever be another American band [that’s] as successful.

JD Souther: Glenn Frey was my first songwriting partner and best friend when we set out to realize our dreams of making great music in Los Angeles. Our first year together will always seem like yesterday to me. His amazing capacity for the big joke and that brilliant groove that lived inside him are with me, even now, in this loss and sorrow. I will miss him every day but then…he is always here, isn’t he? I can’t say any more than that for now. The music and the love are indestructible. Rest Quietly Dear Little Brother/You are greatly loved and missed

Travis Tritt: Glenn Frey and the music he created alone and with The Eagles have been such an inspiration to me. We first met at the video shoot for my version of ‘Take It Easy’ in 1993. He always went out of his way to acknowledge and encourage me ever since. I’m a better person, better musician and a better songwriter having met him. I still can’t believe he is gone!

Tim McGraw: His music was personally inspirational, his impact immeasurable, his legacy timeless. #glennfrey #heartachetonight

Natalie Maines: Very surprised and saddened to hear about the passing of Glen Frey.
#mahaloglen

Toby Keith: RIP Glenn Frey. Thank you for the songs and inspiration to so many. Missed by all. – T

Keith Urban: So deeply saddened tonight to hear of Glenn Frey’s passing. Blessings to all of his family and the Eagles! – KU [VIDEO]

Eli Young Band: Thanks for the amazing music you gave the world, Glenn Frey. #rip

Martina McBride: Sad to hear about Glenn Frey. First album I owned was Eagles Greatest Hits and I wore it out. The Eagles were such a part of all our lives

Vince Gill: Most people hear him sing ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ or ‘New Kid in Town,’ but he was a Detroit boy. He knew what soul music was. He knew what rock & roll really was, probably more than anybody else in that band until Joe Walsh comes along. You have to have a leader, and he was a great one. (To Rolling Stone Country): He was a world-class guitar player. For a long time, Don Felder and Joe were front and center taking the lead role, but I don’t think a lot of people realize that all that soulful guitar playing was Glenn

Hillary Scott: One of Lady A’s biggest influences has always been The Eagles. Heartbroken to hear we lost another great music icon. #rip #glennfrey

Charles Kelley: one of my biggest influences #glennfrey from #theeagles passed away today. he was so young, shocked

Eric Paslay: Thoughts and prayers for Glenn Frey’s family and the Eagles. So saddened to hear of his passing.

Chase Bryant: My heart is saddened by the loss of one of the greatest!! May you rest in peace Glenn Frey..

Reba: Such a great man. So glad I got to meet him. My thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP [VIDEO]

Clint Black: Way too soon, we’ve lost one of America’s best singer/songwriters. I’ve always said he and Don Henley were America’s answer to Lennon and McCartney. Though he’s gone, his influence will always be with us.

Kix Brooks: 73 heard the Eagles live the first time- damn they were good! It was country, but it was ours -made me want to do it! RIP Glenn- well played

Clay Walker: Glenn Frey was a friend and a wonderful man…we will all miss you Take It Easy:)

Brad Paisley: So saddened and shocked by the loss of Glenn Frey. Thank you for the music that paved the way for so many others.

Sheryl Crow: Glenn Frey, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you gave us.

Granger Smith: Sad to hear about Glenn Frey passing. His songwriting was the first to inspire me to play guitar as a boy.

A Thousand Horses: RIP Glenn, thank you for the amazing music and inspiration. #RIPGlennFrey

Lee Greenwood: Being from California, the song ‘Hotel California’ really resonated with me. ‘You can check out any time you want – but you can never leave,’ was the greatest line ever written. Glenn Frey was a great artist and his music with The Eagles will carry on into many generations. Condolences to his family.

The Kentucky Headhunters’ Richard Young: In the 70’s, though we were a rural Kentucky southern rock band, as we are today, we met and hung out with a lot of pretty girls, made a lot of friends and fans because of you and your band, Glenn Frey. The Eagles put an air in the musical vibe and crossed genres. It was the middle ground between heavy rock, southern rock, country, and pop music. It allowed all music lovers to have a common ground. Thank you, Glenn and the gang for giving us southern rock guys, country folk and music lovers around the world something beautiful. The Kentucky Headhunters knew you were capable of being super heavy… you just went for the heart. God bless your soul for being a musician.

EXILE’s Marlon Hargis: The Eagles were a huge influence on EXILE, and they are the best live band I’ve ever seen.

Sean McConnell: I know I’m not the only one who’s been walking around singing this song for the last two days. I know Henley sang this most of the time but I absolutely loved hearing Glenn sing it on his own as well. And as a songwriter I have been blown away that this was the FIRST song that he and Henley wrote together. It’s mind boggling. Glenn, thank you for all of it. [VIDEO]

Carole King: R.I. P. Glenn Frey. Deepest condolences to his family and #Eagles.

Scott Borchetta: Glenn Frey?  What?  Bowie… now this… broken hearted…Thank you Irving Azoff for making so much happen for the Eagles. You sent them out on top with the doc and History tour. My heart goes out

Blair Garner: Another rock star has left us too soon. So sad to learn that Glenn Frey from the Eagles has died. Thank you for the music, sir. #RIP

Jimmy Carter: Shock and sadness over the death of Eagle Glenn Frey. Tim McGraw said the Eagles were his favorite all time band! Immeasurable influence

Leslie Fram: So incredibly sad #GlennFrey, #Eagles guitarist and #RockandRoll Hall of Famer, passed away Monday. #RIP

Shane McAnally: You never thought you’d be alone, this far down the line…and I know what’s been on your mind…you’re afraid it’s all been wasted time

Samantha Stephens: Rest in peace, Glenn Frey. Your music changed us for the better. I can’t stop the tears from rolling.