Rockabilly Queen Wanda Jackson Announces Retirement

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Wanda Jackson

Renowned rockabilly star Wanda Jackson announced her retirement from performing via a Facebook post yesterday (March 26). Known to many as the “Queen of Rockabilly,” Jackson helped pioneer the genre with hits like “Let’s Have A Party,” “Right or Wrong” and “Fujiyama Mama.”

Jackson’s Facebook post reads:

“After over 60 years of touring, Wanda Jackson wishes to announce her retirement from performing. This retirement is solely based on health and safety. It has been a wild ride. Thank you all for all the years of continued fandom and support. This is not the end, just the beginning of a new chapter. Join us as we congratulate the Queen of Rockabilly on over six decades of rip roaring live performances, priceless stories and countless shimmies.

All of this being said, Wanda will not be making appearances at either Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend nor the Nashville Boogie Vintage Weekender. In true rockabilly spirit, please still go out to these shows and keep the spirit of rockabilly alive.”

NSAI, NMPA Plan Nashville Songwriter Town Hall Meeting In Response To Spotify

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The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) and the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) have announced an upcoming Nashville Town Hall Meeting of their own, in response to rumors that Spotify would be holding similar events in Los Angeles and Nashville to explain why the streaming company is appealing the recent mechanical rate determination from the Copyright Royalty Board (a Spotify town hall was never officially announced or confirmed by the company).

The NMPA and NSAI-hosted town hall is slated for April 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.

The event is billed as a “fair, open discussion on what’s happening in Washington,” and invites not only Spotify, but Amazon, Pandora and Google to join the event.

“Spotify was planning to host a songwriter town hall to explain why they’re taking you to court to lower your rates. Since they don’t seem to be moving forward, the NMPA & NSAI are inviting you and Spotify to a Nashville Songwriter Town Hall,” the invite explains, along with the hashtag #AskSpotifyWhy.

Songwriters can rsvp to leah@nashvillesongwriters.com.

Dustin Lynch Honored For Sixth No. 1 Hit (And His First As A Writer) With “Good Girl”

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP writer Andy Albert, BMI writer Dustin Lynch, and SESAC writer Justin Ebach. Photo: Steve Lowry

Dustin Lynch has been honored with several chart-toppers, but on Monday (March 25), he was honored for his first No. 1 hit as a songwriter. Lynch celebrated with his co-writers Justin Ebachand Andy Albert during a party held at Hi-Fi Clyde’s on Church in Nashville.

Lynch’s fellow “Good Girl” co-writer, Albert, was also celebrating his very first No. 1 song as a writer. The party was hosted by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

“We were all just so sure about this song from the beginning. We only had the track down and we knew it was something special,” shared Lynch. “I want to thank these two guys up here (Albert and Ebach) for getting up on day three after a long night on the bus ready to write, because that’s what leads to moments like this.”

Among those celebrating were Curb/Word’s Janine Ebach, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMI’s Mary Ann Keen, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, BMG’s Jake Gear, BMG’s Kos Weaver, Downtown Music Publishing’s Steve Markland, Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, and BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba.

The followup single to “Good Girl,” “Ridin’ Roads,” was named the No. 1 most-added song of the week, with 46 stations already spinning the track.

Back Row (L-R): Curb/Word’s Janine Ebach, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMG’s Jake Gear, Downtown Music Publishing’s Steve Markland, Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, BMI’s Mary Ann Keen, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba, and BMG’s Kos Weaver. Photo: Steve Lowry

Back Row (L-R): Matt Holmberg (Manager Of Secondary Promotions), Ashley Wojcinski (Promotion Coordinator), Renee Leymon (Vice President Of Radio Syndication and Group Strategy For BBR Music Group), Carson James (Senior Vice President Of Promotion), Shelley Hargis (Vice President Of Promotion For Broken Bow Records), Scotty O’Brien (Director Of Southeast Regional Promotion For Broken Bow Records) and Jon Loba (Executive Vice President Of BBR Music Group). Photo: Steve Lowry

Dustin Lynch. Photo: Steve Lowry

 

Brett Young Celebrates Sold-Out Los Angeles Shows, RIAA Certifications

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Photo Credit: Benjamin Benoit

Brett Young added two more RIAA certifications to his collection recently, including a 4X-Platinum certification for “In Case You Didn’t Know,” and a 2x-Platinum certification for “Mercy.” He completed his third sold-out show in Los Angeles at The Novo Monday evening (March 25), making him the first country artist to have three consecutive shows at the venue.

His set was a mix of his own country hits, alongside covers including a rendition of The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.”

On Sunday (March 24), Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman surprised the crowd by joining Young for a rendition of “Water Runs Dry.” On March 27, CMT will premiere the CMT Crossroads special featuring Young and the group.

Young’s latest single, “Here Tonight” is in the Top 5 on the country charts, and was penned by Young, alongside Ben Caver, Justin Ebach and Charles Kelley.

Pictured (L-R): Emilie Glover, Van Haze, Matthew Hargis, Jimmy Harnen, Brett Young, Enzo DeVincenzo and Haley McLemore attend CMT Crossroads with Boyz II Men and Brett Young on February 28, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT

Bobby Karl Works The Room: MusicRow’s Annual Rising Women On The Row Celebrates Top Industry Execs

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Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s 2019 Rising Women on the Row honorees Sandi Spika Borchetta, Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Jennifer Turnbow, Meredith Jones and Lenore Kinder. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow.

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 618

“Rising Women on the Row” has risen.

MusicRow’s eighth annual celebration of female execs in Nashville’s entertainment community was its biggest and best yet. A sold-out crowd of nearly 500 filled the Omni Hotel ballroom on Tuesday morning (March 26) for a breakfast honoring Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta and Jennifer Turnbow.

New this year were video bios screened prior to each honoree. Always noted for good music, Tuesday’s event featured the sublime voice and guitar work of MCA newcomer Clare Dunn. The keynote speaker was the biggest superstar that Rising Women has ever attracted, Amy Grant.

Guests arrived early and were in full schmooze bloom by 8:30 a.m. Host Sherod Robertson reminded the crowd that the event was inspired by his influential grandmother and acknowledged the support of its sponsors, City National Bank, Loeb & Loeb and Tri Star.

Pictured (L-R): Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Jennifer Turnbow, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder and Sandi Spika Borchetta. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow.

“Thank you for helping us to honor all of these women in the music business,” he said. By the way, he schedules this event for March because this is International Women’s Month.

CMT executive Leslie Fram is a co-founder of Change the Conversation and has used her position to consistently uplift female country artists. This is the fifth year of her CMT Next Women of Country Tour. She brought Clare Dunn to the stage as one of the tour’s stars.

“This truly is an honor, just to be in this room,” said the singer-songwriter. She electrified the audience with her range-y soul rocker “My Love.” Clare dedicated Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love” to “all the women on my team and in my life.” The purity of her vocal tone on the ballad was breathtaking.

CMT Next Women of Country artist Clare Dunn performs at the 2019 Rising Women on the Row event. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

“That was incredible,” exclaimed Sherod. And it was. He then guided Amy Grant through a series of questions about her life and career.

“I’m 58, and I really see the journey of life is the journey of befriending yourself,” said Amy. “My ability to be present in the moment is probably the greatest gift given to me.

“I loved music because of what it did for people. It helped me live. It felt fun and free, and there were no rules.”

She remarked that her gender was never a big issue during her hit-making years. Amy was raised by two widowed grandmothers, three older sisters and her mom. She was educated at the all-girl school Harpeth Hall. So, “The sound of women’s voices was the background of my life. I was raised with respect for women.”

Throughout the interview, she displayed the grace, gentility, serenity and class that have always characterized her public life.

“Whatever ring of fire you’re going through right now, carry on with all the wisdom that you’re getting.”

Amy Grant. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Sherod then introduced the honorees, one by one: “These women are kicking ass every day!”

Sandi Spika Borchetta is the senior VP of creative at Big Machine, in charge of videos, styling, album packaging and graphics. She is also a fashion designer. She congratulated her fellow honorees, saying, “I’m honored to be in your circle today. I salute you for your contributions to the music industry and to Nashville. Continue to dream. I believe in you. Everyone in this room, you are visionaries. Go the extra mile. Challenge yourself to dream big.”

Curb/Word publishing VP Janine Ebach said, “This is a huge and humbling honor for me….I’ve learned to be a challenger and a fighter. I refuse to accept the word, ‘No.’”

Her remarks were peppered with humorous asides and charming, self-deprecating quips. She acknowledged the hundreds of women in the crowd by saying, “There are many of you out there who are the future of this business.”

Manager, publisher and songwriter Kelly Janson commented, “I wound up here because I love music. My love for songs is the reason I get up in the morning….The songs are the reason we all have jobs.

“Music Row is like a big high school, and we all love it. I’m grateful for this long career; I get to work with great people.”

The mother of four testified that it is possible to maintain a family as well as a career: “You can have it all – God gave us the ability to multi-task. Girls, we can do it!”

Proud hubbies Scott Borchetta, Justin Ebach and Chris Janson led the cheering.

Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Lenore Kinder, Meredith Jones, Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Jennifer Turnbow and Amy Grant. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Meredith Jones of CAA said, “I’m so proud to be surrounded by women. CAA has made a commitment to powerful women.

“I’m proud to be a small part of….what the next generation of the women of country have to say.”

Lenore Kinder is at the Paradigm Talent Agency, working on touring, television and branding opportunities for her artists. “I want to thank the women who came before us and paved the road,” she remarked.

Her parting words were particularly eloquent: “Lead with compassion, humility and tenacity. Diversity is the key to cultivating great art.”

The NSAI’s Jennifer Turnbow reminded us that we are in the midst of the massive Tin Pan South Festival that she coordinates. It’s the largest songwriting fest in the land. She thanked her mentors, attendees Bart Herbison and Erika Wollam Nichols, as well as her husband, Troy Turnbow.

“What an incredible honor this is,” said Jennifer. “Thank you to everyone in this room for being here. I feel so blessed to work for songwriters.”

Many of the great women of Music Row offered standing ovations to all five honorees. They included Julie Boos, Lori Badgett, Regina Stuve, Leslie Roberts, Lou Taylor, Janie West, Martha Moore, Sherry Bond, Edie Emery, Jamie O’Neal, Suzanne Lee, Diane Pearson, Molly Shehan, Julie Devereaux, Lisa Purcell and Judi Turner, not to mention MusicRow’s own Jessica Nicholson, LB Rogers, Lorie Hollabaugh, Sarah Skates, Haley Crow and Alex Kobrick.

Mind you, this event attracts scads of male celebrants as well. Among those working the jumbo ballroom were Jim Ed Norman, Rod Essig, Terry Wakefield, jeweler-to-the-stars Jonathan Arndt, Bob Kinkead, George Briner, John Huie, Todd Cassetty (who did the videos), Dale Bobo, Eric T. Parker, David Crow, Woody Bomar and Jack Purcell.

The Omni’s breakfast buffet, by the way, is abundant and delicious.

Pictured (L-R): Lori Badgett, Sr. VP, Manager, City National Bank; Erika Wollam Nichols, Pres./COO Bluebird Cafe; Diane Pearson, Sr. VP, Manager, City National Bank; Debbie Linn, Exec. Dir., Leadership Music, Sherod Robertson, Publisher/Owner MusicRow Magazine; Judi Turner, Communications & Events Manager, Leadership Music. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow.

CMT’s Leslie Fram. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Joe Diffie Is Tulsa’s Newest Radio Voice

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Joe Diffie has signed on with Griffin Communications as part of the Big Country 99.5 airstaff in Tulsa. Diffie will begin as host of the mid-day show on KXBL-FM remotely via voice-track from Nashville and his many tour stops beginning Monday, April 1. He can be heard on air from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday on Big Country 99.5, and will continue to perform his full slate of concert appearances.

“Joe’s music is a reflection of the dominance of Oklahoma artists that have become part of the country music soundtrack across the nation,” said Brian Jennings, program director at Big Country. “And Big Country is the only station in Tulsa that is positioned to properly celebrate that legacy. Think about the influence that Oklahoma music has on the nation: Joe Diffie, Reba, Garth, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Ronnie Dunn, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood…shall I go on? Having Joe on as part of the team brings Tulsa pride to his national status. I am so proud.”

The first time Diffie heard his music on the radio was on Big Country sister station, KVOO.

“When they played ‘Home’, that’s when it hit me that I was on my way,” says Diffie. “I’ve wanted to try my hand at voice work for a while now, so when Big Country approached me to host, it seemed like the perfect time and the perfect place. It’s even better that they’re allowing me to do it remotely so I can continue to tour as much as ever.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Launching Tin Pan South 2019

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Pictured (L-R): Brian O’Meara, Regions Bank; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank; Destiny Carter, Official Tin Pan South Artwork Designer; Jennifer Turnbow, NSAI Sr. Director of Operations; Heather Frost, Regions Bank; Chase Chapman, Regions Bank.

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 617

The 2019 Tin Pan South Festival was detonated with a Fabulon Fiesta on Monday evening (March 25).

Staged in Regions Bank at the Music Row Roundabout, the party kicked off the 27th annual Tin Pan by mixing a who’s-who into a merry meringue. Larry Sheridan, Larry Weiss, Steve Bogard, Steve O’Brien, Jamie Floyd, Jamie Kyle & Dave Jenkins (of Pablo Cruise fame), Dave Brainard, Greg Brown, Terri Brown and Erika Wollam-Nichols worked the room. And they ain’t all.

Many of the partiers came with cool back stories. Preshias Harris was all a-twitter because one of her “kids,” Gyth Rigdon, has made it onto Team Blake on The Voice. Ann & Colin Magee flew in from the Emerald Isle. They run the Belfast-Nashville Songwriting Festival there. Rachel Fahine had an even longer journey. She’s a big country star in Australia who is in Music City to co-write new tunes.

Jesse LaBelle had the best story of all. He’s releasing a single titled “Call Me Up” on Friday. When he does, he’s making his phone number public. He’ll also begin performing with the number blown up on a backdrop. Yes, he wants fans to call him. He’s either a marketing genius or completely nuts.

The mingling throng also included Bart Herbison, Neil Spielberg, Ed Seay, Craig Campbell, Billy Falcon, Benita Hill, Lisa Aschmann, Chris Keaton, Tony Arata, Rob Crosby, Anthony Martin, Sherrill Blackmon, Randy Perkins, Robin Ruddy, Katharine Richardson, Barry Coburn, Jed Hilly, Jenny Tolman, Bob Paxman, Sarah Morey and James Elliott.

The Presenting Sponsor of Tin Pan South, as well as the party’s host, is Regions Bank. So the institution’s Lee Blank and Fabulon Queen Lisa Harless were proudly swan-ing the premises.

Pictured (L-R): Rocker Jim Peterik; Lisa Harless SVP, Wealth Advisor, Regions Private
Wealth Management; and singer/songwriter Jesse Labelle gather at the 27th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Kickoff Party.

The Fest takes place all this week, Tuesday through Saturday. The participating clubs are Analog at the Hutton Hotel, The Station Inn, The Bluebird Café, The Local, The Lounge at City Winery, Hard Rock Café, The Listening Room Café, TRUE Music Room, Douglas Corner and 3rd & Lindsley.

Here are a few folks to watch for: Ashley Campbell, Ashley Gorley, Maggie Rose, Jake Rose, Liz Rose, Rose Falcon, Daniel Tashian, Dan Tyminski, Dallas Davidson, Rivers Rutherford, Kevin Kadish, Erin Enderlin, Natalie Hemby, Nathan Chapman, Nicolle Galyon, James Otto, Jamie O’Neal, Buddy Cannon, Wynn Varble, Ty Herndon, Desmond Child, Victoria Shaw, Lance Miller, John Scott Sherrill, Hailey Whitters, busbee, Carly Pearce, Marc Beeson, Sam Tate, Shawn Camp, Josh Osborne, Jim Lauderdale, Lee Roy Parnell, Gary Nicholson and Doug Seegers.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer members showcasing include Mark D. Sanders, Bob DiPiero, Rory Bourke, Craig Wiseman, Even Stevens, Byron Hill and Sonny Throckmorton. Hall of Famer Mac Davis is on a particularly strong bill Friday at Douglas Corner alongside Chuck Cannon and James Dean Hicks. Hall of Famer Gary Burr is Wednesday at TRUE with his wife Georgia Middleman, plus Sarah Buxton and Charles Esten.

Other tunesmith couples include Kelly Lang & T.G. Sheppard with Frank Myers, Jimmy Nichols and Eddy Raven Tuesday at Hard Rock, plus Jennifer Hanson & her ex Mark Nesler with Ryan Kinder and Jenn Schott at the Station Inn on Wednesday. “The family that plays together” motif also extends to Billy Montana with son Randy Montana, daughter Dani Green and son-in-law Zack Green Tuesday at the Bluebird.

Tuesday (tonight) also has what is arguably the fest’s best one-two punch. The early show at 3rd & Lindsley features Barry Dean, Lori McKenna and Luke Laird, and they’re followed by Brett James, Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley.

Spotify Acquires Podcasting Studio Parcast

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Spotify has announced the acquisition of Parcast, a storytelling-driven podcast studio. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

The acquisition comes as Spotify continues to expand its podcast catalog; the company acquired Gimlet Media and Anchor in February.

Since its founding in 2016, Parcast has launched 18 premium podcast series including Serial Killers, Unsolved Murders, Cults and Conspiracy Theories and the studio’s first fiction series, Mind’s Eye. Parcast will bring to Spotify its curated library of highly produced shows and its engaged, loyal audiences. With an expertise in genres touching mystery, crime, science fiction, and history, Parcast has shown it has depth in subject matter and the ability to develop audiences across its robust network. Additionally, Parcast has more than 20 new shows slated to launch later this year.

“The addition of Parcast to our growing roster of podcast content will advance our goal of becoming the world’s leading audio platform,” said Dawn Ostroff, Spotify Chief Content Officer. “Crime and mystery podcasts are a top genre for our users and Parcast has had significant success creating hit series while building a loyal and growing fan base. We’re excited to welcome the Parcast team to Spotify and we look forward to supercharging their growth.”

“In three years, we have created a production house that has grown exponentially and hit a chord with mystery and true-crime fans, especially women, across all 50 states and around the world. We are proud to join the world’s most popular audio subscription streaming service and gain access to one of the largest audiences around the world,” said Max Cutler, Founder and President of Parcast. “Alongside Spotify, our ability to scale, grow and amplify the unique and tailored brand of content we create is full of fantastic possibilities.”

 

Thompson Square Plots First International Tour

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Thompson Square. Photo: Garrett Merchant.

Country duo Thompson Square are opening a brand new international chapter of their storybook career this fall. Keifer and Shawna Thompson will embark on their first-ever overseas tour in September.

Booked to hit five countries in Europe and the United Kingdom over 10 days, the whirlwind trip will kick off in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Sept. 2 and visit Germany, Ireland and Scotland before wrapping with a show in London, England, on Sept. 12.

“Today is the realization of something that has been a long time coming,” says the duo’s Keifer Thompson. “We are so excited to announce tour dates that will take us all over this big world and can’t wait to finally meet so many of our fans. We’ll see you all soon!”

THOMPSON SQUARE’S 2019 EUROPEAN/U.K. TOUR DATES:

Sept. 2 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Q-Factory
Sept. 3 – Hamburg, Germany @ Nochtspeicher
Sept. 4 – Berlin, Germany @ Privatclub
Sept. 5 – Cologne, Germany @ Blue Shell
Sept. 6 – Dublin, Ireland @ Green Room at The Academy
Sept. 8 – Lutterworth, England @ The Long Road Festival
Sept. 10 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Oran Mor
Sept. 11 – Machester, England @ Band on the Wall
Sept. 12 – London, England @ Bush Hall

Music Biz 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees To Include Beatles Producer Sir George Martin

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The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced this year’s inductees for its Music Business Hall of Fame, which include the late Sir George Martin, who will be inducted by his son Giles Martin. This year’s honorees will be recognized during the Music Biz 2019 Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner during Music Biz’s Annual Conference on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

In addition to Sir George Martin, this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony will recognize major record labels Atlantic Records and Capitol Records; independent record label Sub Pop; industry executives Ahmet Ertegun, Herb Abramson and Miriam Abramson; music industry landmarks the Apollo Theatre, CBGB, Hitsville U.S.A.,Sun Studio, and the Troubadour; and Rolling Stone magazine.

“With the introduction of the Hall of Fame at last year’s Music Biz Conference, we sought to recognize the inspiration of those industry stalwarts who came before us and laid the groundwork for the vibrant industry we are now a part of,” commented Music Biz President James Donio. “We believe the slate of inductees who will be honored at this year’s ceremony represent the gamut of some of the most influential names in our industry’s history. And, we are especially thrilled to welcome Giles to this year’s celebration as we honor his father’s legacy.”

Across a legendary career spanning more than 50 years, Sir George Martin’s hallmark orchestrations and innovative recording techniques helped to shape popular music. In 1950, Martin began recording classical music, before broadening his scope with comedy, jazz, and pop. In 1955, he was appointed Head of the Parlophone label, and there in 1962 he signed The Beatles, launching an astonishing partnership that revolutionized studio recording forever. At London’s Abbey Road Studios, his own AIR Studios, and elsewhere, Martin also worked with comedians Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Flanders and Swann, jazz artists Stan Getz, John Dankworth, and more; and pop/rock artists Shirley Bassey, America, Jeff Beck, Kenny Rogers, Cheap Trick, Little River Band, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Sting, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, Pete Townshend, and Elton John, among others. Before retiring in 2006, Martin produced several Beatles catalog releases, including Let It Be… Naked and The Beatles 1, and collaborated with his son Giles to co-produce several projects, including The Beatles’ Anthology, The Glory of Gershwin, In My Life, and the innovative remixed audio and album for The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. Martin won six Grammys, and he holds the record as the producer with the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with 23.

The Music Business Hall of Fame is reserved for the individuals, organizations and places that have left an indelible impact on the industry and that serve as shining examples for those who hope to carry the industry into the future. Hall of Fame inductees are selected annually by the Music Biz Board of Directors, which consists of top executives from a wide cross-section of the industry including major and independent labels and distributors, digital music services, wholesalers, and independent record stores.

Music Biz 2019 takes place May 5-8 at the JW Marriott Nashville.