Peter Strickland Joins BMG/BBR Music Group As General Manager

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Peter Strickland. Photo: James Isaac Jones Photography

BMG/BBR Music Group has hired Peter Strickland as its new General Manager, effective immediately.

Strickland, who has been working with BMG/BBR Music Group in a consultancy role for almost two years, brings with him decades worth of music industry experience and knowledge. As GM, he will oversee the financial and daily operations of BMG/BBR Music Group, streamline distribution channels and physical-product sales as well as spearhead the label’s comedy initiatives. He reports to Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville.

Strickland spent several years in upper management at Warner Music Nashville, including time as VP of Sales, VP of Sales & Marketing, SVP of Brand Management & Sales, Executive Vice President/General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer. Additionally, he created two successful comedy imprints and executive produced Jimmy Fallon’s 2013 Grammy Award-winning comedy album, Blow Your Pants Off, before opening his management company, Marathon Talent, in 2018.

“Peter and I worked together early in our career, where I had the chance to see his creativity, passion and energy up close,” says Loba. “Working with him again over the last year as a consultant, it is evident those same qualities burn hotter than ever. Beyond that, he is the consummate team player and was the obvious choice to step into the GM role upon Rick Shedd’s retirement. We couldn’t be more excited to officially bring him into the BMG family!”

“It’s an honor to be asked to join this incredible team,” says Strickland. “Jon Loba has built a great culture at BMG, and in reuniting with Jon, I look forward to contributing to the next chapter.”

Reach Strickland at peter.strickland@bmg.com.

Dolly Parton Reveals Title, Release Date & Track List For First-Ever Rock Album

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Photo: Vijat Mohindra

Country Music and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dolly Parton has revealed details regarding her first-ever rock album.

Parton’s album will be called Rockstar and will release Nov. 17 via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group. The 30-song collection includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Rockstar will be available as a 4 LP set and a 2 CD set, as well as via digital download and on all streaming services. It is available for pre-order now.

Parton will be joined by a slew of musical guests across genres on Rockstar, including Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, Sting, John Fogerty, Steven Tyler, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Chris Stapleton, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lizzo, Linda Perry and many more.

“World On Fire” single artwork. Photo: Vijat Mohindra

Parton shares, “I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar! I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”

On Thursday (May 11), Parton will join Garth Brooks to host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. She will also close out the night by delivering the world premiere of the debut single from Rockstar, “World on Fire.” The track will be available on Thursday to coincide with the world premiere performance.

Of “World On Fire,” Parton shares, “This is a song I felt very inspired to write. I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”

Rockstar Track List:
1. “Rockstar (with special guest Richie Sambora)”
2. “World on Fire”
3. “Every Breath You Take (feat. Sting)”
4. “Open Arms (feat. Steve Perry)”
5. “Magic Man (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Lee)”
6. “Long As I Can See The Light (feat. John Fogerty)”
7. “Either Or (feat. Kid Rock)”
8. “I Want You Back (feat. Steven Tyler & special guest Warren Haynes)”
9. “What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You (feat. Stevie Nicks & special guest Waddy Wachtel)”
10. “Purple Rain”
11. “Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)”
12. “I Hate Myself For Loving You (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)”
13. “Night Moves (feat. Chris Stapleton)”
14. “Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)”
15. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)”
16. “Keep On Loving You (feat. Kevin Cronin)”
17. “Heart Of Glass (feat. Debbie Harry)”
18. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (feat. Elton John)”
19. “Tried To Rock And Roll Me (feat. Melissa Etheridge)”
20. “Stairway To Heaven (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)”
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “Bygones (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)”
23. “My Blue Tears (feat. Simon Le Bon)”
24. “What’s Up? (feat. Linda Perry)”
25. “You’re No Good (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)”
26. “Heartbreaker (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)”
27. “Bittersweet (feat. Michael McDonald)”
28. “I Dreamed About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)”
29. “Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)”
30. “Free Bird (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)”

Ed Sheeran, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, More To Perform At ACM Awards

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Ed Sheeran. Photo: Annie Leibovitz

Performers for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed prior to Thursday’s (May 11) event.

Global pop superstar Ed Sheeran will make his debut on the ACM Awards stage in a highly anticipated performance. The star-studded lineup also includes country stars Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and co-host Dolly Parton, who will close out the night of massive performances by delivering the world premiere of the debut single from her new rock album.

Hosted by Parton and Garth Brooks, the ACM Awards will be free to stream live for a global audience across over 240 countries and territories exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/4 p.m. PT from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. A full rebroadcast of the two-hour show will be available to watch on Prime Video the next day (Friday, May 12), starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the Amazon Music App and for free on Amazon Freevee.

A limited number of tickets are still available for purchase on SeatGeek.

BMI Celebrates 27th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival

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Pictured (L-R): Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna perform. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

The 27th annual Key West Songwriters Festival took place this past weekend (May 3-7), bringing together over 250 BMI multi-genre songwriters to 50 different venues across the island. Hosted by Rams Head Presents, BMI and The Florida Keys Tourist Development Council, proceeds from the five-day event benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1985 that supports music education and creation through various grants and scholarships, along with Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI’s Nina Carter, Rams Head Group’s Kyle Muehlhauser, Jelly Roll, BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Rams Head Group’s Kelly Norman before Jelly Roll’s performance at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

When BMI songwriters arrived to the Nashville airport on Wednesday morning (May 3), they were greeted by the Lift Off to the Kickoff event in Delta’s Sky Club, as Delta Air Lines is the official airline of the festival.

The anticipated Sunset Pier Kick Off Party served as the festival’s official commencement. Hosted at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, James Slater, the Dylan Altman Blues Band and Robert Randolph were the entertainment. Brinley Addington, Rocky Block, Jacob Hackworth and Joey Hyde took the stage at Conch Republic Seafood Company following the kick-off party, and the evening closed with music from 2017’s BMI Icon recipient Bob DiPiero along with Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman and Jeffrey Steele at the Key West Theater.

The Dylan Altman Blues Band performs at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier Kick Off Party. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

On Thursday (May 4), attendees were treated to rounds at the Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant, hearing from songwriters Cliff Cody, Bella Dorian, Seth Ennis, Ryan Larkins, Jessica Rose, Benjy Davis, Drew Kennedy, Lauren McLamb, July Moon and Emily Shackleton.

Liz Rose brought her friends Phil Barton, David Ray and Earl Bud Lee as well as fellow Love Junkies Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna to the Blue Heaven on Thursday, while the Sunset Green Event Lawn hosted acclaimed songwriters such as Raul Malo, Kostas, Robert Randolph and Tommy Sims. The Key West Theater hosted the BMI at the Bluebird shows over the weekend, with Thursday’s shows featuring Elle King, Madeline Edwards and Ella Langley followed by The Love Junkies.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Sony Music Nashville’s Ella Langley, RCA Records/Song Music Nashville’s Elle King, Warner Music Nashville’s Madeline Edwards, The Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam Nichols and We’ve Got The Keys’ Liz Anderson at the Key West Theater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association and the Texas Music Office presented the Texas Showcase at the San Carlos Institute, where Jack Ingram, David Lee and Bobby Pinson paid their respects to the late Keith Gattis by sharing stories of their longtime friend as a vacant stool and cowboy hat was center stage.

On Friday (May 5), Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant highlighted the talents of Ronnie Bowman, Clint Daniels, Mae Estes, Kylie Frey, Dylan Marlowe, Meghan Patrick and more. Kimpton Lighthouse Court welcomed Joseph Patton, Sophia Scott, Bryan Simpson and Adam Wood, while Sloppy Joe’s hosted Reid Haughton, Jordan James, Jordan Rowe and Austin Snell.

Ben Chapman performs at Tootsies Street Stage on Duval Street. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Jelly Roll headlined the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Friday night. Afterward the HD Radio Late Night Hang at The Backyard Bar kept the party going into the morning with Playin’ Through The Night hosted by Tyler Reeve, Trent Tomlinson and friends.

Saturday (May 6) was filled with performances from Justin Andrews, Nick Donley, Reid Houghton, Drew Kennedy and Emma Kelin at The Marker Resort Pool Party, while The Perry Hotel & Marina hosted artists such as Kelly Archer, Tofer Brown, Ashley Cooke, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate and Ava Suppelsa.

For a special Tootsies Street Stage show on Duval Street, Ben Chapman, Jordan James, Meg McRee and Michael Ray took the stage. That night at the Key West Theater, Michael Halpern of the Michelle’s Foundation made a surprise announcement in honor of Gattis. As the influential songwriter was scheduled to perform that night, the Michelle’s Foundation revealed that they will be providing his two children with their future college tuition expenses.

Pictured (L-R): Lee Starr, Kylie Frey, Kyle James and Mae Estes perform at Lewis Brisbois Presents: Hometown Pub Takeover. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

On the festival’s final day (May 7), the Sunset Green Event Lawn hosted Sunday Funday with Ken Johnson, Justin Schools and Seth Michael, while the Southernmost House Hotel featured Anna Wilson, Monty Powell, Cameron Wrinkle and Josiah Siska.

Even Stevens, Altman, Danny Myrick, Bridgette Tatum, Tomlinson, Earl Bud Lee and Kostas closed up the 27th edition of the Key West Songwriters Festival at the Key West Theater’s All Star Encore – Songwriters & Stories event.

Pictured (L-R): Bob Dipiero, James Slater and Luke Laird perform at the Key West Theater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion Weaves A ‘Delightful Tapestry Of Sound’

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It’s a miracle.

There is not one, single, “bro country” song in this week’s stack of sounds. No pick-up trucks, no skinny dipping, no bonfires, no dirt roads, no rural fields, no beer. Okay, so I lied about that last one.

What we DO have is a flurry of artists who want you out on that dance floor. Beckoning you to trip the light fantastic are Kylie Morgan, Tim Dugger, Tyler Hubbard & Keith Urban, Willie Jones and our Disc of the Day winners, Old Dominion.

Not to worry: country music isn’t losing its sentimental side. For that, I refer you to the fine efforts by Drew Parker, Tyler Rich, Jameson Rodgers and our DisCovery Award winner, Micaela Kleinsmith.

OLD DOMINION / “I Should Have Married You”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
– Enchanting. The rippling production, twirling melody, percussive effects and hearty vocals combine to weave a delightful tapestry of sound. The summertime vibe and merry tempo contrast with a lyric of regret. There’s a reason why this is the five-time ACM Group of the Year, and this is it.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Louder Than Guns”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Mike Harris; Producers: Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO Records
– The Opry string band speaks out against gun violence in this rousing anthem. Leader Secor has carved the names of the six Covenant victims on his fiddle, is dedicating this song to them and has joined the 97Percent organization to work for sanity. Polls have repeatedly stated that the public wants gun reform, yet our legislators remain pawns of the NRA, rather than serving the people. Why is the U.S. the only country on earth with this problem?

DREW PARKER / “King of Country Music (with Mallory Parker)”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson; Producers: Phil O’Donnell/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The rollicking “Middle of Nowhere Class” remains the flagship song of the EP, and you should definitely lend it your ears. Also check out this heart-tugging, newly released track. It’s a tender word portrait of a struggling country singer and the woman who has undying faith in him. He remains one of my favorite new country vocalists, because he makes me believe every word. That’s Drew’s wife Mallory singing harmony, by the way.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “Twenty Something”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Liz Rose/Trannie Anderson/AJ Pruis; Producers: Chris LaCorte/Alana Springsteen; Label: Columbia
– Moody and minor-key, this is an exploration of the complex, roller-coaster feelings of youth. It is well sung and produced with oomph. This is an advance track and title tune of the second installment of her “three-part album,” I am told.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Built for Heartbreak”
Writers: John Byron/Chris LaCorte/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– He had me at hello: “My blood’s a whiskey reservoir with clouds of barroom smoke” are the song’s opening lines. And it gets better as it goes. “Get that hammer, raise it up and bring it down/I’m already a disaster…ain’t a swing of pain that I can’t take,” he sings, because he’s “Built for Heartbreak.” Talk about a song you wish you’d written…..

TEDDY ROBB / “Question the Universe”
Writer: Brad Tursi; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Teddy Robb
– He sings it expressively, but I don’t hear “hit” in this wordy, downbeat, meandering ballad.

WILLIE JONES / “Something to Dance To”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Eric Arjes/Willie Jones; Producers: Willie Jones/Eric Arjes; Label: Sony Music Nashville 
– Go ahead and lose yourself in the music, Jones advises. Amid the happy beats, he suggests that we all dance like nobody’s watching, whether it’s in the middle of a cornfield or a nightclub. This giddy, rhythmic ditty is a blast. It’s the hooky-as-heck title tune of his debut album, which drops on June 16.

TIM DUGGER / “Mary Wanna?”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Tim Dugger; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb Records
– This is a marvelous two stepper, loaded with banjo licks and fiddle filligrees. As usual, Dugger is a model country singer, and this goofy-fun, blue-collar romance lets him shine brightly. Tap your toes and sing along as he gets high on love.

TYLER HUBBARD & KEITH URBAN / “Dancin’ in the Country (Demo)”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Keith Urban/Ross Copperman/Jon Nite; Producers: none listed; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s current hit remains a happy-feet bouncer. The original demo of the song features his cowriter Urban bopping right alongside him and taking his turn in the lead vocal spot during the bridge. The burbling beat makes ya smile, even in this unpolished, stripped-down version

TYLER RICH / “Heaven Is Your Hometown”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Tyler Rich; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– I have always liked this guy’s singing. This rolling, easy-going track has some dandy pick-up lines as he approaches the new girl in town. She’s so beautiful that she must have fallen out of the clouds, he tells her. Go for it, buddy.

MICAELA KLEINSMITH / “Butterfly”
Writer: Micaela Kleinsmith; Producer: Tommy Sims; Label: Platoon
– Dreamy, bluesy and atmospheric. Her hushed vocal, the gently plucked guitar and the airy production cast a hypnotic pop spell. Hang with her as she invests the song with more and more vocal power as it progresses. Kleinsmith is a South African performer who won Reese Witherspoon’s “My Kind of Country” global competition with this performance. Very promising.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Sugar Daddy”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/James McNair/Seth Mosley; Producers: Seth Mosley/ Malcom “X” O’Connor; Label: EMI Nashville
– Thumping and propulsive, this imbeds her pert, youthful vocal in a feisty, driving ditty. “Be your own Sugar Daddy,” she advises her empowered sisters. “Get your own money, honey.” Sassy and fun.

Morgan Wallen Nabs Another MusicRow No. 1 With ‘One Thing At A Time’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Morgan Wallen is at the pinnacle of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart once again, marking his 11th No. 1 as an artist with “One Thing At A Time.”

Wallen co-wrote the song, which serves as the title track of his most recent album, with Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith and Ryan Vojtesak. The album has already yielded two other No. 1 hits, “You Proof” and “Thought You Should Know,” while “One Thing At A Time” and “Last Night” remain climbing the country radio charts.

Wallen is currently out on the road on his “One Night At A Time World Tour,” playing West Palm Beach, Florida (May 5) and Tampa, Florida (May 6) this weekend.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

My Music Row Story: ACM’s Damon Whiteside

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Damon Whiteside

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

Damon Whiteside joined the Academy of Country Music as CEO in 2020. In his time leading the Academy, he has guided the trade association through the COVID-19 pandemic including the launch of the timely ACM Lifting Lives Covid Response Fund; innovated the future of awards shows and made history when the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards became the first-ever major awards show to exclusively livestream globally through a pioneering deal with Amazon’s Prime Video, kicking off the partnership with a supersized show live from Las Vegas’ new football stadium; and ushered in a new chapter for the Academy by relocating the ACM headquarters to Nashville after nearly 60 years in Southern California.

Serving as Executive Producer for the Academy, Whiteside brought the renowned ACM Honors show back to television with an exclusive FOX partnership, and will oversee the return of The 58th ACM Awards to Prime Video this May, live from the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, Texas with music’s most iconic host pairing, superstars Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.

He has also reinforced the Academy’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in country music, from the boardroom to the stage, launched both a two-year professional development curriculum for rising leaders and a guaranteed income program for Black members of the Nashville music community, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).

Whiteside previously spent six years at the Country Music Association, where he most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer, and was responsible for the organization’s most groundbreaking initiatives across marketing, digital, partnerships and international, highlighted by the award-winning CMA Awards 50th anniversary campaign. Prior to that, he formed Nomad Entertainment Group in Hollywood, where he represented multi-genre music artists, producers and songwriters, and worked for more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company in marketing, franchise development and partnerships across roles at The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Consumer Products and Disney-ABC Networks Group.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Southern California. Riverside, California is where I was born and raised. I went to college in Orange County and I commuted from Riverside my first year, so I lived there until I was about 18 or 19 years old.

Pictured (L-R): President of MRC Live & Alternative, Adam Stotsky; Dolly Parton; and the CEO of Academy of Country Music, Damon Whiteside attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Were you into music growing up?

I loved music. I was in the choir during elementary school and I played a little bit of piano, but I wasn’t a hardcore musician. I just really appreciated music. It has been my passion from the time I was 11 or 12—I just loved everything about music business.

When I was 15, I frequented the local record store in Riverside. I thought it would be the most fun place to work, so I actually applied several times because I was bound and determined to get a job there. I finally got hired as a seasonal employee for Christmas. That was the start for me. From there, I knew my life was going to revolve around music.

How did your career start?

I ended up working at the record store almost all through college. I transferred to other stores in the record store chain. It was called Music Plus back then—it was a west coast record store chain—but then it became Blockbuster Music, so I got to wear the blue polo and khaki pants for a few years when it became Blockbuster Music. [Laughs]

I did a lot in college to follow [my passion for] music. I worked on campus in the concerts division, doing publicity for the concerts on campus, which gave me a taste for booking shows. I also started doing some internships to get my feet wet. I was given the opportunity to intern at the L.A. pop station, KIIS-FM, with Rick Dees in the morning. That gave me a taste of the radio world.

I really wanted to be in music, but I was also a big Disney fan. I grew up around Disneyland, and I would go as a kid. My college was really close to Disneyland, so most of my friends worked there. I used to go to Disneyland for free all the time, so I became a big Disney fan. I found an internship opportunity my last semester of college with Disney, working on their movie premieres.

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Carly Pearce attend the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

What followed that internship?

With my internship, I had gotten my foot in the door at Disney and I had developed some relationships. When I graduated, they recommended me for another internship for the summer after my graduation. It was a paid internship working in the film division, so I got to actually travel around the midwest and go to movie theaters to represent Disney. That was a really great way to learn about film distribution and marketing. That ended and then I got hired on at Disney studios as a temp in film distribution. That was amazing. I wasn’t a permanent employee, but I was getting to work 9 to 5 and be at the studio on the lot. It was so great to be around it all, learn and meet people.

Ultimately, my dream was still music. I wanted to be in music, even though I started to go down to the film path. One day, the absolute perfect thing fell out of the sky for me. The woman that I was working for in film distribution told me about a job opening at the Disney Music Group doing music for all the films.

Tell me about that opportunity.

I interviewed for it and got the job as a permanent full-time Marketing Coordinator for Walt Disney Records. We did the music for all the Disney movies and worked with all artists that did Disney movies. We did Broadway cast albums and music for television shows and theme parks. It was a dream. I was there for 12 years and moved my way up. When I left Disney Music Group, I was Sr. VP of Marketing, so I started as a Coordinator and moved my way up to there.

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Triple Crown Award recipient Miranda Lambert attend the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

What were some of your favorite projects that you worked on during that time?

The one that really stands out to me was the Tarzan film. Phil Collins wrote the music for it. I’m a huge Phil Collins fan and I got to work really closely with Phil and his team. They actually took that to Broadway and did a Broadway version of it, so I got to work on that as well. That was probably one of the biggest highlights.

We got to do a project with Yanni, the new age artist. It was called Yanni Voices—it was an amazing project. He had these young, incredible singers that put words to all of his instrumental songs. We did a major world tour and a television special around it.

The other thing I have to highlight is I got to work in the teen scene, because Walt Disney Records started getting into the teen music business when that became a big hit for Disney Channel. So I got to work on things like launching Hilary Duff‘s career as well as Miley Cyrus‘ career with Hannah Montana. We helped launch The Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and all of those teen acts.

When did you transition out of Disney?

I ended up staying at Disney for quite a while. After I left the music group, I ended up I worked as the Head of Marketing for the Disney stores globally. Then I opened my own agency and I was doing marketing and brand consulting, as well as managing some artists with a management partner. I did that for a few years and really learned a lot and enjoyed it, but I was getting burned on L.A. a little bit. It was really tough being independent in that market, and I started to miss being in a team environment. So, I started opening myself up and having conversations with people.

There was a recruiter that was looking for [someone to fill the role of] Head of Marketing and Partnerships for the Country Music Association. They ended up flying me to Nashville for an interview. I knew nothing about Nashville, I had only been here once or twice for quick trips, but I was open to a change. They had me go to the CMA Awards and I was totally blown away by it. Long story short, they made me an offer and I made the move across country. That was in 2014.

You stayed at the CMA for six years, rising to Chief Marketing Officer. What were some of your proudest moments from your time there?

The 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards—I’m really proud of that show. I’m really proud of all the stuff we got to do with Brad [Paisley] and Carrie [Underwood] over the years as hosts of that show. The “Forever Country” music video that we did that had 50 of the greatest country artists of all time in it was an unbelievable feat. Another highlight was getting to work with Ken Burns on launching the Country Music documentary film. That was probably one of the highlights of my life, working on that with Ken and his team.

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Shania Twain attend the 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

You became CEO of the Academy of Country Music in 2020. Tell me about that transition.

It was totally unexpected. RAC Clark was the interim Executive Director at the time and they were on the search for a CEO. A board member at the ACM reached out to me about it. Honestly, I was really happy at CMA. I love Sarah Trahern, she’s a very dear friend of mine, and I love the team there and was really proud of everything we built.

It was a really tough decision, but I felt like I was ready to spread my wings. When I learned more about what the ACM was looking for, some of the challenges and some of the opportunities there, I got really excited about it. I was excited about how I could bring my experience from working in Los Angeles in the studio world, but also being in Nashville and having had time to get to know the industry and the artists really well. I felt like it could be a great opportunity for me to use all my skills to lead this organization.

I started in January of 2020 and here I am three years later. I’m happy to say that I recently renewed my deal and I’ll be there for another three years, so I’m planning to dig in a little deeper and stay a while.

You started in January of 2020 and had to respond to the pandemic a few months later. On top of that, ACM recently moved its headquarters to Nashville, among a lot of other projects and initiatives. What are you goals moving forward?

It’s really about aligning what a trade organization is in today’s world. The business model of the industry has changed so much. In terms of our award show, which is what we’re most known for, we were able to transition it to the streaming space on Amazon’s Prime Video, which makes us the first and only award show to do to that. We’ve had to really innovate how we produce the show and how we market the show—everything is different being on a streaming platform, but there’s a lot of opportunity as a global show.

Looking ahead, it’s about continuing to strengthen our partnership with Amazon and finding more ways to grow the show on a global basis. Other goals include bringing more opportunities to our artists, strengthening and bringing more value to our membership.

We are also really focusing in on our DEI efforts. Beyond our DEI task force that’s been in existence for a few years, we just launched a Rising Leaders program last year. We’re now in the second cohort of that this year. We also just launched an OnRamp program with the Black Music Action Coalition, so that’s another big initiative. There’s a lot that we can do in that space and to lift up our artists of color.

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Mickey Guyton attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Who have been some of your mentors?

I’ve been fortunate to work with so many people. We had a lot of great leadership at Disney over those years. I always really admired Michael Eisner when he was at Disney, as well as Bob Iger—he was an incredible leader. In Nashville, I’ve had so many good mentors. Sarah Trahern was a huge mentor to me and still is. Ed Hardy, who isn’t with us any longer, was the one responsible for bringing me into Nashville when he hired me at the CMA. Joe Galante is an incredible mentor of mine. John Esposito, Mike Dungan and Scott Borchetta have all been great. Ed Warm was the Chairman of the ACM Board when I was hired. Ed is a huge mentor as well as Lori Badgett and Chuck Aly.

What is some of the best advice you’ve ever received?

It’s been a rough three years in a lot of ways. COVID was tough, we’ve had to move our show three times and it has created a lot of chaos and stress. Sometimes it’s challenging. Cindy Mabe said to me once that the Academy needs to survive. She said, “What you’re doing and your efforts are on behalf of country music.” That has really stuck with me. When I get into the minutiae of my job, get down about something or feel like something is really challenging, I think about how I’m doing this for country music. It’s not just for the Academy—it’s for the country music industry, it’s for our artists and it’s for our membership. That always gives me motivation when I feel like I can’t do something. It keeps me going.

Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow Among Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2023 Inductees

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Willie Nelson & Sheryl Crow

Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow are among the 2023 inductees who will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. They will be minted at the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Nelson and Crow are joined by Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners in the Performer Category. DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will received the Musical Influence Award, and Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Don Cornelius will take home the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The inductees were announced via Apple Music 1 livestream during a one-hour special with hosts Ebro Darden, Rebecca Judd, Matt Wilkinson, Brooke Reese and Kelleigh Bannen, with special guests Crow and Taupin.

“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” says John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”

To be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction. Four of seven inductees in the performer category were on the ballot for the first time, including Nelson, Crow, Elliott and Michael.

With over 60 years in the music business, Nelson—songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist and philanthropist—is an American institution. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries—mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop and blues.

Nelson’s first success came writing hits for country’s biggest stars, including Patsy Cline (“Crazy”) and Ray Price (“Night Life”) and songs that have become standards (“Funny How Time Slips Away”). In 1962, Nelson released the first of a staggering 73 solo studio albums. But he chafed at working within Nashville’s confines, and in 1972 he returned home to Texas to make music on his own terms. Connecting with Austin’s counterculture, Nelson recorded for Atlantic, combining country with rock and blues. Songs like the autobiographical “Me and Paul” (1971) groove and swing with blues licks, while pedal steel and piano soar in the foreground. Nelson and co-conspirators Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser ushered in the outlaw country movement, with their Wanted! The Outlaws becoming the first country album to go Platinum.

By 1975, Nelson was a superstar. His concept album Red Headed Stranger (1975) delivered his first No. 1 hit, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” In true outlaw fashion, Nelson released a gospel album, Troublemaker (1976), and an album of pop standards (produced by Booker T), Stardust (1978); both went to No. 1. While continuing to create a songwriter’s dream catalog, Nelson also formed supergroup the Highwaymen with Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Crow, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis and Snoop Dogg.

Nelson’s work has influenced generations of musicians, from Neil Young to John Mellencamp to Kacey Musgraves, and his personal actions have supported the welfare of millions of Americans. In 1985, Nelson cofounded Farm Aid to assist family farmers. He is Co-Chair of NORML, which supports marijuana legalization, and advocates for numerous causes including animal welfare and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Crow’s voice is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues and the work of countless singer-songwriters.

Crow got her big break singing backup for Michael Jackson’s “Bad World Tour” in 1987. From there, she became a session musician, providing backing vocals for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Don Henley—while simultaneously writing songs for Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Wynonna Judd. Signed to A&M as a solo artist, Crow released her 1993 debut album Tuesday Night Music Club—a revered classic that resulted in three of her nine Grammys, including Best Female Rock Vocal and Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do.” Crow produced and played several of the instruments on her 1996 self-titled sophomore album, which was another commercial hit and won two additional Grammys. Her success continued into the 2000s with Platinum albums C’mon, C’mon (2002) and Wildflower (2005) and Gold-certified Detours (2008).

Throughout her career, Crow has collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and country music—Keith Richards, Prince, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to name a few—drawing a who’s-who of artists to work on her self-identified final album, 2019’s Threads. The supergroup-level collaborations Crow created between veteran and younger artists culminate in an album that encapsulates her spiritual, political and musical worldviews. Threads includes the socially conscious “Story of Everything” featuring Chuck D, Andra Day and Gary Clark, Jr. as well as the rootsy “Prove You Wrong” with Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris, and Eric Clapton, Sting and Brandi Carlile covering George Harrison’s devotional “Beware of Darkness.”

The vast catalog of this soulful rock superstar earns Crow the title given to her by country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton: “One of the best that we’ve ever had… and may ever have.”

Sara Knabe Joins Big Loud As SVP Of A&R

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Sara Knabe. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Big Loud has hired Sara Knabe as SVP of A&R. Effective immediately, Knabe will work in tandem with both the Big Loud Records and Big Loud Publishing A&R teams, leading across.

“This is one of the most exciting announcements we’ve gotten to make in a while,” says Big Loud CEO/Partner, Seth England. “Sara was the first person I meaningfully met in Nashville; I got my first internship with her, and she helped me meet [Big Loud Partner] Craig [Wiseman]. We’ve been working with Sara in a freelance capacity for a while now, and have been continuously impressed by her professionalism, her collaborative approach, and her ear for finding outstanding talent. I’m not sure there is any one A&R person in Nashville who has brought me and Joey [Moi] more songs over the years. It is fitting and overdue that she joins our team.”

“When Seth reached out to me about this role the answer was a Big Loud YES,” Knabe shares. “The remarkable history of Big Loud speaks for itself. Joining their cutting-edge creative team and working alongside a roster of this magnitude, in both the Records and Publishing divisions, is a dream scenario.”

Knabe joins the Big Loud staff after spending just under a year founding and cultivating her own Cake Maker Music, a music publishing, artist development and A&R consulting company. Prior to founding Cake Maker Music, Knabe spent several years as VP of A&R at BBR Music Group and VP of Creative at BMG Music Publishing. The Belmont graduate’s prior stops include Bug Music, Windswept Holdings, LLC and Harlan Howard Songs.

Reach Knabe at saraknabe@bigloud.com.

‘Shucked’ Earns Multiple Tony Nominations

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Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Shucked, the musical written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen alongside Broadway producer Mike Bosner, has earned nine Tony nominations.

The production is nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score (Music And/Or Lyrics) Written For The Theatre at the 2023 awards, which will take place June 11, 2023 from the United Palace in Washington Heights, in New York City.

Additionally, Shucked actors Kevin Cahoon and Alex Newell are nominated for Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical.

Shucked‘s Jack O’Brien is nominated for Best Direction Of A Musical, Scott Pask is nominated for Best Scenic Design Of A Musical and John Shivers is nominated for Best Sound Design Of A Musical. Finally, Jason Howland is nominated for Best Orchestrations for his work on the renowned show.

Shucked is a tale from the heart of the heartlands helmed by prior Tony winners, and features a book written by Robert Horn and direction by O’Brien.