Troy Tomlinson, who served as Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville’s President/CEO since 2005, has joined UMPG as Chairman/CEO of its Nashville division. With this appointment, Tomlinson becomes UMPG Nashville’s first-ever Chairman and CEO. He will begin his new role July 15 and will report to UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson.
In his new role, he will join UMPG’s global senior management team, with responsibility for the entirety of UMPG’s Nashville operations, including providing leadership to UMPG’s Tennessee-based royalty operations and Christian division. Further, Tomlinson will be a key creative voice throughout Universal Music Group, UMPG’s parent company and the world leader in music-based entertainment.
Gerson said, “Troy’s track record in Nashville is the stuff of legend. He is simply one of the best and most successful creative executives the Nashville publishing community has ever seen. And having worked closely with him during my time at Sony, I know firsthand of his ability to take a promising songwriter with a song and turn them into a career artist. I’m thrilled to have him join UMPG’s senior management team and accelerate our transformation into the most progressive and effective partner to songwriters anywhere.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “When it comes to identifying great songs, songwriters and artists, Troy is one of Nashville’s finest. I’m looking forward to him joining us at this pivotal time as we continue to build a home for songwriters like no other, one focused on long term careers and creating global opportunities.”
Tomlinson said, “I’m so excited to join Jody and her exceptional team at UMPG. For me, this is the right time and UMPG is the right place to channel my energy and passion to build something entirely new and dynamic for Nashville’s songwriting community. I’ve long admired Jody even before I had the opportunity to work with her at Sony, and to see what she’s achieved at Universal and the culture she’s created in just the few years since she joined is nothing short of inspiring. To be able to work with her again and contribute to UMPG’s incredible momentum is exciting to say the least.”
Tomlinson joined Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2002 as Vice President of Creative, rising to President and CEO in 2005. During his tenure he oversaw the songwriting careers of artists including Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Gary Levox (Rascal Flatts), Brett Eldredge, Jon Pardi, The Band Perry, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jimmie Allen, Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Charlie Worsham, High Valley, and Chase Rice.
In addition to Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s writer-artists, Tomlinson guided the careers of songwriters Josh Osborne, Chris DeStefano, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Jaren Johnston, Lindsay Rimes, Jim Beavers, Luke Laird as well as Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Bill Anderson and Bobby Braddock and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Tom Douglas, among many others. He was responsible for stewarding the song catalogs of Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Alan Jackson, Guy Clark, Buck Owens, Hank Cochran and the Everly Brothers. Under Tomlinson’s leadership in 2007, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville became the only country music publishing company in history to win the ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year, BMI Country Publisher of the Year, SESAC Country Publisher of the Year, and Billboard’s Publisher and Publishing Corporation of the Year, the same year. Additionally, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has been named BMI’s Publisher of the Year for an unprecedented 16 consecutive years, as well as Billboard’s Country Publisher of the Year for the same time period.
Prior to joining Sony/ATV, Tomlinson worked at Acuff-Rose Music Publishing where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President. While at Acuff-Rose he worked with famed songwriters Dean Dillon, Skip Ewing, Jim Weatherly, and Whitey Shafer, among others. During his early years at Acuff Rose, Tomlinson discovered four-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney.
Before Acuff-Rose, Tomlinson ran the Nashville division of Fame Music Group, the company founded by Rick Hall, the Muscle Shoals studio legend.
MusicRow has confirmed that UMPG Exec. VP/GM
Kent Earls is exiting.
“The past 21 + years at UMPG Nashville have been truly incredible. I’m very proud of our many accomplishments while at the helm. We had multiple Grammy wins, Writer and Song of the Year accolades, countless #1 singles but the true joy was either signing, developing and furthering the careers of incredibly talented songwriters like Luke Laird, Rivers Rutherford, Chase McGill, Lori Mckenna, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Andrew Dorff and songwriter-artists like Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Maren Morris , and so many more. I am also so proud of the staff we assembled in my time there-they are second to none and are the reason we achieved so many highs. I love the Nashville music industry and community and excited to see what the future holds.” Earls says.
Kent can reached at kentearls@me.com.
BREAKING: Troy Tomlinson Named Chairman/CEO Of UMPG Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonTroy Tomlinson, who served as Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville’s President/CEO since 2005, has joined UMPG as Chairman/CEO of its Nashville division. With this appointment, Tomlinson becomes UMPG Nashville’s first-ever Chairman and CEO. He will begin his new role July 15 and will report to UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson.
In his new role, he will join UMPG’s global senior management team, with responsibility for the entirety of UMPG’s Nashville operations, including providing leadership to UMPG’s Tennessee-based royalty operations and Christian division. Further, Tomlinson will be a key creative voice throughout Universal Music Group, UMPG’s parent company and the world leader in music-based entertainment.
Gerson said, “Troy’s track record in Nashville is the stuff of legend. He is simply one of the best and most successful creative executives the Nashville publishing community has ever seen. And having worked closely with him during my time at Sony, I know firsthand of his ability to take a promising songwriter with a song and turn them into a career artist. I’m thrilled to have him join UMPG’s senior management team and accelerate our transformation into the most progressive and effective partner to songwriters anywhere.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “When it comes to identifying great songs, songwriters and artists, Troy is one of Nashville’s finest. I’m looking forward to him joining us at this pivotal time as we continue to build a home for songwriters like no other, one focused on long term careers and creating global opportunities.”
Tomlinson said, “I’m so excited to join Jody and her exceptional team at UMPG. For me, this is the right time and UMPG is the right place to channel my energy and passion to build something entirely new and dynamic for Nashville’s songwriting community. I’ve long admired Jody even before I had the opportunity to work with her at Sony, and to see what she’s achieved at Universal and the culture she’s created in just the few years since she joined is nothing short of inspiring. To be able to work with her again and contribute to UMPG’s incredible momentum is exciting to say the least.”
Tomlinson joined Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2002 as Vice President of Creative, rising to President and CEO in 2005. During his tenure he oversaw the songwriting careers of artists including Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Gary Levox (Rascal Flatts), Brett Eldredge, Jon Pardi, The Band Perry, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jimmie Allen, Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Charlie Worsham, High Valley, and Chase Rice.
In addition to Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s writer-artists, Tomlinson guided the careers of songwriters Josh Osborne, Chris DeStefano, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Jaren Johnston, Lindsay Rimes, Jim Beavers, Luke Laird as well as Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Bill Anderson and Bobby Braddock and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Tom Douglas, among many others. He was responsible for stewarding the song catalogs of Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Alan Jackson, Guy Clark, Buck Owens, Hank Cochran and the Everly Brothers. Under Tomlinson’s leadership in 2007, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville became the only country music publishing company in history to win the ASCAP Country Publisher of the Year, BMI Country Publisher of the Year, SESAC Country Publisher of the Year, and Billboard’s Publisher and Publishing Corporation of the Year, the same year. Additionally, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville has been named BMI’s Publisher of the Year for an unprecedented 16 consecutive years, as well as Billboard’s Country Publisher of the Year for the same time period.
Prior to joining Sony/ATV, Tomlinson worked at Acuff-Rose Music Publishing where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President. While at Acuff-Rose he worked with famed songwriters Dean Dillon, Skip Ewing, Jim Weatherly, and Whitey Shafer, among others. During his early years at Acuff Rose, Tomlinson discovered four-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney.
Before Acuff-Rose, Tomlinson ran the Nashville division of Fame Music Group, the company founded by Rick Hall, the Muscle Shoals studio legend.
“The past 21 + years at UMPG Nashville have been truly incredible. I’m very proud of our many accomplishments while at the helm. We had multiple Grammy wins, Writer and Song of the Year accolades, countless #1 singles but the true joy was either signing, developing and furthering the careers of incredibly talented songwriters like Luke Laird, Rivers Rutherford, Chase McGill, Lori Mckenna, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Andrew Dorff and songwriter-artists like Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Maren Morris , and so many more. I am also so proud of the staff we assembled in my time there-they are second to none and are the reason we achieved so many highs. I love the Nashville music industry and community and excited to see what the future holds.” Earls says.
Kent can reached at kentearls@me.com.
CCM News: for King & Country, Matt Redman, Red Street Records, GMA
/by Lorie Hollabaughfor King & Country Reveal “God Only Knows” Remix
Duo for KING & COUNTRY has teamed with Echosmith and Timbaland to release a new remix of their CCM hit “God Only Knows.”
Matt Redman Joins Integrity Music
Matt Redman
Matt Redman has joined Integrity Music. His songs have been recorded by Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and more. He most recently celebrated a No. 1 radio single as a co-writer for Pat Barrett’s “Build My Life.”
Jonathan Brown, President of Integrity Music, shares, “It would be simply impossible to overstate what an honor it is for Integrity Music to partner with Matt Redman. Matt’s ability to articulate the heart cry of millions of worshipers around the world is truly a testimony to the gift and craft that he’s stewarded for over 20 years. We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the next season in Matt’s extraordinary career.”
Red Street Records Launches GMA IMMERSE Scholarship
Pictured (L-R): Jackie Patillo (Executive Director, GMA), Jay DeMarcus (Owner, Red Street Records), Abby Siler (GMA IMMERSE student and scholarship recipient), Don Koch (General Manager, Red Street Records), Kendall Pond (GMA IMMERSE student and scholarship recipient) and Justin Fratt (Director of Operations, GMA) Photo Courtesy of GMA / Gospel Music Association
Jay DeMarcus’ Red Street Records has established a GMA IMMERSE scholarship program. This year, two recipients of the fund attended GMA IMMERSE thanks to Red Street Records’ CEO/owner DeMarcus and General Manager Don Koch.
The scholarships, selected by a group of industry executives and Red Street Records team members, were awarded to Abby Siler and Kendall Pond.
Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of GMA (Gospel Music Association) said, “We are so thankful for the generosity of Red Street Records. These scholarships allow students to attend the conference who otherwise would not be able to attend. It is a beautiful thing to see the heart of Jay, Don and their entire team – hearts that want to encourage and inspire the next generation. On behalf of GMA, IMMERSE and our students, we are abundantly grateful.”
DeMarcus added, “The GMA is doing such extraordinary work in the development of worship leaders and musicians by hosting IMMERSE. It is an honor for Red Street Records, and for me personally, to give back and invest in the lives and careers of such young, bright-minded talent in an industry that I so dearly love.”
Change The Conversation Partners With The Baltimore Orioles For Music Series To Showcase Female Artists
/by Jessica NicholsonChange The Conversation, a nonprofit organization which advocates for equality for women in the music industry, has partnered with the Baltimore Orioles’ Friday Fireworks & Music celebration to showcase emerging female country artists. Beginning today (June 14) and running through Aug. 23, Friday Fireworks & Music will offer postgame, on-field performances from rising female country artists just following each of the seven Friday home games.
Among the artists taking part are Sam Hatmaker, Lauren Duski, Clare Dunn, and Natalie Stovall.
The Orioles began the celebration to raise awareness of key women’s rights issues, significant moments in history, and to honor the 2019/2020 centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote.
At each date, the artists will sign autographs and meet fans at the Standing Together exhibit during the fifth inning. Select items will be auctioned off to raise funds to benefit the National Women’s Party, Girls Inc., and Change the Conversation.
“We are thrilled that the Orioles have joined our team to promote women in country music,” said Beverly Keel, who co-founded Change the Conversation with music industry executives Leslie Fram and Tracy Gershon. “We can’t think of a better All-American summer pairing than baseball and country music. Orioles fans will fall in love with these female artists, and after seeing these talented women, we hope they will buy their music, tell their friends, and share the word on social media.”
The celebration will continue through next season with a culminating event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in August 2020.
Friday Fireworks & Music Schedule
June 14 – Sam Hatmaker
June 28 – Lauren Duski
July 12 – Clare Dunn
July 19 – Kylie Frey
Aug. 2 – Natalie Stovall
Aug. 9 – Carter Faith
Aug. 23 – Ruthie Collins
Big Machine/John Varvatos Records’ Pretty Vicious Sets Debut Album Release
/by Jessica NicholsonPretty Vicious has announced the upcoming release of their debut album Beauty of Youth on July 12 via Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. The band teamed with producer Dan Austin for the 12-track album.
The UK natives share, “It’s been a long road to up to this point and we’re chuffed to bits that after all we’ve been through as a band of brothers, we get to share this record with our loyal fans. There have been some major lows along the way, but they’re far outweighed by the many highs and wild adventures that have gone into brewing up this album. We couldn’t be prouder of it, and of what our band has grown to mean to so many people.”
Beauty of Youth Track List:
1. These Four Walls
2. Move
3. Something Worthwhile
4. Someone Just Like You
5. No One Understands
6. Force of Nature
7. Lost in Lust
8. What Could’ve Been
9. Playing with Guns
10. I Don’t Wanna Know
11. Are You Entertained?
12. Little Molly
Sheryl Crow Reveals Collaborations With Chris Stapleton, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson For ‘Threads’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughSheryl Crow has unveiled the tracklist and cover art for her upcoming new album, THREADS. The project is available for pre-order now ahead of the Aug. 30 release on The Valory Music Co. and includes collaborations with Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, James Taylor, Chris Stapleton, and more.
She premiered the new track “Still The Good Old Days” featuring Joe Walsh today. She’ll perform the new song during a run of upcoming European tour dates on The Graham Norton Show, airing tonight at 10:40PM GMT on BBC One.
“’Still The Good Old Days’ totally captures what Joe and I believe about getting older…that life is still fun no matter what stage of life you are at, and that living isn’t just for the young,” said Crow about the new tune.
Other advance tracks already creating a buzz from the diverse collection include “Redemption Day” featuring Johnny Cash, “Live Wire” featuring Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples and “Prove You Wrong” featuring Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris.
“I became inspired to record an album of musical experiences with the legacy artists who inspired me to want to be a great songwriter, musician, and producer,” said Crow. “It is a celebration with them, and a tribute to them. Just as importantly, I wanted to work with younger artists on this record, who I believe will pick up the torch and continue to light the way for humanity with their stories and their songs for many years to come. Their music inspires me every day.”
THREADS TRACKLIST:
Mac Powell And The Family Reunion To Release Debut Project Via Thirty Tigers
/by Jessica NicholsonTrisha Yearwood To Launch New Tour In October
/by Jessica NicholsonTrisha Yearwood just earned her highest debut and biggest add day in her career, with 84 total adds for her new single, “Every Girl In This Town.” In October, she will take her new music on the road for her 22-city Every Girl On Tour trek.
The tour will launch a three-night engagement with the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 3-5. The tour will continue throughout the United States with stops in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Fort Worth, Minneapolis and Jacksonville.
“I can’t wait to take my tour solo for the first time in five years!” said Yearwood. “I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the positive response to ‘Every Girl in This Town’ and, as enthusiastic as folks are about my new music and the upcoming tour, I don’t think there is anyone more excited than me.”
The new single is the first from Yearwood’s upcoming album, which is her first full-length country album since 2007’s Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love. Earlier this year, she released her tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, titled Let’s Be Frank.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. local time at trishayearwood.com. Special fan club pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m. local time.
Trisha Yearwood Every Girl On Tour Dates:
10/03/19: Nashville, TN-Schermerhorn Symphony Center
10/04/19: Nashville, TN-Schermerhorn Symphony Center
10/05/19: Nashville, TN-Schermerhorn Symphony Center
10/13/19: Atlanta, GA-Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
10/24/19: Carmel, IN-The Center for the Performing Arts – The Palladium
10/25/19: St. Louis, MO-Stifel Theatre
10/26/19: Cincinnati, OH-Taft Theatre
10/27/19: Cleveland, OH-Playhouse Square – KeyBank State Theatre
11/02/19: Tulsa, OK-Brady Theater
11/03/19: Sugar Land, TX-Smart Financial Centre
11/04/19: Fort Worth, TX-Bass Performance Hall
11/07/19: Chicago, IL-The Chicago Theatre
11/08/19: Milwaukee, WI-Riverside Theater
11/09/19: Minneapolis, MN-Orpheum Theatre
11/21/19: New York, NY-Town Hall Theatre
11/22/19: Boston, MA-Wilbur Theatre
11/23/19: Wilkes-Barre, PA-The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
11/24/19: Glenside, PA-Keswick Theatre
12/04/19: Melbourne, FL-Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
12/05/19: Fort Lauderdale, FL-Parker Playhouse
12/06/19: Clearwater, FL-Ruth Eckerd Hall
12/07/19: Jacksonville, FL-Florida Theatre
12/08/19 : Naples FL-Artis-Naples – Hayes Hall
Skillet Joins Pandora’s Billionaires Club
/by Lorie HollabaughSkillet has achieved another career milestone, joining Pandora’s Billionaires club with over two billion streams. The rarity is reserved for those totaling over a billion spins on the popular platform throughout an artist’s career, and the distinction places them in the company of other Pandora Billionaires like John Legend, Fleetwood Mac, Keith Urban and more.
“Skillet is without peer in the world of fist-pumping, faith-informed rock, a rare kind of band that shatters stereotypes and marketing plans, while tapping into emotional DNA of people from all walks of life, believers and skeptics alike,” shares Pandora’s Programming Curator Melissa Riddle Chalos. “It’s phenomenal to see the success of a band that, 23 years in, continues to delivers hope on a sonically relevant scale.”
The multi-platinum selling group is gearing up for the debut of their newest album, Victorious, on Aug. 2 on Atlantic Records. In anticipation of their tenth LP, Skillet is unveiling two more instant grat songs, “Anchor” and “Save Me,” on all streaming platforms today. The first single, “Legendary,” is impacting rock radio now and has amassed nearly 7 million views on YouTube.
Another new track, “Dreaming of Eden,” will be available upon release by purchasing a pre-order of their upcoming graphic novel Eden. Powerhouse Z2 Comics is publishing the graphic novel which tells Skillet’s story, that of unlikely heroes, perseverance, and faith.
Florida Georgia Line Release Acoustic Remixes
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line have surprised fans with special new stripped-down acoustic takes of their 11X Platinum smash “Cruise” and current chart-rising single “Talk You Out of It” from their new album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. The songs are available everywhere today via BMLG Records.
The duo’s career debut song “Cruise” remains the best-selling digital country single of all time and also made history when FGL became the first country act to achieve RIAA’s Diamond certification for 10 million copies sold. FGL has earned over 8.9 billion streams, 33.6 million tracks, and surpassed 4.6 million albums sold worldwide to date.
The duo just launched their Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour and will play in Dallas tonight (June 14) at the Dos Equis Pavilion. The tour features openers Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen and special guests HARDY and Canaan Smith (on select dates) with shows rolling through September.
Weekly Chart Report (6/14/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.