Pictured (L-R) back: John Ettinger, Monica Escobedo, Coran Capshaw, Sally Williams, Pete O’Heeron; (front): John Marks, and Nate Deaton. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Innovation In Music
The IMA’s (Innovation In Music Awards) were held the evening of Sunday, June 3, for the second year at Nashville’s Westin hotel.
Three of the eight honorees sent video remarks with regrets of previous commitments. Among them was Joe Galante, who received the Impact In Innovation Award for his former leadership of Sony Nashville and efforts to boost the notoriety of country music with Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Alabama and Ronnie Milsap.
“You couldn’t get a conversation with your distribution company to be able to work the product and push it out [because nobody cared],” said Gallante of the early days in Nashville. “I got pissed off and started directing our people to bypass the distribution company—so we had major battles. But it was about controlling your destiny, or someone else will. The term ‘innovation’ for us was really about survival.”
Carried throughout the evening was a common theme of adapting to change—what seemed to spark the innovation achievements that were recognized. Among those were Coran Capshaw.
“I remember putting up flyers, selling tickets pre-internet, putting things on a Greyhound bus to ship them last minute, fax machines, the offers went in by Western Union,” said Capshaw, who accepted Innovator of the Year from his artist and radio personality Bobby Bones. “I feel grateful. At my age, I don’t feel innovative, but it can come in many ways. I believe in building teams, letting everyone play to their strengths and listening to people that have ideas.”
Pictured (L-R): Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Spotify’s John Marks, and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Mickey Bernal/Getty Images for Innovation In Music Awards
Florida Georgia Line was on hand to deliver congrats to Spotify’s John Marks for the Innovation in Music, Digital Media/Marketing award, crediting him entirely for their career when he added them on SiriusXM. The duo played acoustic versions of that first hit, “Cruise” and a love song, recognizing Marks’ love story with wife Colleen, “H.O.L.Y.”
“Was that six years ago?” Marks commented of his first meeting FGL. “It’s exposure, no doubt, but it’s also [FGL’s] hard work. What they did to lay the groundwork in their business and brand before it even got to me is part and parcel to what everyone can learn…It has nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with fans.”
Marks thanked Spotify among guests at his table, noting his lesson in the genreless possibilities of programming music and inspiration to teach him the music business.
Set to retire this month as Executive Vice President of Ryman Hospitality Properties and President of Opry Entertainment, Steve Buchanan introduced his friend and co-worker for over twenty years, Opry Entertainment Senior Vice President Programming & Artist Relations/General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry Sally Williams for the Innovation in Music, Executive award.
“Innovation is almost meaningless without execution,” said Buchanan. “[Sally] is diligent, pragmatic and passionate. She doesn’t settle for the status quo. She is an agent for change, and not just change, but to ensure the longevity and prosperity of these great American institutions.”
“My parents have always been very tolerant of my interest in doing things and going places that were different from anything they experienced,” said Williams. “My guiding principal is to ensure what we’re doing today, resonates with people in 50-100 years as strongly as what was happening at the Opry/Ryman 50-100 years ago resonates with us today. It’s essential to evolve and innovate.”
ABC’s Monica Esobedo (L) and artist Kelsea Ballerini (R). Photo: Mickey Bernal/Getty Images for Innovation In Music Awards
New York’s Good Morning America producer Monica Escobedo was honored with the Innovation in Music, Broadcast award by Kelsea Ballerini.
“Music can be so powerful and healing, and I want to continue to find new ways, with all of you, to make a difference,” said Escobedo. “I always follow my gut and I like taking chances. Like the time I took a chance and started booking country artists.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my career is discovering new talent and giving them a chance,” she continued. “Growing with an artist is just as rewarding. We collaborate, challenge each other, bounce ideas off each other and ultimately produce one-of-a-kind TV moments that reflects each artist’s vision.”
Nate Deaton (L) and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum (R). Photo: Mickey Bernal/Getty Images for Innovation In Music Awards
Innovation in Music, Radio Programming award recipient, Nate Deaton, accepted from Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley for his work as General Manager, KRTY San Jose.
“No one needs our product, it’s old and tired,” said Deaton. “The only chance we have is to win our audience. We win our audience by playing new artists. It’s a lot better to make them fans of you, then they become fans of who you promote. We sell tickets, we sell shows, we sell music—that’s what we do. Some people think we sell advertising. [Radio] can survive and thrive in 2018.”
Kenny Chesney received the Innovation in Music, Creative/Artist award.
Ed Warm, owner of Joes in Chicago received the Innovation in Music, Live Performance.
Previous awards recipient and 2018 Awards Committee person David Macias offered a 10 minute TED Talk-esque guide to his thoughts on the future of the music business, which included autonomous cars.
YEP Nashville’s Andrew Cohen was surprised with the Make Shit Happen Award, along with iHeart Nashville’s Coordinator/Artist Content Jackie Tigue and Charlie Worham’s mother Sherry Worsham, a veteran teacher who works with Project Lead The Way, pushing for arts education.
Lucie Silvas, Striking Matches and Worsham also offered performances.
Garth Brooks Added To CMA Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks will make an appearance during this year’s CMA Fest on Saturday, June 9. He will take the stage at the CMA Close Up Stage at Xfinity Fan Fair X from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m., where he will participate in a Q&A hosted by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and answer fan questions.
Brooks, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, made history at Fan Fair more than 20 years ago, when he led a marathon autograph session, signing for 23 straight hours with no breaks. Last summer, Brooks made a surprise return to CMA Fest, performing a medley of his classic songs at Nissan Stadium. The performance marked Brooks’ first CMA Fest performance since 1998.
Tickets for Xfinity Fan Fair X are available for $10 each day, Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, or $25 for a four-day pass. A limited number of four-day tickets for the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, which also includes four-day access to Xfinity Fan Fair X, are still available at CMAfest.com/tickets or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST.
Cumulus Media Completes Financial Restructuring
/by Jessica NicholsonCumulus Media Inc. has completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 having reduced its debt by more than $1 billion. The company plans to utilize its enhanced financial flexibility to continue its ongoing business transformation and drive value creation on behalf of all its stakeholders.
The company’s debt was reduced from $2.34 billion to $1.3 billion, entirely in a term loan at LIBOR plus 450 basis points due May 15, 2022. Equity in the pre-bankruptcy company has been cancelled. Former stakeholders are being issued 11,052,211 shares of the company’s Class A common stock, 5,218,209 shares of the company’s Class B common stock and warrants to purchase 3,729,589 shares of common stock in exchange for their prior claims.
Mary Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media, said, “Over the last two years, we have been relentlessly focused on our plans to turn the Company around, and the completion of our financial restructuring process is a monumental step forward on our turnaround path. We emerge today as a stronger and more competitive company, with the financial foundation that we need to move forward decisively with the initiatives that will produce the greatest benefits for the company. With this financial restructuring now behind us, we are excited about what we will be able to accomplish with all of our resources and energy fully focused on our operating business.”
Berner continued, “I want to thank our exceptional team at Cumulus Media for their dedication and tremendous efforts through this process. Looking ahead, our employees will remain the true force driving our success as we continue to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people we reach every week across our collection of stations and Westwood One. We are also grateful for the support of our vendors and affiliates during this process, and we look forward to working together well into the future.”
Industry Pics: Jason Aldean, Ricky Skaggs, Rascal Flatts
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Aldean Celebrates Album Success During BMG’s Town Hall Meeting
Pictured (L-R): Jon Loba (EVP, BBR Music Group), Jason Aldean, Zach Katz (President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG US), and Chris Parr (Manager, Maverick).
During BMG’s recent US-wide Town Hall meeting held in Nashville, Zach Katz (President, Repertoire & Marketing, BMG US) and Jon Loba (EVP, BBR Music Group) took time out to highlight and talk about the success of Broken Bow Records’ Jason Aldean and his new album Rearview Town, which recently debuted at No. 1 across all genres.
Aldean took everyone by surprise when he made a special visit to speak to the BMG US teams in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and Portland about his journey before Katz and Loba presented him with a plaque to commemorate the recent milestone.
Ricky Skaggs At The Country Music Hall Of Fame
Back row: Ben Hall, Director of Major Gifts; Nando Rodriguez, Senior Director of Events and Culinary; Peter Cooper, Senior Director, Producer and Writer; Mark DeLelys, Senior Director of Museum Sales and Retail; Carolyn Tate; Kyle Young, CEO; Warren Denney, Senior Creative Director; Brenda Colladay, VP of Museum Services; Nina Burghard, SVP Financial Services and Operations; Lisa Purcell, VP of Development, Education, and Community Outreach; Jay Orr, Executive Senior Director of Research, Editorial, and Content. Seated (L-R): Sharon Brawner, SVP of Sales and Marketing; Charlotte Scott, RS Entertainment; Ricky Skaggs; Don Murry Grubbs, Absolute Publicity. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Ricky Skaggs was recently invited to spend some quality time with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staffers at a private luncheon held in the CMA Theatre in Nashville. The event was organized by museum officials to celebrate Skaggs’ upcoming induction into the famed institution.
“It was so kind of the Hall of Fame to have a luncheon in my honor,” says Skaggs. “We had such a good time. I started telling them old Bill Monroe stories, one after the other, and they went for over an hour. I’m so honored to be the newest living inductee into this hallowed Hall. It’s a dream come true for me.”
Later this year, Skaggs will be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, alongside the late Dottie West and the late Johnny Gimble.
Rascal Flatts Return To The Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney and Dan Smyers, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, Rudy Gatlin, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Larry Gatlin, Maverick’s Clarence Spalding, Rudy Gatlin, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Carly Pearce, Longshot Management’s Rob Baker. Photo: 2018 Grand Ole Opry | Chris Hollo [click photo to enlarge]
Sony/ATV Inks Publishing Deal With Levi Hummon
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Brian Coleman, Deston Entertainment; Josh Van Valkenburg, Senior Vice President of A&R, Sony/ATV; Terry Wakefield, Senior Vice President, Sony/ATV; Katie Kerkhover, Creative Manager, Sony/ATV; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV; JC Monterrosa, Deston Entertainment; Desmond Child, Deston Entertainment; Levi Hummon; Fletcher Foster, Iconic Entertainment Group; Halle Pinkham, Iconic Entertainment Group; Tom Luteran, Vice President Creative, Sony/ATV; Stephen Denninger, Creative Coordinator, Sony/ATV; Hannah Williams, Creative Manager, Sony/ATV. Photo: Lee Swartz, Sony/ATV. [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
The Nashville native and son of songwriter Marcus Hummon, has written songs with some of Music City’s most notable writers, including Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Jonathan Singleton, Brandy Clark, Trevor Rosen and more. Desmond Child‘s Deston Entertainment handles administration. Hummon was previously signed with BMLG’s Valory Music Co. imprint as an artist.
“I’m so excited to be a part of the Sony/ATV family,” Hummon says. “My dad loved his time spent over there, and I’m looking forward to continuing his legacy while building my own unique catalog. You can really feel a great energy the second you walk through their doors.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with Levi and Desmond [Child, of Deston Entertainment],” says Josh Van Valkenburg, Senior Vice President of A&R, Sony/ATV. “Both men bring the highest level of talent, character, and determination to our team. This will be a fantastic partnership.”
Hummon’s current single “Songs We Sang” has earned over 1.3 million streams since its release in March and is currently spinning on SiriusXM’s The Highway.
Jedd Hughes Joins ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, Jedd Hughes, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston
Carnival Music songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Jedd Hughes has joined ASCAP as a writer member.
ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart said, “Jedd and I first met in 2006, when I started working for the publishing company where Jedd was signed. We have been friends ever since and have always talked about working together, and I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to work with Jedd now. Along with his playing, producing and writing for other artists, Jedd has incredible new music that will be coming out this summer. The entire Nashville team is honored to welcome him to the ASCAP family.”
Hughes is a bridge between giants of various generations and musical persuasions, having collaborated with legends including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, and the late Guy Clark, as well as current hitmakers Dierks Bentley, Sarah Jarosz and Ryan Bingham. He co-wrote Jarosz’s “House of Mercy,” which earned the 2017 Grammy for Best Americana Roots Performance, and he has co-penned hits including Keith Urban’s “Put You in a Song” and tracks for Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Charles Kelley, Josh Gracin and more.
Innovation In Music Awards Honors An Industry Adapting To Change
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R) back: John Ettinger, Monica Escobedo, Coran Capshaw, Sally Williams, Pete O’Heeron; (front): John Marks, and Nate Deaton. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Innovation In Music
The IMA’s (Innovation In Music Awards) were held the evening of Sunday, June 3, for the second year at Nashville’s Westin hotel.
Three of the eight honorees sent video remarks with regrets of previous commitments. Among them was Joe Galante, who received the Impact In Innovation Award for his former leadership of Sony Nashville and efforts to boost the notoriety of country music with Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Alabama and Ronnie Milsap.
“You couldn’t get a conversation with your distribution company to be able to work the product and push it out [because nobody cared],” said Gallante of the early days in Nashville. “I got pissed off and started directing our people to bypass the distribution company—so we had major battles. But it was about controlling your destiny, or someone else will. The term ‘innovation’ for us was really about survival.”
Carried throughout the evening was a common theme of adapting to change—what seemed to spark the innovation achievements that were recognized. Among those were Coran Capshaw.
“I remember putting up flyers, selling tickets pre-internet, putting things on a Greyhound bus to ship them last minute, fax machines, the offers went in by Western Union,” said Capshaw, who accepted Innovator of the Year from his artist and radio personality Bobby Bones. “I feel grateful. At my age, I don’t feel innovative, but it can come in many ways. I believe in building teams, letting everyone play to their strengths and listening to people that have ideas.”
Pictured (L-R): Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Spotify’s John Marks, and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Mickey Bernal/Getty Images for Innovation In Music Awards
Florida Georgia Line was on hand to deliver congrats to Spotify’s John Marks for the Innovation in Music, Digital Media/Marketing award, crediting him entirely for their career when he added them on SiriusXM. The duo played acoustic versions of that first hit, “Cruise” and a love song, recognizing Marks’ love story with wife Colleen, “H.O.L.Y.”
“Was that six years ago?” Marks commented of his first meeting FGL. “It’s exposure, no doubt, but it’s also [FGL’s] hard work. What they did to lay the groundwork in their business and brand before it even got to me is part and parcel to what everyone can learn…It has nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with fans.”
Marks thanked Spotify among guests at his table, noting his lesson in the genreless possibilities of programming music and inspiration to teach him the music business.
Set to retire this month as Executive Vice President of Ryman Hospitality Properties and President of Opry Entertainment, Steve Buchanan introduced his friend and co-worker for over twenty years, Opry Entertainment Senior Vice President Programming & Artist Relations/General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry Sally Williams for the Innovation in Music, Executive award.
“Innovation is almost meaningless without execution,” said Buchanan. “[Sally] is diligent, pragmatic and passionate. She doesn’t settle for the status quo. She is an agent for change, and not just change, but to ensure the longevity and prosperity of these great American institutions.”
“My parents have always been very tolerant of my interest in doing things and going places that were different from anything they experienced,” said Williams. “My guiding principal is to ensure what we’re doing today, resonates with people in 50-100 years as strongly as what was happening at the Opry/Ryman 50-100 years ago resonates with us today. It’s essential to evolve and innovate.”
ABC’s Monica Esobedo (L) and artist Kelsea Ballerini (R). Photo: Mickey Bernal/Getty Images for Innovation In Music Awards
New York’s Good Morning America producer Monica Escobedo was honored with the Innovation in Music, Broadcast award by Kelsea Ballerini.
“Music can be so powerful and healing, and I want to continue to find new ways, with all of you, to make a difference,” said Escobedo. “I always follow my gut and I like taking chances. Like the time I took a chance and started booking country artists.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my career is discovering new talent and giving them a chance,” she continued. “Growing with an artist is just as rewarding. We collaborate, challenge each other, bounce ideas off each other and ultimately produce one-of-a-kind TV moments that reflects each artist’s vision.”
Nate Deaton (L) and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum (R). Photo: Mickey Bernal/Getty Images for Innovation In Music Awards
Innovation in Music, Radio Programming award recipient, Nate Deaton, accepted from Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley for his work as General Manager, KRTY San Jose.
“No one needs our product, it’s old and tired,” said Deaton. “The only chance we have is to win our audience. We win our audience by playing new artists. It’s a lot better to make them fans of you, then they become fans of who you promote. We sell tickets, we sell shows, we sell music—that’s what we do. Some people think we sell advertising. [Radio] can survive and thrive in 2018.”
Kenny Chesney received the Innovation in Music, Creative/Artist award.
Ed Warm, owner of Joes in Chicago received the Innovation in Music, Live Performance.
Previous awards recipient and 2018 Awards Committee person David Macias offered a 10 minute TED Talk-esque guide to his thoughts on the future of the music business, which included autonomous cars.
YEP Nashville’s Andrew Cohen was surprised with the Make Shit Happen Award, along with iHeart Nashville’s Coordinator/Artist Content Jackie Tigue and Charlie Worham’s mother Sherry Worsham, a veteran teacher who works with Project Lead The Way, pushing for arts education.
Lucie Silvas, Striking Matches and Worsham also offered performances.
BMI Hosts Maui Jim Broadway Stage At Hard Rock During CMA Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley Reveals Seven Peaks Festival’s Hot Country Night Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley has announced the lineup for his Seven Peaks Music Festival’s Hot Country Night Friday show today. The Buena Vista, Colorado festival will kick off on Friday night (Aug. 31) with performances by Clint Black, Sawyer Brown, Terri Clark, David Lee Murphy and special guest Bentley’s own Hot Country Knights.
Recent additions to the festival main stage including Dan + Shay and just revealed acts Lucie Silvas and Kiefer Sutherland.
“I couldn’t imagine getting to help plan my own festival and not having my favorite country music from the ’90s represented in a big way,” said Bentley. “These guys are the constant soundtrack for me and the band backstage on the road, and I’m beyond excited they agreed to kick this thing off on Friday night with us. I’m counting the days…I hope they let me jump up and sing with them!”
A weekend-long Somewhere On A Beach Party was also revealed, taking full advantage of the scenic festival’s setting with a daytime party on the water. Campers will be able to bask in the Colorado sunshine while floating with their friends, as well as enjoying daily drink specials and beach games with DJ AYDAMN keeping the festivities going all day long. Passes for the Labor Day weekend (8/31-9/2) destination experience are available now and due to demand more Summit VIP passes have also been made available at sevenpeaksfestiva
Dolly Parton Partners With Netflix For New Series
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton‘s Dixie Pixie Productions is partnering with Warner Bros. Television to produce a series of television films to premiere on Netflix in 2019. Each installment will be based on a different Parton classic song, with the singer-songwriter appearing in select episodes.
“As a songwriter, I have always enjoyed telling stories through my music. I am thrilled to be bringing some of my favorite songs to life with Netflix. We hope our show will inspire and entertain families and folks of all generations, and I want to thank the good folks at Netflix and Warner Bros. TV for their incredible support,” says Parton, who is currently wrapping production on the music for the upcoming film Dumplin’, to be released as a soundtrack album via Dolly Records/Sony Music Nashville.
Parton, who teamed with Warner Bros. Television to produce her 2016 NBC-TV film Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (drawing more than 11 million first-run viewers) as well as its precursor, 2015’s Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors (drawing more than 13 million first-run viewers), is executive producing this Netflix series for her own Dixie Pixie Productions.
O’Neil Hagaman Promotes Williams, Chaudoin To Partners
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lillian Williams, Legina Chaudoin
O’Neil Hagaman, LLC, has promoted Lillian Williams and Legina Chaudoin to Partner positions. With these new promotions, the business management and consulting firm now has a total of five Partners.
“Lillian and Legina have dedicated their careers to excellence, client service and stewardship of their clients’ financial well-being. The addition of these two talented ladies to our Partner group is an exciting time in our history,” says O’Neil Hagaman Co-founder and Partner Cheryl Harris.
Williams began at O’Neil Hagaman as a Staff Accountant and has been with the company for over 28 years. She provides overall support for her roster of 28 clients, which includes multi-Platinum Grammy Award-winning artists who have sold over 27.5 million records combined and have had a combined total of 63 #1 radio singles. In addition to artists her roster includes publishers, songwriters, social media influencers, managers and record company execs, and she oversees a staff of seven. A Nashville native, Williams holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Tennessee State University, and an Associate of Science degree from Nashville State Community College. She is a Certified Financial Planner and also a Leadership Music graduate.
Chaudoin has been with O’Neil Hagaman for 23 years, joining the company in 1995 as a Staff Accountant. Her focus is the overall financial management of her clients’ business including financial and tax accounting, contractual review, negotiation, and monitoring risk management. Chaudoin’s clients include some of Nashville’s top recording artists who have collectively won eleven CMA awards, fifteen ACM awards, six Grammy Awards and many other notable honors. She oversees a staff of eight. A Nashville native, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Tennessee Tech and is a Leadership Music graduate and a recipient of the Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Award.