Frank Rogers, founder and president of Fluid Music Revolution, and his wife Jessica recently made possible a $50,000 scholarship endowment at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Rogers graduated from Belmont in 1994 with a degree in music business.

“I was a Belmont scholarship recipient, and I want to afford the same opportunity to other students,” said Rogers. “I want to support students who will be a part of a healthy, creative future for the music industry. Belmont is a unique school with unique opportunities for students. Giving to Belmont allows students to learn, grow and experience things they could not do anywhere else in the world.”

“Belmont is so grateful to have alumni like Frank and Jessica who are investing in the lives of young people who share their passion for music,” said Sarah Cates, Director of development and industry relations for the Curb College. “Like scholarships played a role in Frank’s education, it’s inspiring to see someone pay it forward out of their gratitude.”

Born in Florence, South Carolina, Rogers is a producer, songwriter, musician, publisher and label exec who has worked with countless artists throughout his career, including fellow alumni Brad Paisley, Brandy Clark and Josh Turner, as well as Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow and Darryl Worley. He has achieved 40 No. 1 songs, more than 70 Top 20 songs, and multiple RIAA certified Multi-platinum, Platinum and Gold records. He has received 18 CMA award nominations (with one win), 27 ACM award nominations (with five wins), and has been named Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer Award five times (2006–2010) and MusicRow Magazine Producer of the Year four times (2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009).  He has produced 17 Grammy-nominated songs or albums including four Grammy winners.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Tomlinson (Associate Director/Creative, BMI), Thomas Tippin, Aaron Tippin, Troy Tomlinson (President/CEO, Sony ATV Music). Photo: BMI

Thomas Tippin, the youngest son of country music entertainer Aaron Tippin, has signed with BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) for exclusive songwriting representation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Tippin to the BMI family,” says BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. “He’s a talented young writer with a bright future ahead of him. Having known Aaron and Thea for years, it was a full-circle moment for our families for me to sign Thomas as a BMI writer.”

The signing of Thomas marks the third Tippin to ink with BMI. His parents, Aaron and Thea, have been writers with the company since the 1980s.

“Thea and I are so excited for Thomas’ future as a singer/songwriter and we’re happy he chose to affiliate with BMI, our home for the last 30 years,” notes Aaron. “Troy Tomlinson was my publisher back in the early days so to have his son Josh sign Thomas is a really cool thing.”

Thomas adds, “It’s an honor to be signed to BMI where my mom and dad have been for years. I’m really looking forward to working with them.”

The Country Music Association aims to help guide new and developing artists, via the newly-announced CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship, a year-long program that will connect selected artists with professionals across various facets of the music industry.

The program, which will begin accepting applications on June 1, will also offer educational support and opportunities for artists to participate in CMA-related events including CMA Fest, C2C: Country to Country Festival in London, and the CMA Songwriters Series. The CMA has also established a scholarship fund to cover expenses related to the CMA KixStart program.

The idea for the KixStart program came in 2017 from two of the country music industry’s top managers, Marion Kraft (Miranda Lambert) and Mary Hilliard Harrington (Dierks Bentley). Kraft is also the CMA Board’s Artist Relations Committee Chair, while Harrington is Vice Chair of the committee.

The CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship is named after former Chairman of the CMA Board and long-serving board member, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn. An artist advocate, Brooks drove the creation of the CMA Board of Directors’ Artist Relations Committee in 2006.

“Last year when Mary Hilliard and Marion suggested we do something to better aid those artists that could use a little extra help, or a ‘kick start’ to help them over that tipping point, we all knew it was a good idea,” said Brooks. “I suppose calling it KixStart was a little tip of the hat to me for getting this committee going in the beginning. I’m honored, but I’m not taking any credit for this one!”

Eligible applicants should have recorded music and possess performance experience, but should not have released more than one full-length album. Additionally, they should not have already charted a Top 40 song on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, or on the Country Aircheck chart. Eligible applicants should have a working relationship with at least two CMA-member companies (including publishing, management, booking agency, public relations, or label).

“CMA and our entire community have always shown a great commitment to developing and nurturing new artists,” said Karen Fairchild, CMA and CMA Foundation board member and Little Big Town member. “When I look back to the beginning of my own music career, I know for certain a program like this would have helped accelerate my start and given me a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the business side of the industry.”

“CMA has been such a champion of my music and provided me a ton of opportunities to connect with my fans,” said Luke Combs, CMA Awards New Artist of the Year nominee in 2017. “Just three years ago, I played the stage at Walk of Fame Park at CMA Fest for the very first time and this year I get to fulfill every new artist’s dream of going across the river to play Nissan Stadium. Having CMA give me such a massive platform to play in front of a stadium full of passionate music fans is an honor. This new program will be an incredible launching pad for other artists’ dreams to come true.”

CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship submissions will be accepted starting Friday, June 1 at CMAworld.com/KixStart, where artists can review application and eligibility requirements. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. CT.