Stephanie Ruyle
ASCAP has appointed media executive Stephanie Ruyle as Executive Vice President and Head of Licensing, reporting directly to ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.
Ruyle succeeds Vincent Candilora, who led ASCAP’s licensing since 1995, and who in 2016 announced he would be retiring at the end of 2017. As a key member of ASCAP’s leadership team, Ruyle will be responsible for ASCAP’s licensing revenues and operations across all platforms including broadcast and cable television, terrestrial and satellite radio, digital, live concerts, venues, retail, restaurants, bars, background music, etc.
Prior to joining ASCAP, Ruyle was Executive Vice President, Distribution and Affiliate Relations, for Participant Media’s television venture Pivot, a millennial targeted television network focused on socially relevant content.
Ruyle began her career in entertainment and media with Viacom in their distribution group. She served in a series of ascending positions within Viacom over a career that spanned 17 years with leadership positions in national accounts, field sales, affiliate marketing, and affiliate ad sales. In addition, Ruyle led the distribution efforts for Viacom’s international content in the U.S., the initial launch of EPIX as well as leading the strategy and negotiations for a number of major MVPDs.
Ruyle obtained her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and earned her B.A. from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. Ruyle also served on Kellogg’s Alumni Board of Directors, is a Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Fellow, and attended ongoing leadership development programs at both Harvard and Stanford Universities.
ASCAP CEO Matthews says, “Stephanie brings a wealth of experience driving revenue growth and negotiating multifaceted licensing agreements, which is vitally important to the execution of our strategic plan of transformation and modernization in an increasingly complex and evolving media environment. Her deep understanding of content strategy, distribution, sales and affiliate marketing across media platforms will prove incredibly valuable to ASCAP as we innovate to provide our members and our licensing partners with new opportunities for success through music.”
Ruyle says: “I have seen firsthand how important music is to the success of any media venture. ASCAP has the strongest repertory of music in the world and that is why I am so excited to be part of ASCAP’s mission to ensure that the music of its members is recognized in the marketplace for the enormous value it brings to our licensing partners.”
Walker Hayes Celebrates Gold With “You Broke Up With Me”
/by Jessica NicholsonWalker Hayes performs during album release party in Nashville. Photo: Rachel Deeb
Ahead of the Dec. 8 release of Walker Hayes‘ debut Monument Records album, boom., the singer-songwriter celebrates the Gold certification of the album’s lead single “You Broke Up With Me,” which has accumulated more than 500,000 combined units moved.
The single was penned by Hayes, Thomas Archer and Kylie Sackley.
Hayes was surprised with a Gold plaque during his album release show Tuesday evening (Nov. 28) in Nashville.
“It is hard to describe how [a Gold record] feels,” says Hayes, “I am so grateful for the support from everyone who made this happen. I appreciate all the people who got on board with this project and this song. I’m so honored to have ‘You Broke Up With Me’ go Gold.”
Hayes, along with Caitlyn Smith, are the flagship artists following this year’s relaunch of the Monument Records label, led by co-presidents Jason Owen and Shane McAnally. The label takes the name of Fred Foster’s label, which was previously home to Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, and many of Willie Nelson’s early recordings. The original Monument opened in the 1950s and closed in 1990.
Pictured (L-R): SMACKManagement’s Michael Baum, Monument Records President Jason Owen, Walker Hayes, Monument Records SVP Marketing and Label Operations Katie McCartney, Monument Records President Shane McAnally, SMACKManagement Robert Carlton. Photo: Ford Fairchild/FOCO Creative Titles
Average Joes Entertainment Promotes Andrew Davis
/by Jessica NicholsonAndrew Davis
Average Joes Entertainment has promoted Andrew Davis to Manager, Marketing/Artist Management. Davis will also oversee e-commerce for the company and the relaunch of Average Joes Superstore.
A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Music Business/Entrepreneurship, Davis was previously marketing coordinator for the company.
“Customers can now order custom products and take advantage of exclusive deals and hot new designs available only through the Superstore,” said Davis. “Our ‘On Demand’ product offerings allow our artists to be as creative as possible and have the ability to offer an array of products to their fans thereby expanding and enhancing brand awareness. One of our clients, Colt Ford, took to social media with four t-shirt designs, fans picked their favorites and we launched the top-voted shirt the next day.”
In order to service varied customer preferences, multiple payment options have been enabled including Amazon Pay and Apple Pay. Brands represented through the Average Joes Superstore include Average Joes Entertainment, AVJ Records, Backroad Records, Buck You, Mega Truck Series, Slinger Apparel, Average Joes Comic Series and more.
Troy Cartwright Becomes BMI Affiliate
/by Lorie HollabaughTroy Cartwright with BMI’s Bradley Collins
Troy Cartwright recently visited BMI’s Nashville office to affiliate as a BMI songwriter. The young Dallas native signed with Sunfire Entertainment in 2015, released a critically acclaimed debut album, and cracked the top 25 on the Texas Music Chart. He has shared bills on the road with Hayes Carll, Randy Rogers, Turnpike Troubadours, Green River Ordinance, and more.
Cartwright is currently working on new music for 2018.
In Pictures: LANCO, Little Big Town, Dailey & Vincent
/by Jessica NicholsonLANCO Celebrates Gold Single With Lobster Lunch
LANCO recently celebrated their Gold-certified, two-week No. 1 hit single “Greatest Love Story” with their team at Sony Music Nashville, Red Light Management, Warner/Chappell and WME with a lobster lunch, which is the fulfillment of a promise Ben Vaughn made to Josh Easler months before “Greatest Love Story” topped the charts. The gathering also celebrated plans to release LANCO’s debut album Hallelujah Nights on Jan. 19, 2018.
Vaughn vowed Easler, a Maine native and VP of Arista Nashville’s promo team, that if the single hit No. 1, they would celebrate with lobster from his home state. As the song climbed the charts, Vaughn even went as far as sending a live lobster to Easler’s Sony Music Nashville office to further solidify his commitment. Making good on the promise, Warner Chappell and LANCO’s team at Red Light Management provided the lobster lunch, catered by Cousins Maine Lobster.
Pictured (Back row, L-R): Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Josh Easler, VP Promotion, Arista Nashville; Steve Hodges, EVP Promotion & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville; Ken Robold, EVP & COO, Sony Music Nashville; Ben Vaughn, President, Warner Chappell Nashville. Front row (L-R): Tripp Howell, Eric Steedly, Brandon Lancster, Chandler Baldwin, Jared Hampton, Becky Gardenhire – Partner, WME
Little Big Town Invites Gladys Knight To Conclude Ryman Residency
Little Big Town welcomed special guest Gladys Knight as they celebrated the final night of the group’s 2017 residency at Nashville Ryman Auditorium. Throughout the dates, the quartet welcomed a slew of special guests from all genres.
Gladys Knight with Little Big Town.
Little Big Town with Sandbox Management’s Jason Owen, Leslie Cohea and Sally Williams, Opry GM. [Click to enlarge]
Dailey & Vincent Perform At Carnegie Hall
Grand Ole Opry stars Dailey & Vincent, along with their band, returned for the third consecutive year to Carnegie Hall in New York City on Monday (Nov. 27), kicking off their Spirit of Christmas Tour with the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) performance of Appalachian Winter: A Bluegrass Christmas. They were joined by a 400-plus member choral ensemble at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage to debut “Rhapsody In Bluegrass,” by American composer Joseph Michael Martin.
Pictured (L-R): Jamie Dailey, Shaun Richardson, composer / conductor Joseph Martin, Darrin Vincent, accompanist Brad Nix, Bob Mummert, Jessie Baker, Patrick McAvinue, Buddy Hyatt, Jeff Parker, and Cory Piatt
Fisk University To Become All-Steinway School
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“This is only the beginning,” said Philip Autry, D.M.A., music discipline coordinator. “Becoming an All-Steinway School will ensure that Fisk is positioned to recruit the best young musical talent. Our students and faculty will have access to the best instruments to achieve their technical and artistic goals.”
The All-Steinway School initiative is a two-million dollar effort to replace older teaching instruments and concert grands with state-of the-art, Steinway grand pianos of the appropriate size. The initiative will include an endowment to pay for future maintenance and growth while providing music scholarships for deserving students. Several Tennessee universities have transitioned into All-Steinway Schools, including Belmont University and Lipscomb University.
The Johnny Cash Museum Teams With Clothier Manuel For New Exhibit
/by Jessica NicholsonManuel with Johnny Cash. Photo: Manuel American Designs
The Johnny Cash Museum will celebrate what would have been Cash’s 86th birthday with a new exhibition opening on Feb. 26, 2018. “The Man in Black: The Style of Johnny Cash, Curated by Manuel” will feature costumes, measurements, materials and designs that branded the entertainer’s legendary image.
“Johnny Cash made wearing black a fashion statement,” says Icon Entertainment Group President Bill Miller. “Through the years, he had a number of custom designers create his stage wear, but his favorite was Manuel, who dressed him through the end of his career. We’re excited to exhibit costumes from a number of designers with commentary by Manuel. Visitors to the exhibit will also be able to take a peek into Manuel’s Johnny Cash client files.”
“I am very excited to be a part of, once again, the legacy of one of the most iconic country music musicians in my lifetime,” says Manuel of Cash. “I am so happy to be partnering with Bill and Shannon Miller to curate this exhibition for the Johnny Cash Museum. I think we are going to have fun, like crazy!”
“The Man in Black: The Style of Johnny Cash, Curated by Manuel” will remain on exhibition for 18 months. Since opening its doors in April 2013, The Johnny Cash Museum has expanded twice adding a café and additional exhibition space. The latest wing of exhibits profile “Walk the Line,” The Carter Family and Cash Covers in addition to green screen technologies that enable fans to get a picture with Cash.
Brett Eldredge Taking The Long Way On First Headlining Trek In 2018
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Eldredge is kicking off his first-ever nationwide headlining tour in 2018. The Long Way Tour will launch April 5 in Idaho and make 10 cross-country stops, with tickets going on sale beginning Dec. 8. The tour will also feature special guest/labelmate Devin Dawson and up-and-coming artist Jillian Jaqueline.
“I have been very fortunate to be on some massive tours in my career, but my first major solo headlining tour is something I have wanted to give to my fans for a long time,” said Eldredge. “I cannot wait!”
Prior to hitting the road for his headlining dates, Eldredge will join Blake Shelton for the Country Music Freaks Tour beginning in February alongside Carly Pearce and Trace Adkins.
BRETT ELDREDGE THE LONG WAY TOUR DATES:
‘CMA Country Christmas’ Special Marks Best Viewer Numbers Since 2014
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA’s two-hour holiday show hosted by Reba McEntire held strong through ABC’s final primetime hour, making ABC the most-watched network of the night. The special also increased 53 percent year-over-year in Facebook and Twitter interactions. CMA closes out 2017 with all three of its annual ABC TV properties, CMA Fest, The 51st Annual CMA Awards and CMA Country Christmas, reaching three-year ratings highs.
CMA Country Christmas will re-air on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7 CT on ABC. The eighth annual holiday music celebration is executive produced by Robert Deaton, and directed by Paul Miller.
UMPG Signs Songwriter Derrick Southerland
/by Jessica NicholsonUniversal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with country music songwriter Derrick Southerland.
“Universal has such an incredible team and I feel lucky to be a part of it. The artists and writers at UMPG are inspiring and humbling to be around, and the pluggers are the kind of champions every writer is searching for on Music Row,” said Southerland. “I’m so thankful that Kent and Missy made me a part of such a talented roster, and I’m looking forward to sharing success together!”
Kent Earls, UMPG Nashville Executive Vice President and General Manager, said, “An exciting addition to our UMPG Nashville roster, Derrick is a wonderfully gifted songwriter with a talent for collaborating with writers across genres to create hits. Between his work ethic and lyrical sensibilities, we are honored that he has joined us and look forward to his future success.”
Within six months of his first publishing deal, Southerland had a major label cut for “Breaking” (The Swon Brothers) and his song “Be My Girl” was featured on ABC’s Nashville. Southerland also wrote “Mexico,” which was recorded by Carrie Underwood. He also had single success in Canada, Australia and the U.K. with “Young, Alive and in Love” (Tim Hicks) and “Be My Girl” (John & Jacob).
The deal was led by UMPG Nashville’s Missy Roberts.
Stephanie Ruyle Named Exec. VP/Head Of Licensing For ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonStephanie Ruyle
ASCAP has appointed media executive Stephanie Ruyle as Executive Vice President and Head of Licensing, reporting directly to ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.
Ruyle succeeds Vincent Candilora, who led ASCAP’s licensing since 1995, and who in 2016 announced he would be retiring at the end of 2017. As a key member of ASCAP’s leadership team, Ruyle will be responsible for ASCAP’s licensing revenues and operations across all platforms including broadcast and cable television, terrestrial and satellite radio, digital, live concerts, venues, retail, restaurants, bars, background music, etc.
Prior to joining ASCAP, Ruyle was Executive Vice President, Distribution and Affiliate Relations, for Participant Media’s television venture Pivot, a millennial targeted television network focused on socially relevant content.
Ruyle began her career in entertainment and media with Viacom in their distribution group. She served in a series of ascending positions within Viacom over a career that spanned 17 years with leadership positions in national accounts, field sales, affiliate marketing, and affiliate ad sales. In addition, Ruyle led the distribution efforts for Viacom’s international content in the U.S., the initial launch of EPIX as well as leading the strategy and negotiations for a number of major MVPDs.
Ruyle obtained her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and earned her B.A. from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. Ruyle also served on Kellogg’s Alumni Board of Directors, is a Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Fellow, and attended ongoing leadership development programs at both Harvard and Stanford Universities.
ASCAP CEO Matthews says, “Stephanie brings a wealth of experience driving revenue growth and negotiating multifaceted licensing agreements, which is vitally important to the execution of our strategic plan of transformation and modernization in an increasingly complex and evolving media environment. Her deep understanding of content strategy, distribution, sales and affiliate marketing across media platforms will prove incredibly valuable to ASCAP as we innovate to provide our members and our licensing partners with new opportunities for success through music.”
Ruyle says: “I have seen firsthand how important music is to the success of any media venture. ASCAP has the strongest repertory of music in the world and that is why I am so excited to be part of ASCAP’s mission to ensure that the music of its members is recognized in the marketplace for the enormous value it brings to our licensing partners.”