Jayson Dinsmore

CMT VP, Programming Jayson Dinsmore is set to exit the Viacom-owned cable channel after six years, MusicRow has confirmed. Keith Cox, president of programming and development for Paramount Network and TV Land, has taken over development for CMT.

Dinsmore joined CMT in 2011, from his role as VP, alternative development at NBC. Under Dinsmore’s leadership, CMT incorporated more original shows, starting with reality shows including Party Down South, before moving to scripted series in conjunction with CMT’s acquisition Nashville in 2016. The channel added series including Billy Ray Cyrus’ Still The King, and the miniseries Sun Records.

The development follows the departure of CMT president Brian Philips, who stepped down in June. Frank Tanki was named as General Manager at that time.

Pictured (L-R): Becky Harris, Debbie Randle, Donna Huskins. Photo: John Huelsman.

Huskins-Harris Business Management has named Debbie Randle to its staff. Randle will serve as Office Manager for the firm’s growing daily operations.

Most recently, Randle served as Director of Operations and Executive Assistant at Webster & Associates Public Relations. During her career, Randle has worked as a personal and executive assistant for artists such as Ronnie Dunn and Tracy Lawrence, among others.

“I’ve known Debbie Randle for years and have always wanted to work with her,” says Becky Harris. “I’ve waited a long time for circumstances to allow for that to happen, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they have. Debbie will be a great asset to me, my partner Donna Huskins, and our entire team.”

“I look forward to supporting the great work that everyone at Huskins-Harris is doing for their clients and for the Nashville music community,” says Randle. “I can’t wait to embark on this new opportunity.”

Randle can be reached via email at drandle@huskins-harris.com and by phone at 615-256-1207.

Pictured (L-R): Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Charles Esten, Tyler Farr.

Lee Brice recently launched his inaugural “Lee Brice & Friends Guitar Pull” (Sept. 10) and “Record Rack Celebrity Clays Shoot” (Sept. 11), to raise more than $100,000 for Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or have been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces.

On Sunday, Lee gathered friends Charles Esten, Jerrod Niemann, Tyler Farr, Tim Montana, Lucas Hoge, and Nick Norman along with Folds of Honor representatives, Major Ed Pulido and Ginger Gilbert Ravella for the Guitar Pull at Nashville’s City Winery. The event — sponsored by Diamond Coach and American Born Whiskey — was sold out.

Monday’s “Record Rack Celebrity Clays Shoot,” held at the Nashville Gun Club, included Brad Arnold (3 Doors Down), Ben Gallaher, Justin Biltonen (3 Doors Down), Lewis Brice, Keith Bulluck (Tennessee Titans), Craig Campbell, Naomi Cooke, Jim “Hacksaw” Duggan, Charles Esten, Rob Hatch, Chris Henderson (3 Doors Down), Lucas Hoge, Erin Oprea, Morgan Mills, Lance Miller, Tim Montana, Major Ed Pulido (Folds of Honor), Rich Ross, JD Shelburne and Storme Warren.

Lee commented, “I’m grateful and humbled by the support of my friends, sponsors and the incredible audience at City Winery who not only paid for tickets but participated in the silent auction. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of families who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Farr, Charles Esten, Ginger Gilbert Ravella, Lee Brice, Major Ed Pulido, Jerrod Niemann.

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors will present the first installment of NATD Speaker Series featuring Rick Rekedal on Thursday, Sept. 21 at ASCAP. The after-work event is open to the public and free to attend, but due to very limited seating, RSVPs will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis to rsvp@n-a-t-d.com.

“We are excited to debut the NATD Speaker Series with Rick Rekedal, a leader in the film industry,” said NATD board member, Chaz Corzine. “Rick enthralls his listeners while speaking about marketing and reaching a younger generation through various out-of-the-box ideas. We look forward to planning various Speaker Sessions throughout the year for our membership to attend.”

Rekedal has been with DreamWorks Animation as Chief Creative of Franchise Development for 20 years and is the global franchise director of the hit movie Trolls. Winner of two Annie Awards, two Kids Choice Awards and Toy of the Year, he began his career in the toy business before moving into family entertainment at DreamWorks Animation, with posts as head of licensing, interactive and online production before shifting into franchise development. A frequent speaker and lecturer, Rick serves on advisory boards for the Wedgwood Circle, the MWS Group and Belmont University’s film school. His book One Small Step is available through Amazon and local booksellers.

Photo by Alex Ferrari

Kip Moore and international skateboarding champion Tony Hawk hosted the Music City Skate Jam Presented by Harley Davidson on Sunday (Sept. 10) and turned the event into a fundraiser for hurricane-effected communities. Fans donating to Moore’s Kip’s Kids Fund and the Tony Hawk Foundation were treated to a day of fun-filled events including performances by Jordan Davis, Dee Jay Silver, and Moore himself, along with a thrilling skate demo by Tony Hawk.

Fans can continue to donate now through Friday Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. CST by texting HAWK to 52182 or visit http://hawk.gesture.com to bid on special event auction items.

Photo by Alex Ferrari