Jon Foti
Operation Song, the 501(c)(3) non-profit that pairs veterans, active-duty military and their families with professional songwriters to tell their stories through song, has appointed a CEO, Jon Foti.
In this newly created role, Foti leads Operation Song into its second decade, overseeing fundraising development and the expansion of partnerships within the music industry and veterans organizations. Currently, Foti is leading the non-profit’s search for new office space in Nashville to accommodate its growth.
Founded in 2012 by Grammy, Dove and 11-time ASCAP award-winning Bob Regan (Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Travis), Operation Song has produced over 1,600 songs at year-round retreats and songwriting sessions and inspired other organizations to adopt similar missions.
“It’s an honor to join Operation Song and connect gifted songwriters with veterans, for whom self-expression can be challenging. As a nation we often forget the impact of service but in giving veterans a voice, we ensure that all Americans remember the sacrifices our freedoms are reliant on,” shares Foti.
Navy veteran & Operation Song Board President, Bob Leonard, shares, “Operation Song is expanding our ability to inspire every veteran to tell their story through the expressive power of songwriting. Jon’s proven leadership with veterans’ non-profits will allow us to be more strategic in our efforts to reach more veterans in more places across this country as we enter into our second-decade as an organization. It’s also our intent to broaden our involvement with the veterans we serve by creating a community resource network through our Operation Song ‘alumni’ program that gives our veterans access to Operation Song on a regular basis regardless of where they live. The ultimate goal; ensure every veteran has the opportunity to inspire every American through song.”
Foti graduated from the University of Tampa as a Distinguished Military Graduate and joined the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2012. His first assignment was the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky as a flight line Platoon Leader of a Blackhawk Helicopter Air Assault Company. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2015, Foti served as a combat aviator and Battle Captain for the Aviation Taskforce’s Command and Control Center. In 2018, he transitioned into private aviation management in Colorado while completing his Masters in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
In 2019, Foti worked as a Wounded Warrior Fellow for the U.S. House of Representatives conducting congressional inquiries into the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. In 2020, he became the CEO of the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation, based in Norman, Oklahoma. There, Foti led a team in the service of 5,000 veterans per year, mostly in the VA claims and benefits application process and fundraised millions of dollars to expand veterans services nationwide.
Foti can be reached at jon@operationsong.org.
Lineup Announced For CRS ‘Team UMG At The Ryman’ Luncheon
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup has been announced for the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 “Team UMG at the Ryman” luncheon, taking place Feb. 29 at the Ryman Auditorium.
The bill for this year’s event includes Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, Parker McCollum, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, The War And Treaty, Dalton Dover, Luke Grimes, Kassi Ashton, Priscilla Block, Hueston and Anne Wilson.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., with the show kicking off at 12 p.m. Attendees can walk or take shuttles provided by UMG Nashville between the Omni Nashville Hotel and the Ryman from 11 a.m.-1:50 p.m. A boxed lunch will be served upon entry before the performances commence.
CRS 2024 is set for Feb. 28-March 1. Online registration is now closed, and will reopen on-site at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, click here.
Morgan Wallen To Open Six-Story Bar In Downtown Nashville
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: Cameron Baird
Morgan Wallen will open a six-story venue in downtown Nashville’s Lower Broadway district called This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen. The bar, restaurant and live music concept is slated to open later this year.
Wallen has partnered with trusted Broadway owner and operator TC Restaurant Group to help execute his vision.
“I sing about finding myself in ‘this bar’ and now it’s coming to life. This venue will hold true to everything I love and is inspired by my fans and the way they have embraced me and my music,” shares Wallen. “We’re designing a menu around some of my family favorites, so it brings a piece of East Tennessee to Music City. I hope This Bar is a place you’ll want to find yourself in and make memories with your friends and family and celebrate the way country music has brought us all together.”
Wallen’s This Bar, named after a song off his Dangerous: The Double Album, will feature pivotal elements that shaped the singer’s life, with each level showcasing photos and memorabilia from his childhood as well as some of his most notable performances to date.
The 30,000 square feet property will be situated on 4th Avenue, adjacent to the Ryman Auditorium, and will include three live music stages, six bars and an open-air rooftop. It will also feature a gift shop with exclusive Wallen merchandise offerings and a homage to his favorite Tennessee team.
The menu will be curated by Wallen with Chef Tomasz Wosiak, Vice President of Culinary Development for TC Restaurant Group, and feature southern delectables, bar bites, Tennessee favorites and some of Wallen’s mother’s own recipes.
“Morgan Wallen is one of the most sought after stars in the music industry, and we are thrilled that he has trusted us to deliver a concept that will bring him closer to his fans, hold fast to his roots and enshrine his name among an exclusive group of artists who can claim international stardom with a Lower Broadway destination fans all over the world seek out,” says Adam Hesler, President at TC Restaurant Group.
Dean Dillon’s Unwound Records Signs Due West [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Dean Dillon, Brad Hull, Matthew Lopez and Tim Gates. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Hitmaker Dean Dillon‘s Unwound Records has signed country trio Due West.
Made up of Tim Gates, Matt Lopez and Brad Hull, the group formed at a Nashville house party in 2004. Since then, they have released singles including “Things You Can’t Do In A Car” and an EP Move Like That, which reached No. 8 on the iTunes Country Albums chart, No. 13 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and landed on the Billboard Top 40 Country Albums chart.
Produced by and co-written with Dillion, Due West’s new album Unbroken is set for release Friday, Feb. 23.
“Dean Dillon is a legend and a star, but he’s also a friend and a brother to us,” says Hull. “It’s a privilege to get to make music with someone who checks all of those boxes. Working with Dean is like going to school with a quiet genius as your teacher. We couldn’t feel more excited and humbled to sign with his new label Unwound Records!”
“Bringing Due West into the Unwound Records family is an exciting move. Their talent speaks volumes, and I’m eager to see them shine in the world of country music,” shares Dillon.
Operation Song Appoints Jon Foti As CEO
/by LB CantrellJon Foti
Operation Song, the 501(c)(3) non-profit that pairs veterans, active-duty military and their families with professional songwriters to tell their stories through song, has appointed a CEO, Jon Foti.
In this newly created role, Foti leads Operation Song into its second decade, overseeing fundraising development and the expansion of partnerships within the music industry and veterans organizations. Currently, Foti is leading the non-profit’s search for new office space in Nashville to accommodate its growth.
Founded in 2012 by Grammy, Dove and 11-time ASCAP award-winning Bob Regan (Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Travis), Operation Song has produced over 1,600 songs at year-round retreats and songwriting sessions and inspired other organizations to adopt similar missions.
“It’s an honor to join Operation Song and connect gifted songwriters with veterans, for whom self-expression can be challenging. As a nation we often forget the impact of service but in giving veterans a voice, we ensure that all Americans remember the sacrifices our freedoms are reliant on,” shares Foti.
Navy veteran & Operation Song Board President, Bob Leonard, shares, “Operation Song is expanding our ability to inspire every veteran to tell their story through the expressive power of songwriting. Jon’s proven leadership with veterans’ non-profits will allow us to be more strategic in our efforts to reach more veterans in more places across this country as we enter into our second-decade as an organization. It’s also our intent to broaden our involvement with the veterans we serve by creating a community resource network through our Operation Song ‘alumni’ program that gives our veterans access to Operation Song on a regular basis regardless of where they live. The ultimate goal; ensure every veteran has the opportunity to inspire every American through song.”
Foti graduated from the University of Tampa as a Distinguished Military Graduate and joined the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2012. His first assignment was the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky as a flight line Platoon Leader of a Blackhawk Helicopter Air Assault Company. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2015, Foti served as a combat aviator and Battle Captain for the Aviation Taskforce’s Command and Control Center. In 2018, he transitioned into private aviation management in Colorado while completing his Masters in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
In 2019, Foti worked as a Wounded Warrior Fellow for the U.S. House of Representatives conducting congressional inquiries into the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. In 2020, he became the CEO of the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation, based in Norman, Oklahoma. There, Foti led a team in the service of 5,000 veterans per year, mostly in the VA claims and benefits application process and fundraised millions of dollars to expand veterans services nationwide.
Foti can be reached at jon@operationsong.org.
Scott Borchetta Assumes Leadership Role For Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
/by Liza AndersonScott Borchetta. Photo: Nathan Morgan for BMLG
Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta will now oversee operations for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (BMMCGP), Nashville’s annual NTT IndyCar Series race, and Big Machine will continue to be the event’s entitlement sponsor.
“Nashville is a world-class sports and entertainment market that loves its racing,” says Borchetta. “In its first three years, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix successfully established itself as a major event in Nashville and has tremendous potential for growth, so I couldn’t be more excited to make this statement regarding its future.”
After spending the last several weeks reviewing each aspect of the organization as well as plans for the event, he has decided that this year’s race will run at Nashville Superspeedway on the same weekend as previously announced, with the IndyCar Series Season Finale remaining on Sunday, Sept. 15.
“With construction set to begin for the new Titans Stadium, the Grand Prix operations team knew the course used for the first three years would have to change dramatically for 2024’s race,” he states. “The proposed course change that would have run through the streets of downtown Nashville (a big loop that utilizes the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, 1st Avenue, Broadway, 4th Avenue and Korean Veterans Blvd), simply doesn’t have the proper space needed by the race teams nor the proper access for downtown businesses and residences to execute the world-class event that is expected by our amazing fans, IndyCar teams and sponsors. With the significant challenges of the proposed new layout and unknowns with the new stadium construction, which has been the center of operations for the first three years of the Grand Prix, the decision has been made to move the 2024 race to the Nashville Superspeedway.”
Borchetta continues, “This has no bearing on our great relationship with the Tennessee Titans. The team’s management has been nothing but supportive regarding the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and we fully intend to continue conversations with them and the city of Nashville as to when the right time will be to return to the streets of Nashville. We also want to underline how supportive Metro and new Mayor Freddie O’Connell and his team have been during this transition. He and his team have helped us address all angles in how best to proceed and we feel that we’ve landed on the best option for a great race experience, for both fans and race teams, by moving to Speedway Motorsports’ Nashville Superspeedway.”
“The Music City Grand Prix has been more than a race. It’s a festival that celebrates both Nashville and racing,” says Mayor O’Connell. “We appreciate Scott Borchetta and Big Machine’s vision and partnership and look forward to the race returning to downtown Nashville in the future. I’ve enjoyed attending all three Music City Grand Prix races and appreciate their continued commitment to Nashville. Racing at the Nashville Superspeedway will add new intrigue to this year’s event.”
Kacey Musgraves Joins Forces With Jack Daniel’s For Sweepstakes
/by Lorie HollabaughKacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves has partnered with Jack Daniel’s to give fans a chance to win a unique concert experience and a meet-and-greet at one of her shows.
The sweepstakes runs now until March 8. Participation is limited to those who are at least 21 years old at the date of entry. No purchase is necessary to enter or win and no deposit, entry fee, payment or proof of purchase is necessary to participate. For more information, click here.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Jack Daniel’s and am looking forward to meeting and spending time with the lucky winner,” says Musgraves.
“At Jack Daniel’s, we’re all about authenticity, integrity and living life in the moment,” shares Mary Beth O’Mara, Jack Daniel’s Brand Director. “Music has always been such an integral part of our brand, and friends like Kacey have given their fans so many magical moments through the power of song. We couldn’t be more excited to help create an unforgettable experience for a lucky winner.”
Industry Ink: Ashley House, Flatland Cavalry, Nathan James
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy, Ernest, Cooper Alan Perform At Ashley House During Super Bowl Week
Hardy performs at Ashley House. Photo: Laurent Velasquez
Hardy, Ernest and Cooper Alan performed nightly during Super Bowl week (Feb. 7-11) at the Ashley House, a free and open-to-the-public music and brand experience in Las Vegas. Ashley Furniture took over DawgHouse Saloon’s bar, restaurant and Sportsbook area inside Resorts World offering fans a destination for live music and comfort. In addition to the music, guests could test and live shop Ashley products via QR codes.
Following Big Game Weekend, Ashley donated all furniture from Ashley House to local Las Vegas first responders, refreshing their shared living facilities at their respective stations as a thank-you for sacrificing their Super Bowl Sunday to keep fans safe.
Flatland Cavalry Goes Gold With “A Life Where We Work Out” Feat. Kaitlin Butts
Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts celebrate Gold certification at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Fernando Garcia
Flatland Cavalry’s fan-favorite song, “A Life Where We Work Out” featuring Kaitlin Butts, has been certified Gold, marking their first RIAA certification.
In celebration of the milestone, the band was surprised with a plaque during their sold-out headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last Saturday (Feb. 10). The certification adds to a landmark year for the band, who released their acclaimed new album Wandering Star this past fall via Interscope Records—their first release in partnership with the label.
Nathan James Promoted To Operations Manager At DBC Radio
Nathan James
Nathan James has been promoted to Operations Manager for DBC Radio’s six-station cluster in the Savannah/Hilton Head market, effective immediately. James will oversee all programming strategy as well as retain his Program Director/Afternoon Drive on-air duties for Country WUBB-FM (Bob 106.9) and add Program Director duties for CHR/Mainstream WGCO-FM (Hot 98.3), which he has been handling on an interim basis since June 2023.
“Since Nathan joined our team in 2022, he has proven himself to be strategic, innovative and creative earning him this promotion,” says Jason Goodman, Vice President of Programming, DBC Radio. “He is committed to keeping our brands local and community focused, while implementing his experience in programming, promotions, marketing and digital. Under his leadership, we will have the opportunity to grow our footprint in the South Carolina Lowcountry and Southeast Georgia Region.”
“We have a passionate and dedicated team here at DBC Savannah,” says James. “Thank you to Jason Goodman and Aaron Wilborn for allowing us to showcase creativity, encourage professional growth and providing leadership that has afforded me this opportunity.”
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss To Reunite For ‘Can’t Let Go Tour 2024’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlison Krauss & Robert Plant. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Robert Plant and 27-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss will reunite for their new “Can’t Let Go Tour 2024” this summer.
The artists plan to bring a blend of early blues, country, folk-rock and lost soul music written by Merle Haggard, Allen Toussaint, The Everly Brothers, Anne Briggs, Geeshie Wiley, Bert Jansch, Ola Belle Reed, Brenda Burns and more as well as reimagined renditions of Led Zeppelin cuts “The Battle of Evermore,” “Rock and Roll” and “When the Levee Breaks,” among others.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (Feb. 16), following a series of presales beginning today (Feb. 14). For more information, click here.
UMPG Signs Grammy Winner Dan Wilson
/by LB CantrellJennifer Knoepfle & Dan Wilson. Photo: Yazz Alali
UMPG has signed esteemed singer/songwriter/producer Dan Wilson to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. Under the new agreement, UMPG will represent Wilson’s future works, effective immediately.
A highly accomplished musician and lead member of famed band Semisonic, Wilson is a three-time Grammy winner. He recently took home the Grammy alongside Chris Stapleton for Best Country Song with Stapleton’s “White Horse.” He has also been awarded Song of the Year for co-writing The Chicks‘ “Not Ready to Make Nice” and Album of the Year for Adele‘s 21, which featured three of his co-writes including “Someone Like You.”
“I consider it a true gift to work alongside a person who is so storied and accomplished, and yet so open to new experiences and collaborations. Dan trusted UMPG in this vital chapter of his career and we could not be more excited,” shares Jennifer Knoepfle, UMPG Executive Vice President and Co-Head of A&R.
Wilson says, “This publishing relationship with UMPG begins a whole new chapter in my musical life. Jenn and the UMPG team are brilliant and inspire confidence. We’ve hit the ground running, to say the least. I’m very excited to be working with them.”
Wilson’s writing credits are diverse, ranging across genres. Among his collaborators are Carole King, Celine Dion, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Florence + The Machine, Tenille Townes, Noah Cyrus, Alec Benjamin, Mitski, Claud, My Morning Jacket, Phantogram, Leon Bridges, Tom Morello, Joy Oladokun, P!nk, Halsey, Weezer, Panic! at the Disco, Dierks Bentley, John Legend, Laufey, Vance Joy, Jason Mraz and many more.
He has earned Grammy nominations for Song of the Year with Jon Batiste’s “Butterfly,” Best Rock Song for Semisonic’s “Closing Time” as well as Album of the Year for Taylor Swift’s Red, on which he co-wrote the track “Treacherous” in 2012. He also worked with Swift on re-producing co-writes for Red (Taylor’s Version), and received his first ever Oscar nomination for co-writing and producing Batiste’s “It Never Went Away.”
Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Donates $345K To Local Charities
/by Lorie HollabaughTracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible presents checks to eight local organizations. Photo: Christian Williams
Tracy Lawrence‘s Mission:Possible presented $345,000 to local charities helping the homeless and hungry across Middle Tennessee today (Feb. 14).
Eight organizations received a total of $80,000 in donations, including Journey Home, Project Return, Musically Fed, Dream Streets, Jesus Provisions Ministries, Laundry Stop, Monroe Harding and Shower Up, each with missions dedicated to ending homelessness across Middle Tennessee. In addition, Mission:Possible presented a $15,000 check for tornado relief funds as well as its $250,000 contribution raised for the Nashville Rescue Mission, who was in attendance to receive their official check from the 18th annual “Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert.”
The benefit brought together more than 250 volunteers to help fry over 1,200 turkeys distributed throughout Middle Tennessee, providing over 10,000 meals to those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. This year’s event included Lee Brice, Priscilla Block and Halfway to Hazard. The yearly event has now provided more than 86,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee and raised over one million dollars for Nashville Rescue Mission. Lawrence has now donated over $2.8 million since Mission:Possible’s start.
“We have been blown away witnessing the incredible work of so many organizations in our community that fill the immediate needs of those in need,” shares Lawrence. “As Mission:Possible continues to grow, we’re doubling down on our commitment to support and team up with these amazing groups. From providing hot showers and a place to wash clothes, to offering shelter to the unhoused and helping transition those off the streets back into society, we’re blessed to be a part of this movement toward a brighter future for those in Middle Tennessee.”