Damon Whiteside
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Damon Whiteside joined the Academy of Country Music as CEO in 2020. In his time leading the Academy, he has guided the trade association through the COVID-19 pandemic including the launch of the timely ACM Lifting Lives Covid Response Fund; innovated the future of awards shows and made history when the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards became the first-ever major awards show to exclusively livestream globally through a pioneering deal with Amazon’s Prime Video, kicking off the partnership with a supersized show live from Las Vegas’ new football stadium; and ushered in a new chapter for the Academy by relocating the ACM headquarters to Nashville after nearly 60 years in Southern California.
Serving as Executive Producer for the Academy, Whiteside brought the renowned ACM Honors show back to television with an exclusive FOX partnership, and will oversee the return of The 58th ACM Awards to Prime Video this May, live from the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, Texas with music’s most iconic host pairing, superstars Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.
He has also reinforced the Academy’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in country music, from the boardroom to the stage, launched both a two-year professional development curriculum for rising leaders and a guaranteed income program for Black members of the Nashville music community, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
Whiteside previously spent six years at the Country Music Association, where he most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer, and was responsible for the organization’s most groundbreaking initiatives across marketing, digital, partnerships and international, highlighted by the award-winning CMA Awards 50th anniversary campaign. Prior to that, he formed Nomad Entertainment Group in Hollywood, where he represented multi-genre music artists, producers and songwriters, and worked for more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company in marketing, franchise development and partnerships across roles at The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Consumer Products and Disney-ABC Networks Group.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Southern California. Riverside, California is where I was born and raised. I went to college in Orange County and I commuted from Riverside my first year, so I lived there until I was about 18 or 19 years old.
Pictured (L-R): President of MRC Live & Alternative, Adam Stotsky; Dolly Parton; and the CEO of Academy of Country Music, Damon Whiteside attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM
Were you into music growing up?
I loved music. I was in the choir during elementary school and I played a little bit of piano, but I wasn’t a hardcore musician. I just really appreciated music. It has been my passion from the time I was 11 or 12—I just loved everything about music business.
When I was 15, I frequented the local record store in Riverside. I thought it would be the most fun place to work, so I actually applied several times because I was bound and determined to get a job there. I finally got hired as a seasonal employee for Christmas. That was the start for me. From there, I knew my life was going to revolve around music.
How did your career start?
I ended up working at the record store almost all through college. I transferred to other stores in the record store chain. It was called Music Plus back then—it was a west coast record store chain—but then it became Blockbuster Music, so I got to wear the blue polo and khaki pants for a few years when it became Blockbuster Music. [Laughs]
I did a lot in college to follow [my passion for] music. I worked on campus in the concerts division, doing publicity for the concerts on campus, which gave me a taste for booking shows. I also started doing some internships to get my feet wet. I was given the opportunity to intern at the L.A. pop station, KIIS-FM, with Rick Dees in the morning. That gave me a taste of the radio world.
I really wanted to be in music, but I was also a big Disney fan. I grew up around Disneyland, and I would go as a kid. My college was really close to Disneyland, so most of my friends worked there. I used to go to Disneyland for free all the time, so I became a big Disney fan. I found an internship opportunity my last semester of college with Disney, working on their movie premieres.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Carly Pearce attend the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
What followed that internship?
With my internship, I had gotten my foot in the door at Disney and I had developed some relationships. When I graduated, they recommended me for another internship for the summer after my graduation. It was a paid internship working in the film division, so I got to actually travel around the midwest and go to movie theaters to represent Disney. That was a really great way to learn about film distribution and marketing. That ended and then I got hired on at Disney studios as a temp in film distribution. That was amazing. I wasn’t a permanent employee, but I was getting to work 9 to 5 and be at the studio on the lot. It was so great to be around it all, learn and meet people.
Ultimately, my dream was still music. I wanted to be in music, even though I started to go down to the film path. One day, the absolute perfect thing fell out of the sky for me. The woman that I was working for in film distribution told me about a job opening at the Disney Music Group doing music for all the films.
Tell me about that opportunity.
I interviewed for it and got the job as a permanent full-time Marketing Coordinator for Walt Disney Records. We did the music for all the Disney movies and worked with all artists that did Disney movies. We did Broadway cast albums and music for television shows and theme parks. It was a dream. I was there for 12 years and moved my way up. When I left Disney Music Group, I was Sr. VP of Marketing, so I started as a Coordinator and moved my way up to there.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Triple Crown Award recipient Miranda Lambert attend the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
What were some of your favorite projects that you worked on during that time?
The one that really stands out to me was the Tarzan film. Phil Collins wrote the music for it. I’m a huge Phil Collins fan and I got to work really closely with Phil and his team. They actually took that to Broadway and did a Broadway version of it, so I got to work on that as well. That was probably one of the biggest highlights.
We got to do a project with Yanni, the new age artist. It was called Yanni Voices—it was an amazing project. He had these young, incredible singers that put words to all of his instrumental songs. We did a major world tour and a television special around it.
The other thing I have to highlight is I got to work in the teen scene, because Walt Disney Records started getting into the teen music business when that became a big hit for Disney Channel. So I got to work on things like launching Hilary Duff‘s career as well as Miley Cyrus‘ career with Hannah Montana. We helped launch The Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and all of those teen acts.
When did you transition out of Disney?
I ended up staying at Disney for quite a while. After I left the music group, I ended up I worked as the Head of Marketing for the Disney stores globally. Then I opened my own agency and I was doing marketing and brand consulting, as well as managing some artists with a management partner. I did that for a few years and really learned a lot and enjoyed it, but I was getting burned on L.A. a little bit. It was really tough being independent in that market, and I started to miss being in a team environment. So, I started opening myself up and having conversations with people.
There was a recruiter that was looking for [someone to fill the role of] Head of Marketing and Partnerships for the Country Music Association. They ended up flying me to Nashville for an interview. I knew nothing about Nashville, I had only been here once or twice for quick trips, but I was open to a change. They had me go to the CMA Awards and I was totally blown away by it. Long story short, they made me an offer and I made the move across country. That was in 2014.
You stayed at the CMA for six years, rising to Chief Marketing Officer. What were some of your proudest moments from your time there?
The 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards—I’m really proud of that show. I’m really proud of all the stuff we got to do with Brad [Paisley] and Carrie [Underwood] over the years as hosts of that show. The “Forever Country” music video that we did that had 50 of the greatest country artists of all time in it was an unbelievable feat. Another highlight was getting to work with Ken Burns on launching the Country Music documentary film. That was probably one of the highlights of my life, working on that with Ken and his team.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Shania Twain attend the 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
You became CEO of the Academy of Country Music in 2020. Tell me about that transition.
It was totally unexpected. RAC Clark was the interim Executive Director at the time and they were on the search for a CEO. A board member at the ACM reached out to me about it. Honestly, I was really happy at CMA. I love Sarah Trahern, she’s a very dear friend of mine, and I love the team there and was really proud of everything we built.
It was a really tough decision, but I felt like I was ready to spread my wings. When I learned more about what the ACM was looking for, some of the challenges and some of the opportunities there, I got really excited about it. I was excited about how I could bring my experience from working in Los Angeles in the studio world, but also being in Nashville and having had time to get to know the industry and the artists really well. I felt like it could be a great opportunity for me to use all my skills to lead this organization.
I started in January of 2020 and here I am three years later. I’m happy to say that I recently renewed my deal and I’ll be there for another three years, so I’m planning to dig in a little deeper and stay a while.
You started in January of 2020 and had to respond to the pandemic a few months later. On top of that, ACM recently moved its headquarters to Nashville, among a lot of other projects and initiatives. What are you goals moving forward?
It’s really about aligning what a trade organization is in today’s world. The business model of the industry has changed so much. In terms of our award show, which is what we’re most known for, we were able to transition it to the streaming space on Amazon’s Prime Video, which makes us the first and only award show to do to that. We’ve had to really innovate how we produce the show and how we market the show—everything is different being on a streaming platform, but there’s a lot of opportunity as a global show.
Looking ahead, it’s about continuing to strengthen our partnership with Amazon and finding more ways to grow the show on a global basis. Other goals include bringing more opportunities to our artists, strengthening and bringing more value to our membership.
We are also really focusing in on our DEI efforts. Beyond our DEI task force that’s been in existence for a few years, we just launched a Rising Leaders program last year. We’re now in the second cohort of that this year. We also just launched an OnRamp program with the Black Music Action Coalition, so that’s another big initiative. There’s a lot that we can do in that space and to lift up our artists of color.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Mickey Guyton attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM
Who have been some of your mentors?
I’ve been fortunate to work with so many people. We had a lot of great leadership at Disney over those years. I always really admired Michael Eisner when he was at Disney, as well as Bob Iger—he was an incredible leader. In Nashville, I’ve had so many good mentors. Sarah Trahern was a huge mentor to me and still is. Ed Hardy, who isn’t with us any longer, was the one responsible for bringing me into Nashville when he hired me at the CMA. Joe Galante is an incredible mentor of mine. John Esposito, Mike Dungan and Scott Borchetta have all been great. Ed Warm was the Chairman of the ACM Board when I was hired. Ed is a huge mentor as well as Lori Badgett and Chuck Aly.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever received?
It’s been a rough three years in a lot of ways. COVID was tough, we’ve had to move our show three times and it has created a lot of chaos and stress. Sometimes it’s challenging. Cindy Mabe said to me once that the Academy needs to survive. She said, “What you’re doing and your efforts are on behalf of country music.” That has really stuck with me. When I get into the minutiae of my job, get down about something or feel like something is really challenging, I think about how I’m doing this for country music. It’s not just for the Academy—it’s for the country music industry, it’s for our artists and it’s for our membership. That always gives me motivation when I feel like I can’t do something. It keeps me going.
Jen Jacobsen Joins Artist Rights Alliance As Executive Director
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic industry veteran Jen Jacobsen has been named Executive Director at The Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), an artist-run, non-profit that helps musicians navigate the ever-changing creative economy.
In her new position, Jacobsen will work with ARA’s artist-led Board to amplify the voice of music creators in the ongoing effort to protect artists and their work in today’s music marketplace.
A lifelong musician and performer, Jacobsen has over 25 years of experience in the music and copyright policy arena, including positions as Vice President, Industry & Government Relations at Sony Music Entertainment; Vice President, Global Public Policy at Time Warner, Inc.; and Director of Public Policy at AOL. She has worked to forge strategic partnerships across the music community and has helped lead state and federal policy initiatives that impact creators—from copyright protection to free speech to music licensing reform.
Jacobsen recently served as the Executive Director for Kid Pan Alley, a non-profit that teaches songwriting workshops in schools. She is a member of the D.C. Advisory Council for Musicians on Call and a graduate of the Nashville-based Leadership Music program. Jacobsen is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
“Jen Jacobsen is a strong, experienced leader who radiates energy and love of music and the arts,” says ARA Board Member Rosanne Cash. “Her dynamic presence will help ARA continue to stand up for artists and bring people together on important issues impacting our community. ARA has always stood for common sense, transparency, and equity for working creators, and we know Jen will carry on that tradition.”
“As the music industry grapples with issues that could fundamentally change the landscape for artists and songwriters, ARA’s work has never been more vital,” Jacobsen says. “I am honored to have been selected for this role by ARA’s Board—an inspiring group of working musicians, songwriters, and executives with decades of experience on the front lines of the music business. And I am committed to helping artists and songwriters get a seat at the table as the future of the creative economy is charted.”
Rachel Brittain Joins The Neal Agency As Commercial & Brand Partnerships Agent
/by Lorie HollabaughRachel Brittain. Photo: Hunter Berry
Rachel Brittain has joined The Neal Agency as Commercial & Brand Partnerships Agent.
Brittain joins the company following her time at Nashville-based marketing company FlyteVu, where she served as an account manager and part of the talent team, connecting artists to brands. During her time at FlyteVu, Brittain served clients including David’s Bridal, VistaPrint, Prime Video, Tiff’s Treats, The Pattern, Barefoot Wine, Dos Primos, Jack Daniel’s and Kitty and Vibe.
She spearheaded a number of campaigns including Amazon Prime’s 57th Academy of Country Music Awards influencer campaign and the Kanye and Drake Live concert series, while also launching creative partnerships around viral moments such as Kylie Morgan’s bridesmaids in partnership with David’s Bridal. She was also key in the 2022 Stagecoach Camp Dos Primos event to help Thomas Rhett kick off his headlining weekend.
“We are excited to add Rachel to the team and know she will be a huge asset in building our clients’ brands both in and out of touring,” shares Austin Neal, Founder & Co-Head of The Neal Agency.
“We are thrilled to add Rachel’s expertise to our team and are excited to see her work hand-in-hand with our clients and to see her thoughtful and curated approach to brand partnerships come to life,” adds Adi Sharma, Co-Head & Agent of The Neal Agency.
“I am looking forward to working with all of The Neal Agency team and our artists to create memorable and unique brand partnerships and campaigns that resonate with their fans and followers,” shares Brittain.
She can be reached at rachel@thenealagency.net.
Eric Church Forms Outsiders Spirits With Whiskey Jypsi As First Product
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Raj Alva, Eric Church and Ari Sussman. Photo: Courtesy of Whiskey Jypsi
Eric Church has unveiled Whiskey Jypsi, a new whiskey he’s created with friend and entrepreneur Raj Alva.
The first release from Church’s and Alva’s Outsiders Spirits, Whiskey Jypsi’s Legacy Batch 001, recently won the Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and is based on a traditional bourbon mash bill. Instead of blending the grains before fermentation, or sourcing from the usual geographies, Whiskey Jypsi sources individual aged whiskey components from various origins, scientifically blending them to recreate the mash bill.
“Whiskey Jypsi celebrates doing things the unconventional way. It’s the commitment to the creative spirit, the process and the journey that excite me the most,” says Church. “It’s meant to inspire others to take chances like we have – follow a different path and enjoy and experience life at its fullest.”
Whiskey Jypsi. Photo: Courtesy of Whiskey Jypsi
The Outsiders partners took a hands-on approach to every aspect of their new whiskey, creating and curating everything from taste, packaging and marketing from inception to release. They chose Ari Sussman to help develop Jypsi. Sussman is the former Head of Spirits Development at the Artisan Distilling Program at Michigan State University as well as an award-winning whiskey maker. He also has a bit of the Jypsi spirit in him, working in the vineyards of Bordeaux, raising ostriches and growing almonds with Bedouin tribes and living in an Israeli kibbutz before he entered the whiskey world.
“Eric’s music led the way to Jypsi’s unique mix,” says Sussman. “I immersed myself in Eric’s music, thinking it just might influence my process,” he adds. “What I discovered was a rich, diverse blend of music and an artist who doesn’t conform to the usual norms. That inspired me, so I took that road in creating the premiere batch of Whiskey Jypsi.”
Whiskey Jypsi has partnered with ReserveBar to make Legacy Batch 001 available in 38 states with an SRP of $199.99. Due to state legalities, alcohol cannot be shipped to Tennessee, Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Vermont. Retailers in Tennessee will carry product while supplies last.
My Music Row Story: ACM’s Damon Whiteside
/by LB CantrellDamon Whiteside
Damon Whiteside joined the Academy of Country Music as CEO in 2020. In his time leading the Academy, he has guided the trade association through the COVID-19 pandemic including the launch of the timely ACM Lifting Lives Covid Response Fund; innovated the future of awards shows and made history when the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards became the first-ever major awards show to exclusively livestream globally through a pioneering deal with Amazon’s Prime Video, kicking off the partnership with a supersized show live from Las Vegas’ new football stadium; and ushered in a new chapter for the Academy by relocating the ACM headquarters to Nashville after nearly 60 years in Southern California.
Serving as Executive Producer for the Academy, Whiteside brought the renowned ACM Honors show back to television with an exclusive FOX partnership, and will oversee the return of The 58th ACM Awards to Prime Video this May, live from the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, Texas with music’s most iconic host pairing, superstars Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.
He has also reinforced the Academy’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in country music, from the boardroom to the stage, launched both a two-year professional development curriculum for rising leaders and a guaranteed income program for Black members of the Nashville music community, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
Whiteside previously spent six years at the Country Music Association, where he most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer, and was responsible for the organization’s most groundbreaking initiatives across marketing, digital, partnerships and international, highlighted by the award-winning CMA Awards 50th anniversary campaign. Prior to that, he formed Nomad Entertainment Group in Hollywood, where he represented multi-genre music artists, producers and songwriters, and worked for more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company in marketing, franchise development and partnerships across roles at The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Consumer Products and Disney-ABC Networks Group.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Southern California. Riverside, California is where I was born and raised. I went to college in Orange County and I commuted from Riverside my first year, so I lived there until I was about 18 or 19 years old.
Pictured (L-R): President of MRC Live & Alternative, Adam Stotsky; Dolly Parton; and the CEO of Academy of Country Music, Damon Whiteside attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM
Were you into music growing up?
I loved music. I was in the choir during elementary school and I played a little bit of piano, but I wasn’t a hardcore musician. I just really appreciated music. It has been my passion from the time I was 11 or 12—I just loved everything about music business.
When I was 15, I frequented the local record store in Riverside. I thought it would be the most fun place to work, so I actually applied several times because I was bound and determined to get a job there. I finally got hired as a seasonal employee for Christmas. That was the start for me. From there, I knew my life was going to revolve around music.
How did your career start?
I ended up working at the record store almost all through college. I transferred to other stores in the record store chain. It was called Music Plus back then—it was a west coast record store chain—but then it became Blockbuster Music, so I got to wear the blue polo and khaki pants for a few years when it became Blockbuster Music. [Laughs]
I did a lot in college to follow [my passion for] music. I worked on campus in the concerts division, doing publicity for the concerts on campus, which gave me a taste for booking shows. I also started doing some internships to get my feet wet. I was given the opportunity to intern at the L.A. pop station, KIIS-FM, with Rick Dees in the morning. That gave me a taste of the radio world.
I really wanted to be in music, but I was also a big Disney fan. I grew up around Disneyland, and I would go as a kid. My college was really close to Disneyland, so most of my friends worked there. I used to go to Disneyland for free all the time, so I became a big Disney fan. I found an internship opportunity my last semester of college with Disney, working on their movie premieres.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Carly Pearce attend the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
What followed that internship?
With my internship, I had gotten my foot in the door at Disney and I had developed some relationships. When I graduated, they recommended me for another internship for the summer after my graduation. It was a paid internship working in the film division, so I got to actually travel around the midwest and go to movie theaters to represent Disney. That was a really great way to learn about film distribution and marketing. That ended and then I got hired on at Disney studios as a temp in film distribution. That was amazing. I wasn’t a permanent employee, but I was getting to work 9 to 5 and be at the studio on the lot. It was so great to be around it all, learn and meet people.
Ultimately, my dream was still music. I wanted to be in music, even though I started to go down to the film path. One day, the absolute perfect thing fell out of the sky for me. The woman that I was working for in film distribution told me about a job opening at the Disney Music Group doing music for all the films.
Tell me about that opportunity.
I interviewed for it and got the job as a permanent full-time Marketing Coordinator for Walt Disney Records. We did the music for all the Disney movies and worked with all artists that did Disney movies. We did Broadway cast albums and music for television shows and theme parks. It was a dream. I was there for 12 years and moved my way up. When I left Disney Music Group, I was Sr. VP of Marketing, so I started as a Coordinator and moved my way up to there.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Triple Crown Award recipient Miranda Lambert attend the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
What were some of your favorite projects that you worked on during that time?
The one that really stands out to me was the Tarzan film. Phil Collins wrote the music for it. I’m a huge Phil Collins fan and I got to work really closely with Phil and his team. They actually took that to Broadway and did a Broadway version of it, so I got to work on that as well. That was probably one of the biggest highlights.
We got to do a project with Yanni, the new age artist. It was called Yanni Voices—it was an amazing project. He had these young, incredible singers that put words to all of his instrumental songs. We did a major world tour and a television special around it.
The other thing I have to highlight is I got to work in the teen scene, because Walt Disney Records started getting into the teen music business when that became a big hit for Disney Channel. So I got to work on things like launching Hilary Duff‘s career as well as Miley Cyrus‘ career with Hannah Montana. We helped launch The Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and all of those teen acts.
When did you transition out of Disney?
I ended up staying at Disney for quite a while. After I left the music group, I ended up I worked as the Head of Marketing for the Disney stores globally. Then I opened my own agency and I was doing marketing and brand consulting, as well as managing some artists with a management partner. I did that for a few years and really learned a lot and enjoyed it, but I was getting burned on L.A. a little bit. It was really tough being independent in that market, and I started to miss being in a team environment. So, I started opening myself up and having conversations with people.
There was a recruiter that was looking for [someone to fill the role of] Head of Marketing and Partnerships for the Country Music Association. They ended up flying me to Nashville for an interview. I knew nothing about Nashville, I had only been here once or twice for quick trips, but I was open to a change. They had me go to the CMA Awards and I was totally blown away by it. Long story short, they made me an offer and I made the move across country. That was in 2014.
You stayed at the CMA for six years, rising to Chief Marketing Officer. What were some of your proudest moments from your time there?
The 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards—I’m really proud of that show. I’m really proud of all the stuff we got to do with Brad [Paisley] and Carrie [Underwood] over the years as hosts of that show. The “Forever Country” music video that we did that had 50 of the greatest country artists of all time in it was an unbelievable feat. Another highlight was getting to work with Ken Burns on launching the Country Music documentary film. That was probably one of the highlights of my life, working on that with Ken and his team.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Shania Twain attend the 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
You became CEO of the Academy of Country Music in 2020. Tell me about that transition.
It was totally unexpected. RAC Clark was the interim Executive Director at the time and they were on the search for a CEO. A board member at the ACM reached out to me about it. Honestly, I was really happy at CMA. I love Sarah Trahern, she’s a very dear friend of mine, and I love the team there and was really proud of everything we built.
It was a really tough decision, but I felt like I was ready to spread my wings. When I learned more about what the ACM was looking for, some of the challenges and some of the opportunities there, I got really excited about it. I was excited about how I could bring my experience from working in Los Angeles in the studio world, but also being in Nashville and having had time to get to know the industry and the artists really well. I felt like it could be a great opportunity for me to use all my skills to lead this organization.
I started in January of 2020 and here I am three years later. I’m happy to say that I recently renewed my deal and I’ll be there for another three years, so I’m planning to dig in a little deeper and stay a while.
You started in January of 2020 and had to respond to the pandemic a few months later. On top of that, ACM recently moved its headquarters to Nashville, among a lot of other projects and initiatives. What are you goals moving forward?
It’s really about aligning what a trade organization is in today’s world. The business model of the industry has changed so much. In terms of our award show, which is what we’re most known for, we were able to transition it to the streaming space on Amazon’s Prime Video, which makes us the first and only award show to do to that. We’ve had to really innovate how we produce the show and how we market the show—everything is different being on a streaming platform, but there’s a lot of opportunity as a global show.
Looking ahead, it’s about continuing to strengthen our partnership with Amazon and finding more ways to grow the show on a global basis. Other goals include bringing more opportunities to our artists, strengthening and bringing more value to our membership.
We are also really focusing in on our DEI efforts. Beyond our DEI task force that’s been in existence for a few years, we just launched a Rising Leaders program last year. We’re now in the second cohort of that this year. We also just launched an OnRamp program with the Black Music Action Coalition, so that’s another big initiative. There’s a lot that we can do in that space and to lift up our artists of color.
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside and Mickey Guyton attend the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM
Who have been some of your mentors?
I’ve been fortunate to work with so many people. We had a lot of great leadership at Disney over those years. I always really admired Michael Eisner when he was at Disney, as well as Bob Iger—he was an incredible leader. In Nashville, I’ve had so many good mentors. Sarah Trahern was a huge mentor to me and still is. Ed Hardy, who isn’t with us any longer, was the one responsible for bringing me into Nashville when he hired me at the CMA. Joe Galante is an incredible mentor of mine. John Esposito, Mike Dungan and Scott Borchetta have all been great. Ed Warm was the Chairman of the ACM Board when I was hired. Ed is a huge mentor as well as Lori Badgett and Chuck Aly.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever received?
It’s been a rough three years in a lot of ways. COVID was tough, we’ve had to move our show three times and it has created a lot of chaos and stress. Sometimes it’s challenging. Cindy Mabe said to me once that the Academy needs to survive. She said, “What you’re doing and your efforts are on behalf of country music.” That has really stuck with me. When I get into the minutiae of my job, get down about something or feel like something is really challenging, I think about how I’m doing this for country music. It’s not just for the Academy—it’s for the country music industry, it’s for our artists and it’s for our membership. That always gives me motivation when I feel like I can’t do something. It keeps me going.
Industry Ink: Spotify, Warren Zeiders, Chayce Beckham, More
/by Caela GriffinKameron Marlowe Takes The MJ&M Stage in Texas
Pictured (L-R): Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, Dustee Jenkins, Kameron Marlowe, Matthew McConaughey
Kameron Marlowe performed at the VIP Spotify Reception at Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) in Austin, Texas, this weekend.
MJ&M is the annual joint fundraising effort of Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, ACM Award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and ESPN analyst and Texas coaching legend Mack Brown. MJ&M celebrates its eleventh year this year.
Warren Zeiders Earns RIAA Platinum for “Ride The Lightning”
Pictured (L-R): Sam Riddle (Warner Records), Rick Gershon (Warner Records), Jared Platt, Jeff Krones (CAA), Stacy Vee (Goldenvoice), Warren Zeiders, Rich Schaefer (AEG), Jamie Ernst (underscore works), Charly Salvatore (underscore works), Jordin Wentworth (underscore works), and Will Morrow (Warner Records) at Stagecoach in Indio, CA. Photo: Austin Screws
On Sunday (April 30), rising country artist Warren Zeiders received a RIAA Platinum certification for his standout single, “Ride The Lightning.” Zeiders was surprised with the plaque by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California. Zeiders’ Sunday Stagecoach performance on the T-Mobile Mane Stage also marked his 100th career show.
“Ride The Lightning” was released with Warner Records in 2021 as part of Zeiders’ 717 Tapes. Zeiders most recently released his Pretty Little Poison (Sampler) EP with its powerful title track and Chris Stapleton-penned breakup ballad “Inside Your Head.” His “Pretty Little Poison Tour” extends through this fall, including a headlining stop at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Chayce Beckham Hits American Idol Stage, Celebrates RIAA Gold
Pictured (L-R): Ken Tucker, Katie Kerkhover, Kerri Edwards, Elissa Felman, Chayce Beckham, Jon Loba, Kendra Whitehead, Matt Vieira, Layna Bunt
Chayce Beckham performed his latest single, “Till The Day I Die,” on American Idol on Monday (May 1). Long-time host Ryan Seacrest and the judges—Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan—surprised Beckham on-air with a RIAA Gold-certified plaque celebrating his smash hit “23.”
Beckham was crowned winner of American Idol’s 19th season in 2021.
“Country Music for Covenant” Raises $18,000 For Community
Pictured (top left): Jordan Rowe, Jacob Hackworth, Ben Williams, Joybeth Taylor; (top right): Rocky Block, Jimmy Robbins, Brad Clawson, Rodney Clawson; (bottom left): Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass; (bottom right): Rhys Rutherford, KK Johnson, Mia Mantia, Emma Zinck. Photo: Alex Wieland
Music industry members recently partnered with the Kiwanis Foundation of Nashville to host “Country Music for Covenant,” a songwriters night benefitting members of the Covenant School community. The event, which brought a sold-out crowd of over 250 to The Local, raised over $18,000 for the cause. Almost two dozen songwriters played hits through the night. A silent auction raised additional funds, all of which will directly be donated to the students and community members.
“The Kiwanis Foundation of Nashville was honored to partner with ‘Country Music for Covenant’ and the best talent on Music Row for an evening of healing and inspiration for Covenant School and the entire Nashville community,” says Chris Tasik, Treasurer, Kiwanis Foundation of Nashville.
“I am touched by the overwhelming response to ‘Country Music for Covenant,'” shares Ava Boney, the event’s organizer. “Nashville is such a generous and compassionate community that lifts each other up in times of need. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the songwriters, sponsors, donors, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success. It would not have been possible without their support.”
Operation Song Awarded $3,000 Grant For Songwriters
Pictured (L-R): James Walton (Seratoma Club), Bob Regan (Founder, OpSong), Mike Byer (Exec. Dir. OpSong).
Operation Song, the non-profit that pairs veterans and songwriters to turn stories of service into song, was recently awarded $3,000 by the Sertoma Club of Nashville. This amount, along with all donations, helps cover compensation for songwriters who volunteer with the organization.
Additionally, Operation Song’s founder Bob Regan—an 11-time recipient of ASCAP’s Most Performed Song Award—and Executive Director Mike Byer received the Sertoma Club Service To Mankind Award.
Regan founded OpSong in 2012 and has created partnerships between Music City’s top songwriters and veterans around the country. By turning memories into lasting mementos, veterans can begin to share their emotional stories of bravery, camaraderie and valor. Participating veterans write with songwriters, see their stories performed in public and receive a recorded copy of their songs, at no cost to the veteran.
The Sertoma Club was established in 1948 to improve the quality of life for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss and/or communication disorders.
CeCe Winans Named Belmont University’s Inaugural Artist-In-Residence
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones, CeCe Winans, Alvin Love
One of the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans, is partnering with Belmont University as an Artist-in-Residence in the fall of 2023.
As part of her residency, Winans will perform at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 15 on her “Believe For It Tour.” In addition to the concert, select students will have the opportunity to attend soundcheck and participate in a Q&A session with the world-renowned artist who has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide. Tickets to the Sept. 15 concert event can be purchased at thefishercenter.com.
Winan’s residency at Belmont also includes a Chapel Service and other unique opportunities for interactions with students. As a part of the residency, Winans will also spend time engaging with members of the Belmont community at campus events and other special opportunities throughout the fall.
“Cece Winans is a former trustee, a parent of two Belmont alumni and longstanding friend of Belmont University,” says Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “She has always been committed to pouring into the lives of our students and informing their journeys here at Belmont and beyond. I am thrilled at the opportunity this residency presents to our campus community to lean into her knowledge and experience as an award-winning artist, but also her kindness and integrity as an individual.”
“Cece’s upcoming in-residence status is such a meaningful opportunity for students — to learn from and interact with an artist of her distinction,” adds Chaz Corzine, Executive Director of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “She has inspired millions with her inspirational performances. It’s a tremendous honor that this artist who has performed for world leaders will be using her gifting to pour into students here at Belmont. We often refer to the Fisher Center as the largest classroom on campus, and we are honored to host such an industry giant.”
During Belmont’s Commencement on Saturday, May 6, University President Dr. Jones will award Winans with an honorary Doctor of University degree for her impact on both Belmont and the Nashville Community. Honorary degrees have been presented by American colleges and universities since 1962 in recognition of scholarly and creative attainments, as well as for meritorious humanitarian service. Belmont is selective in bestowing this award as the highest honor presented by the University.
“Goodness of God,” the third single released from Winans’ 2021 Believe For It live album, has already topped 200 million U.S. streams, 148 million video views, 110 million TikTok views and is No. 1 on CCLI’s Top 100 chart measured from over 250,000 church worship services.
Winans’ mantel today holds 15 Grammys, 23 Dove Awards and 15 Stellar Awards. Her accolades include being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and receiving stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville Music City Walk of Fame. She has been named a Trailblazer of Soul by BMI and garnered multiple NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards and ESSENCE Awards.
CMA’s Sarah Trahern Honored By JDRF
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Peyton Hoge/JDRF
Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Association, Sarah Trahern, was honored this weekend by JDRF, the leading global organization harnessing the power of research, advocacy and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes. Trahern was honored by country superstar Trisha Yearwood, who presented her with the honor at the organization’s annual Promise Gala.
Trahern is a longtime supporter of JDRF, as she herself was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June of 2019, just days before hosting the annual CMA Fest. During Saturday night’s gala, Trahern spoke about the strength of the type 1 community and celebrated technological innovation related to the disease.
JDRF Tennessee hosted three simultaneous Promise Gala events in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis on Saturday night, raising more than $2.5 million to improve lives and find cures for type 1 diabetes.
Graham Barham Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music
/by Liza AndersonGraham Barham
Rising singer-songwriter Graham Barham has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.
The Lousiana native developed his talent for singing, songwriting and playing guitar at the age of 10. Now based in Nashville, Barham draws musical inspiration from his upbringing on his family’s farm.
He garnered a strong social media following with his viral hit “Preachers Need People,” which led to his first distribution deal with Virgin.
Barham’s most recent release, “Beer By My Bed,” shows how he’s grown as an artist thus far. Expressed through his twangy vocals and heartfelt writing, his songs are about the man he is trying to become.
This reflection comes from a very personal space for Barham, as he moved to Nashville at the age of 18 to pursue music and began writing for other artists. His signature balance of honesty and humor defines his lyrical prowess. Mostly produced by songwriter and producer Will Bundy, Barham’s debut project delivers a bittersweet and relatable perspective of a young southern guy just finding his way.
Blackbird Studio Launches Streaming Platform, Inside Blackbird
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Billy Corgan and John McBride. Photo: Matt Bender
Blackbird has launched a new streaming subscription service, Inside Blackbird, featuring a curated selection of exclusive interviews and educational content from the best producers, musicians and engineers in the world.
John and Martina McBride. Photo: Becky Fluke
The new network will take viewers deep inside the process of recording, producing, creating and songwriting as well as live sound and production. Designed with everyone in mind from complete beginners to control room gurus, the service features educational videos and interviews with artists including Billy Corgan, Garth Brooks, Yelawolf, Aly + AJ, Young The Giant, Vince Gill and more, speaking in depth about how they made it and lessons they learned along the way.
The lessons being offered on Inside Blackbird cover a variety of topics across audio engineering, music production, recording, songwriting, mastering and live audio, each taught by a seasoned professional renowned in their field providing unique insights and real-world experience. Among the more than 200+ hours of content offered on Inside Blackbird are “Comping A Vocal” with Grammy-winning producer Nathan Chapman, “EQing the PA” with Paul McCartney’s Front of House Engineer, “Acoustic Guitar 101” with Grammy-winner Bryan Sutton, “Building a Song From Start To Finish” with session player Tom Bukovac, and “The Art of Bringing Up an Idea in a Session” with producer Dann Huff.
“Anyone with an interest or curiosity about music will benefit from Inside Blackbird,” says Blackbird Studio founder John McBride. “Learn more about instruments, gear, plugins, the recording process and live touring from the best in the business. Find out how artists start their careers and what it takes to succeed. If we don’t have the answer, we know someone who does, and that is who you will find at Inside Blackbird.”
The platform will be available to users beginning on May 3 at insideblackbird.com for $15.99 per month and $9.99 per month for students, with further discounts available with an annual subscription. New videos will be added to the platform every week.
Inside Blackbird is also partnering with Save the Music, one of the nation’s largest nonprofits for music education, by donating a portion of each subscription to the organization. Save the Music helps students, schools and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music by advocating for music education, donating instruments and providing support services for teachers.
Blackbird is helmed by John McBride and wife, country star Martina McBride. John opened Blackbird Studio in 2002, and the facility quickly became a favorite of artists, musicians, producers and engineers worldwide including Kings of Leon, Queen, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Garth Brooks, Buddy Guy, Yelawolf, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban and many more. In 2013, the McBrides opened The Blackbird Academy, dedicated to advancing the quality of recording education through a hands-on, professional training curriculum. Many Blackbird Academy students have gone on to have successful careers in the recording industry and include Grammy winners.
Marti Dodson Signs With Kobalt Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Stephanie Cox, Marti Dodson and Kobalt’s Morgan Brasfield
Singer-songwriter Marti Dodson has signed with Kobalt Music.
A native of Franklin Furnace, Ohio, Dodson founded pop/rock band Saving Jane as a student at Ohio State University. The group went on to become one of the highest charting independent acts of the 2000’s with Dodson penning two Gold Singles for the group.
She also wrote the theme song and debut single for the winners of the German television show Popstars, and achieved two more Gold records in the following years. Dodson scored CCM hits with Blessid Union of Souls and Brandy Allison as well as Bluegrass hits with Dale Ann Bradley and Kristy Cox. Julie Roberts also cut her song “Girl Next Door.”
Since moving to Nashville in 2013, Dodson has had cuts with Luke Bryan, Gabby Barrett, The Shires, Thompson Square, Terri Clark and more. Her songs have also been featured in shows and commercials and served as theme music for television personality Rachael Ray, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, Olympic Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin and tattoo artist Kat Von D.
“Marti is the perfect fit in any room,” says Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox. “Her musical talent is so diverse, and she might be the funniest person I’ve ever met! I’m really excited about working with her.”
“I’m so excited to join the roster at Kobalt! I wanted to land somewhere that feels like home with room to grow, and I’ve found that here with some of the brightest and most forward thinkers in the music business,” says Dodson. “I’m thankful to be working with such a talented group of people!”