Shane Profitt Signs With BMLG Records, Harpeth 60 Records

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Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Records’ Ryan Dokke, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, CJ Management’s Kelly Janson, Harpeth 60 Records’ Chris Janson, Big Machine Label Group’s Julian Raymond, Andrew Kautz and Sandi Spika Borchetta; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Shane Profitt, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen

Shane Profitt has signed with Big Machine Label Group Records in partnership with Chris Janson’s Harpeth 60 Records.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Columbia, Tennessee was surrounded by music from an early age. When his grandfather gifted him a guitar and taught him a few chords, he began learning songs from Hank Williams to Merle Haggard. After receiving positive feedback from cover videos on social media, Profitt gained the confidence to tell his own stories through music.

“When Shane showed up, it was one of those moments of ‘where the heck has this guy been hiding?’” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “It’s all there… great songs, great singer, great guy and country as it gets. Country fans–you don’t know it yet but let me introduce you to your next favorite artist.”

Signing his first publishing deal earlier this year with Janson’s Old Tom Music Publishing, Profitt has been writing songs for his debut project while also landing cuts by Janson and other artists. He recently spent time touring on Janson’s “Halfway To Crazy Tour.”

“I am so proud of Shane Profitt,” shares Janson. “He is the real deal. A great songwriter, artist and vocalist, and a big time star. I’m grateful to Scott Borchetta for partnering with me and couldn’t be more humbled and excited. Shane is the first artist signed to my Harpeth 60 Records imprint with BMLG.”

BMLG Records President & CEO Jimmy Harnen adds, “We cannot wait to introduce Shane and his music to the world! His first album is an absolute spectacular collection of songs that embody everything that country music is.”

“There are no words to describe how excited I am to work with BMLG Records and Harpeth 60 Records,” notes Profitt. “Thank you to everyone who has believed in me and made this dream come true. I can’t wait to get my music out to the world.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ty Herndon Gives Radio Ready Performance On ‘Till You Get There’

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June is Pride Month, and for the first time in its history, country music can fully participate.

If you had told me even five years ago that there would be enough gay country artists to fill a DISClaimer column, I would have said, “No way, ever.” Today, there are hugely more than enough. And that’s not even including such high-profile folks as T.J. Osborne and Brandy Clark.

The Disc of the Day award goes to pioneering “out” star Ty Herndon. The DISCovery honoree is Brandon Stansell.

GINA VENIER / “Nora Jane”
Writers: Gina Venier/Savana Santos/Summer Overstreet; Producers: Gina Venier/Rian Ball; Label: GV
–Gina introduced this compelling ballad of loving another woman at a Song Suffragettes show this year, and the performance is now on YouTube. Next, Hunter Kelly featured her on his Proud Radio show on Apple Music Country. She is also among the performers at this year’s Pride Fest in Nashville (June 22-23).

WAYLON PAYNE / “7:28”
Writers: Angalenna Pressley/Wade Bowen/Waylon Payne; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Label: Carnival
–The son of the late country celebs Sammi Smith & Jody Payne came out several years ago and remains one of the country community’s most gifted songwriting voices. His current video is a stunning, devastating rumination on loss and grief. Also check out his excellent LP Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me.

JAIME WYATT / “Demon Tied a Chair to My Brain”
Writers: Dax Riggs/Matthew Sweeney; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: New West
–Wyatt isn’t in your face about her sexuality on her Neon Cross country-outlaw album. There’s a song called “Rattlesnake Girl” that makes reference to it, but most of the songs are just wildly wonderful honky tonkers. She has a piercing, stone-country voice that on this track she backs with wailing harmonica punctuations while her snarling band sizzles along. Also check out the rockabilly title tune.

HARPER GRAE / “I Like Ya Like That”
Writers: Forrest Finn/Harper Grae; Producer: none listed; Label: HG
–Her soulful soprano dances around jittery guitar and banjo notes on this sensuous rocker. Mighty fine listening. Grae’s EP is titled Confessions of a Good Southern Lady, and it is well worth your attention.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Bored”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Concord
–Don’t be put off by the acoustic, underproduced beginning. As the band kicks in, he muses about all the things we do to keep from facing our realities. We might lose our way, but there’s always a road to bring you back. Nashville has a large recovery community, and this could be its anthem.

BRANDON STANSELL / “Wild Ride”
Writers: Brandon Stansell/Mylen; Producer: Julian Hoffman Beechko; Label: PEG
–His husky tenor has an attractive intimacy that contrasts nicely with a percussive, country-rock production on his new single. The whole thing has an airy, open “California” vibe, although tradition-minded programmers might find the extended sax solo problematic. The former Taylor Swift backup dancer was previously noted for his Cam duet “Hurt People.”

CODY BELEW / “Crimes”
Writer: Cody Belew; Producer: Cody Belew; Label: Visionary Media
–This former DISCovery Award winner brings intense bluesy drama to this steeped-in-soul performance of a cry from the heart. It speaks out against the violence and injustice that has been so long been leveled at gay men. Belew has a series of upcoming dates at The Lipstick Lounge, the first of which is June 18.

BROOKE EDEN / “Got No Choice”
Writers: Brooke Eden/Jesse Frasure/Cary Barlowe; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Label: BBR
–Brooke features her partner Hilary Hoover in her videos, including this one with lots of romantic footage. It’s a merry, bopping, bright love song that’s on the pop side of pop-country.

BILLY GILMAN / “Soldier”
Writers: Adrianna Mondelli/Corey Britz/Travis Ference; Producer: none listed; Label: BG
–The former child star and The Voice alumnus is shouting and forceful on this stomper about perseverance and survival. Its video is being used in the promotional material on his current tour.

KATIE PRUITT / “Loving Her”
Writer: Katie Pruitt; Producers: Katie Pruitt/Michael Robinson; Label: Rounder
–Rippling with guitars and powered by her clear, achingly expressive soprano, this is a joyous, uplifting, sunny ode to same-sex love. Her debut album, Expectations, has met with great favor on NPR this year. Nashvillian Pruitt was previously noted in DISClaimer for her witty “Merry Christmas, Mary Jane” during the Yule of 2021.

TY HERNDON / “Till You Get There”
Writers: Ty Herndon/Jamie Floyd/Erik Halbig/Jimmy Thow; Producer: Jimmy Thow; Label: Pivotal
–He still sings so splendidly. This driving, uptempo outing has a cool, uplifting message as well as rampaging rhythm. Soaring, pulse-quickening and radio ready.

ORVILLE PECK / “Daytona Sand”
Writer: Orville Peck; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Columbia
–The guy with throaty, dramatic baritone and the fringed mask is back with a super exciting country rocker that rumbles and twangs in all the right places. It’s like a jacked up spaghetti-western soundtrack. It’s quite a ride, so hold on tight.

BREAKING: Ben Kline & Cris Lacy Upped To Co-Presidents Of WMN

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline and Cris Lacy

Warner Music Nashville (WMN) has announced that current EVP & General Manager Ben Kline and EVP of A&R Cris Lacy have been promoted to Co-Presidents of the country division of Warner Recorded Music. Chairman & CEO John Esposito will remain in his role through the end of the year and will transition to Chairman Emeritus at the top of 2023.

Max Lousada, CEO, Warner Recorded Music, says, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community. I’ve no doubt Cris and Ben will grow and evolve our artist-first philosophy with ingenuity, skill, and style. In the streaming era, country music is increasingly becoming global music, and Ben and Cris make a dynamic duo to lead our pioneering Nashville label into the future. And I’m pleased we’ll continue to have the benefit of Espo’s sage advice and wide-ranging industry relationships.”

“I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve been able to achieve and all I know the company will achieve in the years ahead. It’s been truly inspiring to watch Cris and Ben grow into their new roles. They’re two of the most innovative, passionate, and devoted music people in the Nashville community, tirelessly dedicated to helping artists achieve their visions and supporting them at every stage of their careers,” Espo explains. “Between Ben’s business acumen and Cris’ fantastic A&R instincts, they’ll be a world-class duo leading the best team in the business, all driven by a love of the music and the belief in authentic artistry. My last twenty years at WMG have been the most rewarding of my career, filled with incredible people and experiences, and it’s been deeply gratifying to be embraced so warmly by the Nashville community.”

Kline joined WMN in 2014 as VP of Revenue. In 2017, he was named SVP of Global Revenue & Touring, and was upped to EVP/General Manager up years later where he oversaw radio & streaming, artist development, touring, and international. In his three decades in the music industry, Kline’s previous posts have included EVP of Sales & Marketing at Universal Music Group, and SVP of Global Sales & Marketing at Ingrooves. He also founded and served as CEO of Brazenhead Entertainment and VP of Sales and Marketing at Rostrum Records.

“When I came on board at WMN eight years ago, I was instantly struck not only by the tremendous level of expertise, but by the spirit of camaraderie, collaboration, and enthusiasm that Espo fostered throughout the company,” Kline adds. “Cris likes to call us a village, and I love that description–we’re a tightly knit group of colleagues and artists working together within the amazing Warner Music ecosystem. Our entire team is deeply committed to custom-tailored, long-term artist development, and I’m looking forward to working side-by-side with Cris to keep on making this the best place in the business for country artists to reach fans around the world.”

Lacy joined WMN in 2005, following posts at Tom Collins Music Publishing, Rick Hall/FAME Publishing, Island Bound Music, and WMG’s Warner Chappell Music. At WMN, she was upped to SVP of A&R in 2017 and EVP of A&R two years later. Lacy has been the driving force behind the signing of many of the label’s most prominent artists, including Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Cole Swindell, Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson, Chris Janson, and Gabby Barrett.

Lacy notes, “When an artist joins Warner Nashville, they’re entrusting us not only with their music, but with their dreams. Artists are storytellers, and it’s our job to give them the best environment to bring those stories to life. I want to thank Espo for building such a rich, fertile culture for real creativity and innovation. Artists have a lot of options for getting their music into the world, and our team is second to none in helping them make and deliver records that move the needle and open hearts. Ben and I have been working together for years. I can’t wait to build upon our partnership, as we take this great company to new heights.”

Warner Music Nashville was established in 2009 under the direction of Esposito to expand Warner Music Group’s presence in Music City. Since then, the division’s artists have spent more than 107 weeks at No. 1, earning 74 chart-topping singles, more than 300 Gold and Platinum RIAA certifications, along with Grammy, CMA, ACM, Billboard, AMA, and People’s Choice awards.

ACM Party For A Cause Returns To Music City This August

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The Academy of Country Music’s annual Party For A Cause will return to Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater for a second consecutive year on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Benefitting ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy, the evening will feature live performances from a star-studded lineup ahead of the 15th annual ACM Honors ceremony on Aug. 24 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Additional details, including ticket on-sale, host, performers and general event information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Making its Music City debut in 2021, last year’s show was hosted by SiriusXM The Highway’s Storme Warren with performances from Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, Old Dominion with special guest Caitlyn Smith, Carly Pearce, Tenille Townes, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood.

The MLC & Nashville Music Equality To Host Summit For Black Music Month

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is commemorating Black Music Month by teaming up with Nashville Music Equality (NME) to present “For The Culture: Empowering Black Music Creators to Achieve Beyond Reach.”

The one-day summit will be held on Tuesday, June 21 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. at The MLC’s offices in Nashville. Spearheaded by Dae Bogan, MLC’s Head of Third-Party Partnerships, in collaboration with NME’s Gina Miller, Kortney Toney and Shannon Sanders, the event will celebrate the evolution of Black Music and its unique and ever-growing impact on the music industry with collaborative discussions and informative presentations from some of the leading African American voices in the industry.

The summit will feature panels designed specifically for Black music creators that explore creative business strategies and examine the overall royalty landscape, as well as networking opportunities for attendees, and a host of live music performances.

For more information, including a full agenda and registration, click here.

Speakers include:

  • Dae Bogan: Head of Third-Party Partnerships, The MLC, and 2019 Billboard Digital Power Player
  • Brennen Boose: Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications, National Museum of African American Music
  • Alandis Brassel: Entertainment Attorney, Manager and Assistant Professor of Music Business – University of Memphis
  • Mimi McCarley: Founder of Collab Music Network & Co-Founder of Nashville is Not Just Country Music and We Own Now
  • Gina Miller: Senior Vice President & General Manager, MNRK Music
  • Derek Minor: Grammy-winning Artist and Producer & Co-Founder of We Own Now and hip-hop record label Reflection Music Group (RMG)
  • George Monger: CEO, Connect Music
  • Cheryl Potts: CEO, Cleerkut Royalty
  • Shannon Sanders: Executive Director of Creative, BMI Nashville, and 3-time Grammy Award-Winning Producer
  • Kortney Toney: Marketing, Inclusion & Outreach Manager, Naxos of America

Big Machine Music Notches Ten Years Of Hit Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Catalog Manager, Taylor Courtney; Sr. Director of Royalties and Finance, Grayson Stephens; Manager, Publishing, Lizzy Rector; Vice President, Publishing, Alex Heddle; General Manager, Mike Molinar; Director, Publishing, Michelle Attardi; Vice President, Publishing, Tim Hunze; Senior Manager, Rights Management & Business Affairs, Randy Patton

Over the past decade, Big Machine Music (BMM), a subsidiary of HYBE America, has built a catalog of over 12,000 songs and achieved 45 No. 1 hits.

Since launching in 2012, the independent music publisher has helped 10 BMM songwriters notch their first No.1s and dozens earn their first major award nominations and wins. Honored as AIMP Nashville’s 2021 Publisher of the Year, BMM has ranked on Billboard’s Year End Top Ten Hot 100 Publisher Corp for five consecutive years, thanks in part to record-setting crossover hits written by Grammy-nominated songwriters such as Laura Veltz’s 2021 BMI Pop Song of the Year “The Bones” (recorded by Maren Morris) and Jessie Jo Dillon’s “10,000 Hours” (recorded by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber), which holds the highest streaming first-week in country music history.

“I’m incredibly proud of the musical legacy our Big Machine Music writers and team have created in the last decade,” shares BMM General Manager Mike Molinar. “I’m filled with gratitude to all those who have been a part of this journey thus far—our songwriters and team past and present, our founders at Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta and Andrew Kautz, Scooter Braun, our HYBE America team and all our partners within the music community.”

Since opening a Los Angeles office earlier this year, BMM has broadened its reach far beyond its Nashville home base, topping the Top 40 chart with Sara Davis’ “abcdefu” (recorded by GAYLE), Hot AC chart with “The Bones” as well as the Mainstream Rock Billboard/Mediabase Active Rock charts with Ayron Jones’ “Mercy.”

BMM’s current roster is composed of Veltz, Dillon, Jones, Davis, Brett Young, Ryan Hurd, Brandy Clark, Matt Dragstrem, Eric Paslay, Justin Moore, Maddie & Tae, Callista Clark, Tyler Rich, Laci Kaye Booth, Daniel Ross, Lauren Weintraub, Reid Isbell, Drew Polovick and Mike Eli. Catalog writers include Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton and Josh Thompson.

“Big Machine Music’s original goal to super-serve our songwriters in every facet has become the bedrock of our culture,” adds BMM Vice President, Publishing Alex Heddle. “As we look to the next ten years, I’m excited to keep growing in reach and opportunities while continuing to keep this principle at our core.”

Current BMM singles include:
– Brett Young’s “You Didn’t”
– Callista Clark’s “Gave It Back Broken”
– Daniel Ross’ “Learn From It” (recorded by Conner Smith)
– Eric Paslay’s “Wild Hearts” (recorded by Keith Urban)
– Jessie Jo Dillon’s “Songs About You” (recorded by Brett Eldredge)
– Josh Thompson’s “Half Of Me” (recorded by Thomas Rhett featuring Riley Green)
– Justin Moore’s “With A Woman You Love”
– Laura Veltz & Ryan Hurd’s “What A Song Can Do” (recorded by Lady A)
– Matt Dragstrem & Ryan Hurd’s “What My World Spins Around” (recorded by Jordan Davis)
– Mike Eli’s “Love Talking” (recorded by Eli Young Band)
– Ryan Hurd’s “Circles Around This Town” (recorded by Maren Morris)

Melissa Ormond Named COO Of Goldenvoice

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Melissa Ormond. Photo: Lester Cohen

Melissa Ormond has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of LA-based concert promotion and live event company Goldenvoice, which is owned by AEG Presents.

In her new role she’ll report to Goldenvoice CEO Paul Tollett as well as AEG Presents Chairman and CEO Jay Marciano. Ormond will also retain her current title as COO of Festivals for AEG Presents, a position she’s held since October 2017.

As COO of Goldenvoice, Ormond will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company’s concert promotions, venue portfolio and festivals, as well as strategic growth initiatives throughout California and the western US. In her concurrent role as COO of Festivals, she’ll continue to work with the teams responsible for producing 30 festivals across the US, London and Paris, including Coachella, Stagecoach, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, British Summer Time Hyde Park, and Electric Forest, among others.

“Melissa’s reputation precedes her,” notes Tollett. “She’s a brilliant executive and one of the most dedicated, clear-eyed, hardworking people I’ve met. I’m so happy she’s joining Goldenvoice in this new role.”

Prior to joining AEG Presents, Ormond’s previous roles include serving as President of Madison Square Garden Entertainment and leadership positions at House of Blues Entertainment/Universal Concerts/MCA Concerts in LA and Delsener/Slater Enterprises in New York City. Ormond began her career in Washington, DC at the 9:30 Club, rising to General Manager while simultaneously working for the concert promotion firm I.M.P., Inc.

Over the course of her career Ormond has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including  being named to Billboard’s Power 100 four times and recognized as one of Billboard‘s Women in Music in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2019. She’s also a five-time winner of Pollstar’s Talent Buyer of the Year award, as well as the recipient of Pollstar’s Nightclub Talent Buyer of the Year prize.

“Goldenvoice has an extraordinary history…the name itself has become synonymous with a curation of live experiences on the West Coast that’s unmatched,” shares Ormond. “I am thrilled to be working directly with the company across the entire business and helping the Goldenvoice team guide its exciting future.”

Mark Your Calendar—June 2022

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Single/Track Releases

June 1
Toby Keith/Oklahoma Breakdown/Show Dog Nashville

June 3
Greylan James/Walls
Megan Barker/Friend Like That
Chris Colston/Livin’ Like This/The AMG/The Orchard
Charly Reynolds/Rodeo

June 6
Cody Johnson/Human/Warner Music Nashville/WMN Radio/Cojo
Elle King feat. Dierks Bentley/Worth A Shot/RCA/Columbia
Jordan Davis/What My World Spins Around/MCA
Aaron Goodvin/Boy Like Me/Reviver Records

June 7
Jake Gill/Crazy Girl/VRL 1.1

June 10
Kameron Marlowe/Girl On Fire/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville
Matt Jordan/Boulder

June 13
Carly Pearce/What He Didn’t Do/Big Machine Records
Josiah Siska/Come on Down/Black River Records
Rob Fitzgerald/Good Ole Country Song/Riverbend Recordings

June 20
Joe Hermes/Whiskey Fixer Upper/OTM Productions

June 24
Carolyn Miller/New Wore Off

June 27
Hailey Whitters/Everything She Ain’t/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
Nate Smith/Whiskey On You/Arista Nashville

 

Album/EP Releases

Carrie Underwood. Photo: Randee St. Nicholas

June 3
Chris Young/Famous Friends (Deluxe Edition)/RCA Nashville
Eli Young Band/Love Talking/The Valory Music Co.

June 10
Carrie Underwood/Denim & Rhinestones/Capitol
Niko Moon/Coastin‘/RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville
Bill Anderson/As Far As I Can See: The Best Of/MCA Nashville/UMe
Judah & The Lion/Revival/Cletus the Van Records/Virgin Music
Jillian Jacqueline/Honestly/Virgin Music

June 17
Hank Williams Jr./Rich White Honky Blues
Brett Eldredge/Songs About You/Warner Music Nashville
Dan Bremnes/Into The Wild/Curb | Word Entertainment
Leon Timbo/Lovers And Fools Vol. 2/MNRK Music Group

June 24
Jimmie Allen/Tulip Drive/Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group
BlackHawk/Blue Highway/BFD/Audium Nashville
Raleigh Keegan/A Tale of 7 Cities
Creed Fisher/Rebel In The South

 

Industry Events

June 3
2022 K-Love Fan Awards Broadcast on TBN

June 9 – 12
CMA Fest

June 14
BMI Christian Awards

June 16 – 19
Bonnaroo

Leadership Music Announces Class Of 2023

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Leadership Music has announced the 46 members who have been selected for its Class of 2023, which begins in October.

Founded in 1989 by a dozen music industry executives, Leadership Music has graduated more than 1,300 leaders. The annual program is designed to create a forum for music industry leaders to learn about other areas within the music business, explore issues currently affecting the industry, and enjoy unique experiences while building lasting relationships with classmates.

“Being selected for Leadership Music is a life-changing experience,” shares LM President and Class of 2014 alumnus David Kells, Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “The 46 leaders who make up the Class of 2023 are embarking on one of the most significant journeys of their career. I know I speak on behalf of everyone who served on the committee when I say that choosing the class from nearly 300 qualified candidates is a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We devote an enormous amount of time, thought and deliberation to selecting the next ‘best class ever.’”

“The focus of the committee is on assembling a class that is uniquely talented and diverse in every way—gender, ethnicity, genre of music, segment of the music industry and more,” adds Class of 2007 alum Diane Pearson, Past President of LM and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “The members of the Selection Committee feel a great sense of pride in the leaders chosen for this program year, who are exceptional in every way. We look forward to watching them develop as a cohesive unit as the Leadership Music Class of 2023.”

Participants of this year’s 33rd Leadership Music class will attend an orientation, alumni welcome reception, and a two-day Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, culminating in May with graduation at a two-day Closing Retreat.

Class of 2023 Leadership Music Members:
Kris Ahrend, CEO, Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)
Ashley Alexander, Chief Marketing Officer, Girlilla Marketing
Tony Alexander, Co-Founder/President/Managing Director, Made in Memphis Entertainment (Memphis)
Scott Bailey, President, Opry Entertainment Group
Wade Asher, Promoter/GM, Chippewa Valley Music Festivals (Cadott, WI)
Brian Bauer, President, Bauer Entertainment Marketing
Emily Cohen Belote, Principal Music Curator, Amazon Music
Stacy Blythe, SVP Promotion, Big Loud
Robert Carlton, SVP Development, SMACKSongs
John Clore, VP Marketing, Communication and Content, Curb Records
Rose Cook, SVP Licensing Operations, SESAC Rights Management
Michael Darpino, Senior Director Customer Services, SoundExchange (Alexandria, VA)
Eleonore Denig, Violinist/Arranger
Kenneth Doroshow, Chief Legal Officer, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) (Washington, DC)
Steve Eggart, Business Manager, Wiles + Taylor & Company PC
Andrew Farwell, VP, Outback Presents
Joseph Fishman, Professor, Vanderbilt University
Sam Forbert, Agent, CAA
Randall Foster, Chief Creative Officer, Symphonic
Shan Foster, Executive Director, AMEND Together
Steve Gaches, Worldwide Head of Music Business and Legal Affairs, WME
Rebekah Gordon, VP Publishing, Black River Publishing
Ben Hall, Senior Director of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Michael Harris, EVP/COO, Universal Music Group Nashville
Jeffrey Hasson, Co-Head of Nashville Office, United Talent Agency
Ben Hutto, Director of Brands and Partnerships, Triple 8 Management
Gena Johnson, Producer/Engineer/Mixer, Key of G Productions
Chris Joslin, Executive Director, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Owensboro, KY)
Brian Loschiavo, Co-Founder/Executive Producer, Riverside Entertainment
Ritz McCain, Senior Editor, Spotify (Phoenix, AZ)
Haley McCollister, VP Touring/GM of MTG Nashville, Messina Touring Group
Regina McCrary, Artist/Songwriter/Producer/Actress/Author/Minister, McCrary Sisters
Billy Montana, Songwriter, Curb/Word Publishing
Austin Neal, Owner, The Neal Agency
John Riley, Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Copyright Office (Washington, DC)
Erica Rosa, VP Royalties and Contract Compliance, FBMM Entertainment Business Management (Los Angeles)
Jennifer Rosen, Head of Music Publishing Partnerships, YouTube (Wayne, NJ)
Sarah Rosenbaum, Counsel, Greenberg Traurig (Los Angeles)
Patrick Sabatini, SVP Legal and Business Affairs, Warner Music Nashville
Sina Seger, VP Accounts, FlyteVu Agency
Shannon Sorensen, VP Legal and Business Affairs, National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) (Washington, DC)
Kelly Striewski, SVP Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, CMA
Trae Vedder, Talent Buyer, Artist Collaborations and Festival Development, Sixthman (Atlanta)
Tracie Verlinde, VP Creative, BMI (Los Angeles)
Gebre Waddell, CEO, Sound Credit (Memphis)
Russell Ziecker, EVP/Global Head of Television Music, Lionsgate (Studio)/Starz (Network)

Steven Curtis Chapman To Receive BMI’s Prestigious Icon Award

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Steven Curtis Chapman

Steven Curtis Chapman is set to become the first Christian artist honored with BMI’s prestigious Icon Award. Chapman will receive the honor at BMI’s upcoming annual Christian Awards, slated for June 14.

BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill, along with BMI’s AVP of Creative in Nashville, Leslie Roberts, will host the ceremony, which will be held at BMI’s Nashville offices. In addition to Chapman’s award, BMI will also crown the Christian Songwriter, Song, and Publisher of the Year, and salute the writers and publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed songs at the invitation-only event.

The BMI Icon Award is presented to songwriters who have distinctly and profoundly influenced the music industry, leaving an indelible and unique influence on generations of music makers. In receiving this accolade, Chapman will join an elite group of writers who have received BMI’s highest honor that includes Barry Manilow, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Sting, and Nile Rodgers.

“It is truly an honor to celebrate the inspirational career of Steven Curtis Chapman by presenting him with our BMI Icon Award,” says Roberts. “His career has spanned three decades, and he has provided countless songs of peace, comfort, and faith to millions of fans worldwide. His name is synonymous with Christian music, but his collaborations across genres have broken boundaries and helped to spread his message of hope and light to all who hear the songs he’s written.”

Chapman is the most-awarded artist in Christian music history. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has received 59 GMA Dove Awards, five Grammys, and an American Music Award. He has celebrated 49 No. 1 songs, sold more than eleven million albums, and has ten RIAA-certified Gold or Platinum albums to his credit.

He has collaborated with, and had his songs recorded by, other renowned artists including BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, and others. His songs have also crossed genres during collaborations with Billy Dean, Glen Campbell, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Lauren Alaina.

In 2017, Chapman also became a best-selling author with his memoir Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story. A vocal supporter of adoption, Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth, founded Show Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps restore the hope of a family to orphans, in 2003.