Pictured (L-R): Rush Davenport, Ellen Larson, and Jon Pleeter
Reliant Talent has added Jon Pleeter and Rush Davenport, and promoted Ellen Larson, as part of the company’s ongoing expansion.
Pleeter joins Reliant Talent Agency as a Sr. VP, heading up the agency’s K-pop division. Pleeter represents Puddle of Mudd, Kings of Chaos, Scott Stapp, Richie Sambora, Orianthi, AleXa, Momoland, T1419, and Slaves To Humanity. He most recently served as VP of Concerts at ICM Partners where he spent 10 years. Prior to that, he worked at ARTISTdirect, CAA, and started as an agent trainee for Triad Artists and William Morris Agency.
“We’re very excited and grateful that Jon Pleeter made the decision to call Reliant Talent home, as we realize an agent of Jon’s caliber had many options in front of him,” shares Steve Lassiter, Reliant Talent President. “With Jon’s tenacity, vision, and leadership skills, we can see a larger and global landscape for the company. We’re extremely fortunate to have him join our team.”
“I could not be more inspired to join the team at Reliant. It’s really quite simple; the mission statement at Reliant is hyper-focused client servicing,” Pleeter adds. “I am excited to help Steve, Heath [Baumhor], and Matt [McGuire] grow this company, especially at a time when the reliance on agents is more important than ever.”
Rush Davenport joins the Reliant Talent team as an agent. A former WME agent, Davenport previously administered daily touring, television, literary, and sponsorship for several artists. While there he worked across the roster, booking concerts in clubs, colleges, theaters, and casinos on the West Coast and Midwest.
Lassiter comments, “His years of experience as an agent at WME gives us an edge along with his hustle and mentoring skills with the younger agents. With Rush’s reputation as a hard worker and eye for great talent, we knew he’d be a great fit in our culture. So glad that Rush agreed to join our Reliant Team.”
Additionally, Larson has been promoted to an agent role at Reliant Talent. She will handle West Coast club and theater bookings for Reliant’s roster and represent Saxsquatch, Alicia Witt, and Jeremy McComb. Larson began her agency career in APA’s mailroom. As an assistant, she worked in the country, contemporary, and adult contemporary music departments, developing her understanding of live touring. She left APA at the end of 2020 to help form Reliant Talent Agency, where she played a critical role in developing the company’s operational framework and procedures.
“We’re very proud of Ellen’s recent promotion to agent,” Lassiter says. “Ellen has played a key role in the launch of the company, and she’s always been more than just an assistant. She’s a solid, loyal team player with a significantly high work ethic and drive. Her promotion was well deserved and certainly long overdue. We look forward to her continued growth as an agent.”
Musicians On Call Promotes Five, Announces New Openings
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Tarah Duarte, Janine Garcia, Sara Kolodziejczak, Nicole Rivera, and Lindsay Solomon
Musicians On Call (MOC) has promoted five team members to help meet the increased demand for its music programs in hospitals across the country.
Staff promotions include Nicole Rivera to Senior Director of Programs, Sara Kolodziejczak to Senior Director of Fundraising, Janine Garcia to Director of Technology, Lindsay Solomon to Senior Marketing Manager, and Tarah Duarte to Partnerships Manager.
“Over the past few years, Musicians On Call has experienced growth across every sector of our business, even with the challenges we have all faced during the pandemic. This wouldn’t be possible without our passionate volunteers, our best-in-class Board of Directors, our generous partners and supporters, and, of course, our incredibly talented team. The staff here at Musicians On Call is the best in the business, full stop. Their passion and commitment to our mission has fueled our growth, and because of their successes we are in a position to promote a number of our leaders and bring on new members to our team,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Our nonprofit is committed to creating an environment that encourages compassion, community, inclusivity, innovation and excellence. We look forward to welcoming more creative individuals who embody these values and can help take us to the next level, reaching millions of more people in hospitals nationwide in the years to come.”
Rivera started at MOC in 2014 and currently oversees all staff members within the Programs department. She is responsible for organizing and executing celebrity visits and vision planning for the future of MOC’s programs.
Kolodziejczak came to Musicians On Call in 2016 to lead the organization’s fundraising initiatives and has helped steer MOC to surpass its revenue goals year over year. She also spearheaded MOC’s recent major capital campaign to raise funds for its online portal. As Senior Director of Fundraising, Kolodziejczak will continue to direct MOC’s growing fundraising team and strategy.
Garcia has been a member of MOC’s Programs department since 2017, managing volunteer and hospital relationships and Bedside Performance Programs in New York City and Boston. She has also managed the growth of MOC’s Virtual Bedside Performance Program. Since 2020, she has led the creation of MOC’s new proprietary program portal and will now oversee the organization’s Technology Department as Director of Technology.
Solomon joined MOC’s team in New York City in 2016 and has managed the growth and strategy for the organization’s email marketing, social media and digital campaigns. She serves on MOC’s DEI Task Force and, through her new role, she will drive the organization’s digital footprint and strategies.
Duarte joined MOC in 2019 as Executive Assistant to Griffin. She also worked under the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, assisting with the organization’s corporate partnerships. She will expand these duties in her new role, providing further support in all corporate fundraising initiatives.
Musicians On Call is currently hiring for the following positions: Creative Coordinator, Executive Assistant and Fundraising Coordinator. Additional openings will be posted in the coming weeks. For information, click here.
Music City Walk Of Fame To Induct Dierks Bentley, Keb’ Mo’, Bobby Bare, Connie Smith
/by LB CantrellPictured (clockwise): Dierks Bentley, Bobby Bare, Keb’ Mo’, Connie Smith
The Music City Walk of Fame will induct beloved entertainers Dierks Bentley, Keb’ Mo’, Bobby Bare, and Connie Smith, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has announced.
An induction ceremony is planned for 2 p.m. on April 5, 2022, at Music City Walk of Fame Park. The ceremony will be the first induction ceremony in more than two years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The artists will receive the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd stars on the Music City Walk of Fame.
“We are proud to bring back a Music City Walk of Fame ceremony with such a distinguished and diverse group of inductees who span various genres and eras of music,” says Ed Hardy, a distinguished Music Row executive and chairman of Music City Inc. “The individuals in the Walk of Fame remind us of Nashville’s rich history as Music City, and we congratulate the newest four members.”
“Gibson is proud to honor the artistry and creativity of songwriters, musicians, and artists of the Music City Walk of Fame who represent the soul of Music City,” adds James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands, sponsor of the Music City Walk of Fame. “Each induction ceremony is a special way to pay tribute to every honoree and a time to appreciate and enjoy the tightly-knit music community we have here in Nashville.”
Inductees into the Music City Walk of Fame are recognized for their significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song. The first induction ceremony was held in 2006 with the induction of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Roy Orbison and Kenneth D. Schermerhorn of the Nashville Symphony.
Bentley is a Grand Ole Opry member with 20 No. 1 hits who has earned multiple awards from the ACMs, CMAs and more while also collecting 14 Grammy nominations.
Keb’ Mo’ has won five Grammy Awards, including for Best Americana Album for his 2019 release, Oklahoma. He will release a new album, Good To Be, on Jan. 21, 2022 via Rounder Records. He has also appeared in films and TV, as well as Visit Music City’s recent commercial: While You’ve Been Away, We’ve Been Creating.
Bare has scored nearly five dozen top 40 hits from 1962 to 1983. He won a Grammy in 1964 for “Detroit City,” and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
Smith was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and was later dubbed by Roy Acuff as the “Sweetheart of the Grand Ole Opry.” Her “Once a Day” became the first-ever debut single by a female country act to reach No. 1, and she has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards.
Natalie Hemby Signs With Jody Williams Songs For Writer Management
/by Lorie HollabaughNatalie Hemby. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Natalie Hemby has entered into a writer management agreement with Jody Williams Songs for her representation in Nashville. The arrangement includes management of Hemby’s songwriting calendar and pitching select songs in the Nashville market. The move follows worldwide indie music publisher CTM Outlander’s recent signing of Hemby and the acquisition of her publishing catalog.
Williams and Hemby have a long-standing relationship dating back to the early 2000s, as Hemby performed many demos for Williams’ first publishing company, Jody Williams Music.
“I’m first and foremost a fan of the person Natalie is outside of her writing career,” comments Williams. “She has an infectious spirit that translates into every room she enters. Her view of the world through her songs has served her well. We look forward to working with Natalie to create the next chapters of her success.”
“I’m so very grateful for the incredible opportunity that my CTM publishing family has given me,” shares Hemby. “And with the support of Jody Williams and Nina Jenkins running point for me in Nashville, my team is complete. Jody has been a mentor and a friend to me throughout my career. I look forward to a very productive 2022!”
Since signing her first publishing deal at 19, Hemby has had hits recorded by Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag & Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town and Labrinth, among many more.
She joined forces with Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires to form The Highwomen, who released their self-titled debut album in 2019. As a result, Hemby earned a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2021, which followed her first award from The Recording Academy for Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again,” from A Star Is Born. Hemby has also been recognized by the ACM, CMA, CMT and NSAI Awards for her songwriting. Her acclaimed sophomore solo album on Fantasy Records, Pins and Needles, was released in October of 2021.
Mick Management, led by Adam Sensenbrenner and Jessica Swan, will continue to work with Hemby across her career.
Reliant Talent Group Adds Two, Ups One As Company Continues To Expand
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Rush Davenport, Ellen Larson, and Jon Pleeter
Reliant Talent has added Jon Pleeter and Rush Davenport, and promoted Ellen Larson, as part of the company’s ongoing expansion.
Pleeter joins Reliant Talent Agency as a Sr. VP, heading up the agency’s K-pop division. Pleeter represents Puddle of Mudd, Kings of Chaos, Scott Stapp, Richie Sambora, Orianthi, AleXa, Momoland, T1419, and Slaves To Humanity. He most recently served as VP of Concerts at ICM Partners where he spent 10 years. Prior to that, he worked at ARTISTdirect, CAA, and started as an agent trainee for Triad Artists and William Morris Agency.
“We’re very excited and grateful that Jon Pleeter made the decision to call Reliant Talent home, as we realize an agent of Jon’s caliber had many options in front of him,” shares Steve Lassiter, Reliant Talent President. “With Jon’s tenacity, vision, and leadership skills, we can see a larger and global landscape for the company. We’re extremely fortunate to have him join our team.”
“I could not be more inspired to join the team at Reliant. It’s really quite simple; the mission statement at Reliant is hyper-focused client servicing,” Pleeter adds. “I am excited to help Steve, Heath [Baumhor], and Matt [McGuire] grow this company, especially at a time when the reliance on agents is more important than ever.”
Rush Davenport joins the Reliant Talent team as an agent. A former WME agent, Davenport previously administered daily touring, television, literary, and sponsorship for several artists. While there he worked across the roster, booking concerts in clubs, colleges, theaters, and casinos on the West Coast and Midwest.
Lassiter comments, “His years of experience as an agent at WME gives us an edge along with his hustle and mentoring skills with the younger agents. With Rush’s reputation as a hard worker and eye for great talent, we knew he’d be a great fit in our culture. So glad that Rush agreed to join our Reliant Team.”
Additionally, Larson has been promoted to an agent role at Reliant Talent. She will handle West Coast club and theater bookings for Reliant’s roster and represent Saxsquatch, Alicia Witt, and Jeremy McComb. Larson began her agency career in APA’s mailroom. As an assistant, she worked in the country, contemporary, and adult contemporary music departments, developing her understanding of live touring. She left APA at the end of 2020 to help form Reliant Talent Agency, where she played a critical role in developing the company’s operational framework and procedures.
“We’re very proud of Ellen’s recent promotion to agent,” Lassiter says. “Ellen has played a key role in the launch of the company, and she’s always been more than just an assistant. She’s a solid, loyal team player with a significantly high work ethic and drive. Her promotion was well deserved and certainly long overdue. We look forward to her continued growth as an agent.”
Big Machine Music Opens Los Angeles Office, Taps Timmy Haehl
/by LB CantrellTimmy Haehl. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music
Big Machine Music has announced the opening of a new Los Angeles office, bringing on Timmy Haehl as Sr. Dir. of Publishing.
BMM’s expansion from their Nashville-based headquarters comes on the heels of several global successes. As one of the top ten on Billboard’s Hot 100 Publishing Corps for the past five years, BMM has recently celebrated the success of GAYLE’s “abcdefu” (co-written by BMM songwriter Sara Davis), 2021 BMI Pop Song of the Year Maren Morris’ “The Bones” (co-written by BMM songwriter Laura Veltz), Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber’s “10,000 Hours” (co-written by BMM songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon), Diplo’s “Heartless” (co-written by BMM songwriter Ryan Hurd) and the Grammy Awards Song of the Year nominee Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile’s “Beautiful Noise” (co-written by BMM songwriter Brandy Clark).
“Between Big Machine Music’s crossover hits, the growth of our roster to include LA-based songwriters and our inter-company collaborations with SB Projects, it is a natural move for us to formally open a West Coast office, and Timmy is the perfect creative publishing executive with which to start,” says BMM’s General Manager Mike Molinar.
Originally from Seattle, Haehl will assist with BMM’s pop songwriter signings as well as represent the entire roster for multi-genre opportunities. The Harvard University graduate began his career at Geffen Records in A&R and most recently served as Director of A&R and Management at Hallwood Media. His clients have included creatives such as London-based David Stewart, legendary rock producer Brendan O’Brien and Grammy-nominated producer/writer King Henry, the latter of whom Haehl will continue to represent.
Haehl will work from the company’s Santa Monica office and report to BMM’s VP of Publishing Alex Heddle and Molinar.
“Timmy exhibits every bit of Big Machine Music’s values and vision for the future,” adds Heddle. “His passion for developing and promoting creatives is palpable. We are very excited to have him join our team.”
Haehl shares, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Big Machine Music and help bring Nashville’s top independent publisher into a new era of success within the LA creative community. As Big Machine Music’s personalized, writer-focused strategy and hit song sensibilities align with my own, I am looking forward to success with this team and the current roster of songwriters as well as future signings.”
Haehl can be reached at Timmy.Haehl@bigmachinemusic.com.
Oh Boy Records Co-Founder, Dan Einstein, Passes Away At 61
/by Lydia FarthingDan Einstein. Photo: Courtesy of Holly Gleason
Dan Einstein, a Grammy-winning producer and co-founder of Oh Boy Records, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 15 after a battle with a prolonged illness. He was 61.
Einstein co-founded Oh Boy Records with friends John Prine and Al Bunetta in 1981. He also aided its artist-owner counterpart, Steve Goodman’s Red Pajamas Records.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Einstein moved to LA in 1978 with his family, where he attended UCLA. He began booking acts at venues and soon went to work with Al Bunetta Management, which moved him to Nashville in the early ’90s.
After Goodman’s death in 1984, Einstein executive-produced the album A Tribute to Steve Goodman, which won the first-ever Contemporary Folk Grammy in 1986. Some of his other production credits include Prine’s 1988 Live album, Goodman’s Unfinished Business, and a Live From The Mountain Stage series.
Einstein, a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 1996, left the music business in 2004 to open Sweet 16th Bakery in East Nashville with his wife Ellen. The beloved neighborhood bakery became a staple shop for custom cakes, award-winning breakfast sandwiches, and more.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen Einstein. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Einstein’s name to Alive Hospice or to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support the research of Dr. Michael Savona.
Those wishing to celebrate Einstein can RSVP here for a virtual community service, set for Wednesday evening (Jan. 19) at 6:30 p.m. CT. The family hopes to hold a public celebration of Einstein’s life this spring.
Justin Moore Slates Headlining Arena Run To Kick Off In April
/by Lorie HollabaughMulti-Platinum entertainer Justin Moore will embark on a 12-date arena tour, called the “Country On It Tour,” beginning April 22. Granger Smith will join as direct support with the Reeves Brothers, Scott Stevens, Heath Sanders, Lucas Hoge, and Sean Stemaly joining on various dates throughout.
Criss-crossing across the country, the tour will visit Knoxville, Pensacola, and more through September before wrapping at Spokane’s First Interstate Center on Sept. 17. Tickets for the dates will go on sale this Friday (Jan. 21) at 10 a.m. local time.
Moore’s latest single, “With a Woman You Love,” is currently climbing up the charts, and a new studio album is expected later this year. The Arkansas native also recently joined as a regular co-host on 103.7 The Buzz’s sports talk show, Morning Mayhem. Through the show, the singer-songwriter outs his sports knowledge on display on-air every weekday morning.
“C0untry On It Tour” Dates:
Apr. 22 | Pensacola Bay Center | Pensacola, FL –
May 5 | Knoxville Civic Auditorium | Knoxville, TN +
May 6 | Mountain Health Arena | Huntington, WV +
May 12 | Angel of the Winds Arena | Everett, WA ^
May 13 | Toyota Center | Kennewick, WA ^
May 14 | Ford Idaho Center | Nampa, ID ^
May 19 | Hartman Arena | Park City, KS #
May 20 | Ralston Arena | Ralston, NE #
May 21 | Mayo Clinic Event Center | Mankato, MN #
Sept. 15 | First Interstate Arena | Billings, MT ~
Sept. 16 | Butte Civic Center | Butte, MT ~**
Sept. 17 | First Interstate Center | Spokane, WA ~
Additional Openers:
– Reeves Brothers
+ Scott Stevens
^ Heath Sanders
# Lucas Hoge
~ Sean Stemaly
**No Granger Smith
Hipgnosis Song Management Acquires Kenny Chesney Catalog
/by LB CantrellKenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch
Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired a catalog from Kenny Chesney.
The acquisition includes 80% of Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covering his discography from his critically acclaimed 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation.
Chesney’s catalog includes 22 albums, 15 of which are certified Platinum—including five multi-Platinum certifications—and 20 of which that are certified Gold. His catalog includes nine No. 1 all-genre Billboard 200 albums, 17 No. 1 Billboard Country Albums and 18 Top 10 Billboard Country albums.
Also included in this acquisition are his future greatest hits, live and/or acoustic albums, as well as Sound Exchange and Neighboring Rights royalties for every album in Chesney’s catalog, including two additional No. 1 albums: 2018’s Songs for the Saints and 2020’s Here and Now. This deal signals an ongoing relationship with the star.
Chesney has been one of country music’s most prolific voices over the last two decades. He has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, with 34 country No. 1 records. The eight-time Entertainer of the Year is a highly regarded artist, songwriter, entrepreneur, and steward of country music.
This is the first acquisition made by Hipgnosis Song Management since its recently announced partnership with Blackstone to acquire music rights and manage catalogs.
“To know that this music has a home that views the work as a collective body, something that builds on itself and captures the heart of No Shoes Nation, was important to me,” Chesney shares. “How these songs live going forward is critical, and I believe Merck [Mercuriadis, Founder of Hipgnosis Song Management] has the best interests of not just the recordings but the people who love them as his driving interest. For the people who love these songs and albums, this is a scenario that allows the music to grow and reflect who those of us living inside these songs truly are.”
Chesney was represented in the deal by his longtime manager Clint Higham at Morris Higham Management and lawyer Jess Rosen at Greenberg Traurig.
“Kenny Chesney is one of the truly great American artists. He has been bringing joy to music fans all over the world for almost 30 years,” says Mercuriadis. “His incredible success of more than 30 million records sold including nine No. 1 albums on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart and 17 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Country chart tells you everything you need to know. Add in his unparalleled success as a touring artist and the juggernaut that is No Shoes Radio, and you realize Kenny is genuinely a phenomenon. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Kenny and Clint to the Hipgnosis Songs family and we are delighted to launch our new Blackstone backed fund with this landmark acquisition.”
Higham adds, “Kenny has put his life into amassing the collected body of work contained here, and it’s something we have all taken very seriously throughout his unprecedented career. There is no deal that is more important than protecting the legacy of these songs. Working with Merck and his team to secure this deal, we found people who are as serious about the recordings as we are, and that suggests there is an incredible future for Kenny’s recorded music through the Hipgnosis team.”
Robert Earl Keen To Retire From The Road In 2022
/by Lydia FarthingRobert Earl Keen. Photo: Nick Doll
Renowned singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen has announced that after Sept. 4, 2022, he will no longer be touring or giving public performances.
He shared the news on Friday (Jan. 14) with a heartfelt message on his website and social media platforms entitled “Time Flies.”
“I have been blessed with a lifetime of brilliant, talented, colorful, electric and magical folks throughout my life,” Keen wrote. “It’s with a mysterious concoction of joy and sadness that I want to tell you as of Sept. 4, 2022, I will no longer tour and perform publicly. I plan to continue to write songs, and interview a wide variety of celebrities and contributors for our Americana Podcast. I also embrace this as an opportunity to further support the musical community and the ever expanding body of young talent on our horizon.”
He continued, “As much as I love what I do, it’s more important that I do it well or not at all. I’m not sick or experiencing any existential crisis. I feel that making a decision and quitting the road while I still love it, is the way I want to leave it. I’ve witnessed first hand the alternative and promised myself I would go out feeling all the love for music and performing the same way I entered—with passion and enthusiasm.”
The 66-year-old entertainer will continue performing up until Sept. 2022, including a stop at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 18. The rescheduled date was originally part of his “Road To Christmas Tour,” slated for last December.
Keen will wrap up his touring career with multiple performances at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, Texas. Following the final performance, he will also host a fan-appreciation party on Sept. 5. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
A native of Houston, Keen celebrates a nearly four decade-long career and a number of successful songs, including “The Front Porch Song,” which he wrote with Lyle Lovett; his signature “The Road Goes on Forever,” recorded for 1989’s West Textures on Sugar Hill Records; “I Gotta Go;” “Feelin’ Good Again;” and the holiday classic “Merry Christmas From The Family.”
Throughout his career, he has released 12 studio albums and seven live albums.
Gorley Starts 2022 Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
Like he did for much of 2021, Ashley Gorley sits atop the first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2022.
Gorley is a co-writer on a whopping eight charting songs, including “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland).
Jesse Frasure follows Gorley at No. 2. His current singles include “Whiskey And Rain” (Michael Ray), “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), “If I Was A Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert), and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett).
Rhett Akins (No. 3), Michael Hardy (No. 4) and Eric Church (No. 5) round out MusicRow‘s first Top Songwriter Chart of 2022.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.