After 42 years in business, The Fitzgerald Hartley Company co-founders Larry Fitzgerald and Mark Hartley announced today they will close the doors of their legendary entertainment firm. The company currently has offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Ventura, California.
Fitzgerald steps back from the majority of his management roles to solely focus on his long-time client, and friend of thirty-five years, Vince Gill. “Mark and I forged a collaboration that has been successful, both personally and professionally, beyond our wildest dreams,” shares Fitzgerald. “Now I want to concentrate my efforts toward Vince. Though his accomplishments thus far have been enormous, I believe our partnership has been a cornerstone of my career, and I know we have many mountains yet to climb.”
Hartley will continue in artist management and in the development of film and television properties. “It has been a great ride and does not seem like a 42-year run,” adds Hartley. “We have been blessed to be able to collaborate with such amazingly talented artists and partners.”
The company, which was established in 1977, plans to close prior to year’s end. “Although closing the doors on FitzHart after 42 years is difficult, looking back on all the incredible artists’ careers that Mark and I have been a part of has been an absolute privilege,” continues Fitzgerald. “Who knew that closing down a business is almost as difficult as creating one?”
In addition to Gill, the firm has represented a diverse roster which has included Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Glenn Frey, Randy Houser, Eric Paslay, Tracy Lawrence, Olivia Newton-John, Paul McCartney, Toto, Rufus & Chaka Kahn, Patty Loveless, Restless Heart, Morgan Evans and The Brothers Johnson, among many others. MusicRow has confirmed that Paisley will be staying on with longtime manager Bill Simmons.
Rob Beckham, Bill Simmons Form Management Company The AMG
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young. Photo: John Shearer
Industry vets Rob Beckham and Bill Simmons have formed “the AMG,” an artist management group. Beckham, former partner and co-head of WME Nashville and Simmons, partner of Fitzgerald-Hartley (who announced its dissolvement earlier this morning) will continue to manage Simmons’ long-time management clients Brad Paisley and Chris Young.
More details on the new venture will be available soon.
Susan Nadler, Evelyn Shriver To Launch “Shady Ladies Of Music City” Podcast
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic industry veterans Susan Nadler and Evelyn Shriver have both broken glass ceilings for female executives during their four decades in the Nashville music industry, most notably with Shriver earning the title of the first female president of a major country label when she took over Asylum Records in 1998; Nadler served as Asylum’s Exec. VP/A&R. During their time at the label, they released the critically-lauded projects Cold Hard Truth (George Jones) and Trio II (Emmylou Harris/Dolly Parton/Linda Ronstadt).
After Asylum was folded into Nashville-based Warner Bros. Records in 2002 (now Warner Music Nashville), Shriver and Nadler continued working together. They formed Bandit Records in 2003, adding Jones on the roster. In 2009, they launched Country Crossings Records, with artists John Anderson and Lorrie Morgan. By 2015, Nadler was serving as a talent manager for the TV show Soundstage.
Now, they will bring their stories of “infiltrating the boys’ club” to their new roles as hosts for an upcoming podcast, Shady Ladies of Music City.
Launching June 4 via Monument Records, the podcast will feature Nadler and Shriver sharing stories from their four decades in the music industry. Episodes from the first season will post each week through early August.
“These two have been making us laugh for years. They have always deserved an audience to share their self-proclaimed brilliance with,” said Monument Records co-president Jason Owen.
“You will not be disappointed,” added Monument co-president Shane McAnally.
The podcast will be available on Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple, Overcast and more. Nadler and Shriver will also be part of a session at this week’s Music Biz conference in Nashville on Wednesday, May 8, moderated by Hunter Kelly.
Susan Nadler, Evelyn Shriver To Launch “Shady Ladies Of Music City” Podcast
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic industry veterans Susan Nadler and Evelyn Shriver have both broken glass ceilings for female executives during their four decades in the Nashville music industry, most notably with Shriver earning the title of the first female president of a major country label when she took over Asylum Records in 1998; Nadler served as Asylum’s Exec. VP/A&R. During their time at the label, they released the critically-lauded projects Cold Hard Truth (George Jones) and Trio II (Emmylou Harris/Dolly Parton/Linda Ronstadt).
After Asylum was folded into Nashville-based Warner Bros. Records in 2002 (now Warner Music Nashville), Shriver and Nadler continued working together. They formed Bandit Records in 2003, adding Jones on the roster. In 2009, they launched Country Crossings Records, with artists John Anderson and Lorrie Morgan. By 2015, Nadler was serving as a talent manager for the TV show Soundstage.
Now, they will bring their stories of “infiltrating the boys’ club” to their new roles as hosts for an upcoming podcast, Shady Ladies of Music City.
Launching June 4 via Monument Records, the podcast will feature Nadler and Shriver sharing stories from their four decades in the music industry. Episodes from the first season will post each week through early August.
“These two have been making us laugh for years. They have always deserved an audience to share their self-proclaimed brilliance with,” said Monument Records co-president Jason Owen.
“You will not be disappointed,” added Monument co-president Shane McAnally.
The podcast will be available on Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, Apple, Overcast and more. Nadler and Shriver will also be part of a session at this week’s Music Biz conference in Nashville on Wednesday, May 8, moderated by Hunter Kelly.
Industry Pics: Nashville At ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP Membership Director Beth Brinker, songwriter Ashley Gorley and ASCAP Senior Director Strategic Services Kele Currier attend the 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Nashville songwriters and publishers took part in the 14th annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO in Hollywood, California, recently.
Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music President and songwriter Chris Farren, Songwriter/Producer Steven Battey, songwriter Ashley Gorley, songwriter Dave Kuncio, and producer/songwriter Tommee Profitt speak on-stage at the ‘Nashville Goes Global’ panel during the 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Battey stuck around for a “Limitless Songwriting” multi-genre panel, joined by fellow country/pop crossover songwriters Priscilla Renea (Miranda Lambert, Ke$ha, Rihanna) and Leland (Kelsea Ballerini, Troye Sivan, Lauv), with ASCAP’s Jason Silberman, to discuss what it takes to pen hits in a range of sounds and styles.
Lee Ann Womack performs. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Songwriter Priscilla Renea speaks onstage during the “Limitless Songwriting” panel at The 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO – Day 3 at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 4, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Lee Ann Womack performs on-stage at the “Center Stage” Showcase during the 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Industry Pics: Nashville At ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP Membership Director Beth Brinker, songwriter Ashley Gorley and ASCAP Senior Director Strategic Services Kele Currier attend the 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Nashville songwriters and publishers took part in the 14th annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO in Hollywood, California, recently.
Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music President and songwriter Chris Farren, Songwriter/Producer Steven Battey, songwriter Ashley Gorley, songwriter Dave Kuncio, and producer/songwriter Tommee Profitt speak on-stage at the ‘Nashville Goes Global’ panel during the 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Battey stuck around for a “Limitless Songwriting” multi-genre panel, joined by fellow country/pop crossover songwriters Priscilla Renea (Miranda Lambert, Ke$ha, Rihanna) and Leland (Kelsea Ballerini, Troye Sivan, Lauv), with ASCAP’s Jason Silberman, to discuss what it takes to pen hits in a range of sounds and styles.
Lee Ann Womack performs. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Songwriter Priscilla Renea speaks onstage during the “Limitless Songwriting” panel at The 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO – Day 3 at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 4, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Lee Ann Womack performs on-stage at the “Center Stage” Showcase during the 2019 ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO at Lowes Hollywood Hotel on May 2, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for ASCAP
Opry Hosts Special Birthday Tribute For Randy Travis
/by Lorie HollabaughRicky Skaggs, Mary & Randy Travis, Don Schlitz and more perform during the Opry Randy Travis Birthday Tribute Photo By: Chris Hollo
Randy Travis made a special appearance on the Opry stage Saturday night (May 4) to celebrate his 60th birthday. In honor of the big day, Travis fans Charles Esten, Josh Turner, and Charlie Worsham all performed on the Opry singing some of their favorite Travis songs, along with fellow Country Music Hall of Famer Don Schlitz, who wrote or co-wrote a number of Travis’ biggest hits.
At the end of the special evening, Travis joined Schlitz, other performers on the show, and a number of friends and family members to sing his classic, “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Following that, the sold-out audience joined in a singalong of “Happy Birthday” to the legend.
Travis signed a Nashville record deal in 1985, became a country sensation with the release of his landmark album Storms Of Life, and joined the Opry in 1986. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
Mary & Randy Travis. Photo By: Chris Hollo
Opry Hosts Special Birthday Tribute For Randy Travis
/by Lorie HollabaughRicky Skaggs, Mary & Randy Travis, Don Schlitz and more perform during the Opry Randy Travis Birthday Tribute Photo By: Chris Hollo
Randy Travis made a special appearance on the Opry stage Saturday night (May 4) to celebrate his 60th birthday. In honor of the big day, Travis fans Charles Esten, Josh Turner, and Charlie Worsham all performed on the Opry singing some of their favorite Travis songs, along with fellow Country Music Hall of Famer Don Schlitz, who wrote or co-wrote a number of Travis’ biggest hits.
At the end of the special evening, Travis joined Schlitz, other performers on the show, and a number of friends and family members to sing his classic, “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Following that, the sold-out audience joined in a singalong of “Happy Birthday” to the legend.
Travis signed a Nashville record deal in 1985, became a country sensation with the release of his landmark album Storms Of Life, and joined the Opry in 1986. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
Mary & Randy Travis. Photo By: Chris Hollo
The Fitzgerald Hartley Company To Close Doors
/by Jessica NicholsonAfter 42 years in business, The Fitzgerald Hartley Company co-founders Larry Fitzgerald and Mark Hartley announced today they will close the doors of their legendary entertainment firm. The company currently has offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Ventura, California.
Fitzgerald steps back from the majority of his management roles to solely focus on his long-time client, and friend of thirty-five years, Vince Gill. “Mark and I forged a collaboration that has been successful, both personally and professionally, beyond our wildest dreams,” shares Fitzgerald. “Now I want to concentrate my efforts toward Vince. Though his accomplishments thus far have been enormous, I believe our partnership has been a cornerstone of my career, and I know we have many mountains yet to climb.”
Hartley will continue in artist management and in the development of film and television properties. “It has been a great ride and does not seem like a 42-year run,” adds Hartley. “We have been blessed to be able to collaborate with such amazingly talented artists and partners.”
The company, which was established in 1977, plans to close prior to year’s end. “Although closing the doors on FitzHart after 42 years is difficult, looking back on all the incredible artists’ careers that Mark and I have been a part of has been an absolute privilege,” continues Fitzgerald. “Who knew that closing down a business is almost as difficult as creating one?”
In addition to Gill, the firm has represented a diverse roster which has included Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Glenn Frey, Randy Houser, Eric Paslay, Tracy Lawrence, Olivia Newton-John, Paul McCartney, Toto, Rufus & Chaka Kahn, Patty Loveless, Restless Heart, Morgan Evans and The Brothers Johnson, among many others. MusicRow has confirmed that Paisley will be staying on with longtime manager Bill Simmons.
The Fitzgerald Hartley Company To Close Doors
/by Jessica NicholsonAfter 42 years in business, The Fitzgerald Hartley Company co-founders Larry Fitzgerald and Mark Hartley announced today they will close the doors of their legendary entertainment firm. The company currently has offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Ventura, California.
Fitzgerald steps back from the majority of his management roles to solely focus on his long-time client, and friend of thirty-five years, Vince Gill. “Mark and I forged a collaboration that has been successful, both personally and professionally, beyond our wildest dreams,” shares Fitzgerald. “Now I want to concentrate my efforts toward Vince. Though his accomplishments thus far have been enormous, I believe our partnership has been a cornerstone of my career, and I know we have many mountains yet to climb.”
Hartley will continue in artist management and in the development of film and television properties. “It has been a great ride and does not seem like a 42-year run,” adds Hartley. “We have been blessed to be able to collaborate with such amazingly talented artists and partners.”
The company, which was established in 1977, plans to close prior to year’s end. “Although closing the doors on FitzHart after 42 years is difficult, looking back on all the incredible artists’ careers that Mark and I have been a part of has been an absolute privilege,” continues Fitzgerald. “Who knew that closing down a business is almost as difficult as creating one?”
In addition to Gill, the firm has represented a diverse roster which has included Chris Young, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Glenn Frey, Randy Houser, Eric Paslay, Tracy Lawrence, Olivia Newton-John, Paul McCartney, Toto, Rufus & Chaka Kahn, Patty Loveless, Restless Heart, Morgan Evans and The Brothers Johnson, among many others. MusicRow has confirmed that Paisley will be staying on with longtime manager Bill Simmons.
Cumulus Names Brian Philips Executive VP, Mike McVay Exits
/by Jessica NicholsonBrian Philips
Cumulus Media Inc. has appointed Brian Philips as Executive Vice President, Content and Audience, effective May 6, 2019. Philips will report to Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media. He succeeds Michael McVay, who is returning to full-time consulting, with Cumulus as his first client.
Philips brings to Cumulus Media more than 30 years of leadership and programming experience across a range of media. Philips previously served as President of Viacom/MTV Network’s CMT channel, where he led the music network’s successful forays into long-form script series, tentpole awards shows, concert specials, and feature films. He also developed CMT’s successful national radio network. Under his stewardship, the channel grew from 36 million to a peak of 90 million homes, and set the record for the longest documented ratings growth streak among ad-supported cable networks.
Before his work in television and film production, Philips enjoyed an award-winning radio career, with more than 15 years leading radio programming at a number of major market stations, including Cumulus stations WNNX-FM and WWWQ-FM (Atlanta), and KPLX-FM (Dallas-Ft. Worth).