The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will honor Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman with its Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement at the Music Biz 2019 Conference’s Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, May 7 at the JW Marriott Nashville.
Goodman will join the esteemed ranks of previous Presidential Award honorees including last year’s winner, RIAA’s Cary Sherman, as well as Mike Dungan, Dick Clark, John Esposito, Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, Clive Davis, Casey Kasem, Sylvia Rhone, Scott Borchetta, and Russ Solomon, among others.
“I am thrilled to be adding Randy’s name to the impressive list of our former Presidential Award visionaries and leaders,” said Music Biz President James Donio. “As a 33-year industry veteran and a Nashville native to boot, I cannot think of another executive who is more deserving. It’s also quite appropriate that we’ll be celebrating Randy’s career at our fifth annual Conference to be held in Nashville. That’s because Randy was largely instrumental in Music Biz bringing the event to Music City. Representing the Music City Music Council with then Mayor Karl Dean, he made an extremely compelling case for us to make the move. And the growth and development of the Conference in the past five years certainly speaks for itself. We’re so grateful to Randy for his continued support and advocacy.”
Since taking the helm at Sony Music Nashville in July 2015, Goodman has led a team that also includes Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville, as well as Provident Music Group, a Christian music and film enterprise. In his tenure as the head of the company, Goodman has worked to bring talented newcomers into the forefront, including CMA and Grammy winner — and former Music Biz Breakthrough Artist Award recipient — Maren Morris; as well as Kane Brown, who just earned his first Billboard Top 200 No. 1 for his sophomore album Experiment; CMA New Artist of the Year Luke Combs, who notched a four-week Billboard Country Airplay #1 with his latest single “She Got The Best of Me”; and ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year Old Dominion. Meanwhile, the label group continues to spearhead the careers of multi-Platinum superstars including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Chris Young. He has also implemented a strategy to establish Sony Music Nashville as a leader in music streaming – an area where country music had been behind other genres. Sony Music Nashville’s Kane Brown and Luke Combs have both recently surpassed 2 billion career streams worldwide.
In January 2018, Goodman landed on Billboard’s “Power 100” list of music industry influencers and leaders. The Lipscomb University alum has led a number of record labels and has been involved with the careers of artists such as Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Wu-Tang Clan, Martina McBride, Clint Black, Keith Whitley, and The Judds. He spent 16 years with RCA Records, serving eventually as the Executive Vice President/General Manager of the RCA Label Group in Nashville. Goodman also spent five years in New York as the Senior Vice President/ Marketing for RCA.
Goodman founded Lyric Street Records in 1997 as the Country music arm of the Walt Disney Co. The label debuted multi-platinum artists such as SHeDAISY and Rascal Flatts. Aaron Tippin and American Idol finalist Josh Gracin also enjoyed platinum success while at Lyric Street. After serving as President and Chairman of the CMA Board (of which he is currently a member), Goodman co-chaired the Music City Music Council. He also serves as a board member for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the Country Radio Broadcasters and Convention Center Authority.
Music Biz 2019 will return to Nashville May 5-8 at the JW Marriott in the heart of downtown Nashville. Music Biz offers a platform for the commerce, content, and creative sectors to network, get on the cutting edge of the latest trends, and meet with trading partners. Announced thus far, singer/songwriter Bebe Rexha will accept the Breakthrough Artist Award during the Music Biz Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, May 7.
Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Promotes Six Staffers
/by Jessica NicholsonBusiness management firm FBMM (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.) has promoted Shelley Grayson and Sarah Marshall to account manager, Ariel Ham and Ben Huddleston to account executive, and Lindsay Coffey and Stewart Doka to senior account assistant.
“These team members are invaluable not only to our clients, but to the FBMM family as a whole,” said Jamie Cheek, president of FBMM. “We look forward to watching them grow in their careers and continue providing clients with exemplary service. Their commitment to guiding clients to reach and surpass their financial goals is admirable, and we are excited to give each of them new responsibilities on our team.”
Grayson has been with FBMM since 2011 and is now an account manager. Her previous work experience includes interning at Red Light Management and working at Fridrich, Pinson & Associates. She also served as a special events intern at the Jackson Hole Wine Auction. She received her bachelor’s degree in managerial finance and investments from the University of Mississippi.
Marshall came to FBMM in 2013 and is now an account manager. Before her time at FBMM, she interned at Michael Smith & Associates, Vector Management, Capitol Records Nashville, and Word Entertainment. She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in music business. While at Belmont, Marshall volunteered with the Belmont Service Corps and worked events for ACM, CMA, CMT and the Grammys.
Ham began working at FBMM in 2014 and is now an account executive. Before working for FBMM, she served as an intern for Trey Turner & Associates. Ham graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2014 with a degree in mass communications.
Huddleston joined the FBMM team in 2016 and has been promoted to account executive. His previous work experience includes serving as an intern at the Georgia Theatre and Farris, Self, & Moore, LLC. Huddleston graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from The University of Georgia.
Coffey has been with FBMM since 2015 and is now a senior account assistant. Her previous work experience includes interning at Washington Street Publishing, Artist Growth, Writer’s Den and Oglesby Writers Management. She received her bachelor’s degree in music business from Belmont University.
Doka joined FBMM in 2016 and has been promoted to senior account assistant. Before working at FBMM, he served as an intern for Vector Artist Management and EMI Christian Music Group. He also toured the country as a bass player. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in music business and audio production.
John Berry Returns With Nod To Home On New ‘Thomas Road’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Berry has released a new EP, Thomas Road, named after the street he grew up on in Decatur, Georgia, where his passion and love for music first inspired him to become an artist. Writers contributing to the new project include Bill Anderson, Liz Hengber, John Wiggins, Clint Moffatt, Barry Weeks, and more.
“As exciting as it was to go into the studio to record new music, to be able to it with my friend Chuck Howard, after so many years, was just amazing,” said Berry. “Chuck hears me like no one else and knows how to take me musically where I’ve never thought possible and then, add in the incredible talent of Barry Weeks who co-produced my new project,’ shares Berry. “I am so excited to share this new music with you and I hope these songs will take you to new places that feel familiar. I am beyond grateful for the inspiration I found in family, friends and music on Thomas Road. All those memories keep calling me back home to Thomas Road.”
The EP is available on digital formats for streaming and download and on his website. Berry is currently on the road with his 22nd annual Christmas Songs & Stories with John Berry Tour, which will visit 21 cities through December 22.
Thomas Road Track List:
“Thomas Road” – John Berry / Barry Weeks
“Richest Man” John Berry / Liz Hengber / Will Robinson
“Heavin’ Comin’ Down” – John Wiggins / Bob Moffatt / Clint Moffatt
“Why Didn’t I” – Michael Boggs / Barry Weeks
“Beautifully Broken” – Tiffany Arbuckle Lee / Jenny Slate Lee
“Don’t Think I Ain’t Country” – Bill Anderson / John Berry
Hillsong United Returns For USA Tour In April
/by Lorie HollabaughHillsong UNITED is returning to the States after three years for their new highly anticipated USA Tour in 2019. The Australian-based, multi-platinum-selling group will be joined by special guests Amanda Lindsey Cook and Mack Brock on various dates on the tour. Tickets for the new shows will go on sale Friday, Dec. 7.
The trek will include a show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on May 4.
“It’s been a few years since we have toured North America – we have a lot of music not yet road tested and can’t wait to be with you and sing these songs,” said Hillsong UNITED. “We have been working hard on a brand new experience and can’t wait to have our friends Amanda and Mack with us!”
The band will make stops in major markets across the U.S. including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, and New York, transforming amphitheaters and arenas into nights of worship.
Tour Dates:
April
25 – Austin, TX | H-B-B Center at Cedar Park
26 – Lubbock, TX | United Supermarkets Arena
27 – Houston, TX | Toyota Center
30 – Dallas, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
May
2 – Birmingham, AL | Legacy Arena at the BJCC
3 – Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena
4 – Nashville, TN | Ascend Amphitheater
6 – Greenville, SC | Bon Secours Wellness Arena
7 – Orlando, FL | CFE Arena
8 – Fort Myers, FL | Hertz Arena
9 – Miami, FL | AmericanAirlines Arena
11 – Tampa, FL | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
30 – Seattle, WA | accesso ShoWare Center
31 – Vancouver, BC | P.N.E. Pacific Coliseum
June
1 – Portland, OR | Veterans Memorial Coliseum
3 – Oakland, CA | Oracle Arena
5 – Las Vegas, NV | The Joint @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
6 – Fresno, CA | Save Mart Center
7 – San Diego, CA | Viejas Arena
8 – Phoenix, AZ | Comerica Theatre
10 – Ontario, CA | Citizens Business Bank Arena
11 – Los Angeles, CA | STAPLES Center
22 – Denver, CO | Pepsi Center
24 – Chicago, IL | Sears Centre Arena
25 – Grand Rapids, MI | Van Andel Arena
27 – Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena
29 – Washington, DC | The Anthem
July
1 – Boston, MA | Agganis Arena
2 – New York, NY | Madison Square Garden Arena
BMI To Host 24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI Nashville is kicking off the holiday season with their 24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting this Thursday (Dec. 6) at their Music Row offices. The festivities will run from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and will include cocktails, apple cider, and music to get you in the holiday spirit.
Those wishing to attend the tree lighting, an annual tradition on the Row, should RSVP to nmoore@BMI.com.
Go Fund Me Page Created To Aid Nashville Musician Garrett Perales In Angiosarcoma Fight
/by Lorie HollabaughGarrett Perales, a Nashville musician who has played guitar for multiple artists and was most recently in Ryan Hurd’s band, has stage IV angiosarcoma of the lungs. Friends in the industry have created a Go Fund Me Page to help him with his medical bills, and those wanting to donate can help here.
Sarcoma is a rare cancer in adults (1% of all adult cancers), but rather prevalent in children (about 20% of all childhood cancers). It is made up of many “subtypes” because it can arise from a variety of tissue structures (nerves, muscles, joints, bone, fat, blood vessels – collectively referred to as the body’s “connective tissues”). Because these tissues are found everywhere on the body, Sarcomas can arise anywhere. Thus, within each site of the more “common” cancers there is the occasional surprise sarcoma diagnosis (e.g., breast sarcoma, stomach sarcoma, lung sarcoma, ovarian sarcoma, etc.). Angiosarcoma is one of the many “subtypes” of sarcoma.
Garrett has decided to forgo conventional treatment (such as chemotherapy) and is instead, doing alternative holistic treatments. Thus far, all treatments are being paid for out of pocket as most insurance companies don’t cover alternative medical treatments.
Music Biz To Honor Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman With Presidential Award
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) will honor Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman with its Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement at the Music Biz 2019 Conference’s Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, May 7 at the JW Marriott Nashville.
Goodman will join the esteemed ranks of previous Presidential Award honorees including last year’s winner, RIAA’s Cary Sherman, as well as Mike Dungan, Dick Clark, John Esposito, Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, Clive Davis, Casey Kasem, Sylvia Rhone, Scott Borchetta, and Russ Solomon, among others.
“I am thrilled to be adding Randy’s name to the impressive list of our former Presidential Award visionaries and leaders,” said Music Biz President James Donio. “As a 33-year industry veteran and a Nashville native to boot, I cannot think of another executive who is more deserving. It’s also quite appropriate that we’ll be celebrating Randy’s career at our fifth annual Conference to be held in Nashville. That’s because Randy was largely instrumental in Music Biz bringing the event to Music City. Representing the Music City Music Council with then Mayor Karl Dean, he made an extremely compelling case for us to make the move. And the growth and development of the Conference in the past five years certainly speaks for itself. We’re so grateful to Randy for his continued support and advocacy.”
Since taking the helm at Sony Music Nashville in July 2015, Goodman has led a team that also includes Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville, as well as Provident Music Group, a Christian music and film enterprise. In his tenure as the head of the company, Goodman has worked to bring talented newcomers into the forefront, including CMA and Grammy winner — and former Music Biz Breakthrough Artist Award recipient — Maren Morris; as well as Kane Brown, who just earned his first Billboard Top 200 No. 1 for his sophomore album Experiment; CMA New Artist of the Year Luke Combs, who notched a four-week Billboard Country Airplay #1 with his latest single “She Got The Best of Me”; and ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year Old Dominion. Meanwhile, the label group continues to spearhead the careers of multi-Platinum superstars including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Chris Young. He has also implemented a strategy to establish Sony Music Nashville as a leader in music streaming – an area where country music had been behind other genres. Sony Music Nashville’s Kane Brown and Luke Combs have both recently surpassed 2 billion career streams worldwide.
In January 2018, Goodman landed on Billboard’s “Power 100” list of music industry influencers and leaders. The Lipscomb University alum has led a number of record labels and has been involved with the careers of artists such as Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Wu-Tang Clan, Martina McBride, Clint Black, Keith Whitley, and The Judds. He spent 16 years with RCA Records, serving eventually as the Executive Vice President/General Manager of the RCA Label Group in Nashville. Goodman also spent five years in New York as the Senior Vice President/ Marketing for RCA.
Goodman founded Lyric Street Records in 1997 as the Country music arm of the Walt Disney Co. The label debuted multi-platinum artists such as SHeDAISY and Rascal Flatts. Aaron Tippin and American Idol finalist Josh Gracin also enjoyed platinum success while at Lyric Street. After serving as President and Chairman of the CMA Board (of which he is currently a member), Goodman co-chaired the Music City Music Council. He also serves as a board member for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the Country Radio Broadcasters and Convention Center Authority.
Music Biz 2019 will return to Nashville May 5-8 at the JW Marriott in the heart of downtown Nashville. Music Biz offers a platform for the commerce, content, and creative sectors to network, get on the cutting edge of the latest trends, and meet with trading partners. Announced thus far, singer/songwriter Bebe Rexha will accept the Breakthrough Artist Award during the Music Biz Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, May 7.
Randy Houser Preps Movie To Debut Alongside New Album ‘Magnolia’
/by Jessica NicholsonAs Randy Houser gears up to release his full-length new album Magnolia on Jan. 11 2019, he will simultaneously release a narrative film by the same title.
Magnolia the film is set in Houser’s home state of Mississippi, and follows two characters, Ana and Noah, through an intense relationship. The movie also centers around a group of oil rig workers, offering a visual representation that reflects the blue-collar lyrics found throughout Houser’s album. In the movie, Houser plays a local singer in a dive bar; the movie will feature several performance scenes from the singer-songwriter, including a rendition of his album’s lead single, “What Whiskey Does.”
“Magnolia tells my story but also tells the story of running away from something while not knowing exactly what you’re running to,” said Houser. “As I got into the groove of creating this album, the story became so vivid in my mind that I realized it had to live through more than just a body of music and become a film. That’s exactly what we created… a film about running towards your truth.”
After earning four No. 1 career hits, Houser spent time with friend and co-producer Keith Gattis at his studio in East Nashville, spending nearly two years penning songs that would result in Magnolia, and ushering in a more unvarnished sound for Houser.
Charitable Giving: Charlie Daniels, Dan+Shay, Michael W. Smith
/by Jessica NicholsonCharlie Daniels’ The Journey Home Project Donates $50K To Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
(Center) David Corlew presented a check from The Journey Home Project to (left) Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center director, and (right) Madan Jagasia, MBBS, MS, MMHC, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center chief medical officer, to support CAR-T cell therapy for veterans.
Last month, The Journey Home Project (TJHP) presented a $50,000 donation to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center to aid U.S. military veterans battling cancer. The purpose of the donation is to establish The Journey Home Project CAR-T Cell Therapy Fund, which will provide leading precision care to our veterans through the navigation and engineering of CAR-T cell therapy.
TJHP co-founder David Corlew was on site at Vanderbilt-Ingram in Nashville to present the funds to Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center director and Vanderbilt University Medical Center executive vice president for research, and Madan Jagasia, MBBS, MS, MMHC, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center chief medical officer.
“I have worked with [Board of Overseers chairperson] Orrin Ingram and Jennifer Pietenpol for many years through my service on the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Board of Overseers,” says Corlew. “I’m excited that The Journey Home Project will now become a part of this wonderful program that will help our veterans.”
Dan+Shay Raise $60K To Benefit Tree Of Life Synagogue
Dan+Shay. Photo: Patrick Tracy
Dan+Shay recently headlined a benefit concert at Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, raising more than $60,000 for the Tree of Life Synagogue.
Beyond the support demonstrated by a presence 1,200 strong, members of the sold-out crowd contributed several thousand dollars additionally via merchandise purchases (an exclusive, event-only t-shirt designed by Dan + Shay) as well as their own monetary donations. 100% of proceeds were donated to re-building the synagogue, which was tragically affected by a mass shooting in October.
Michael W. Smith Gives Away His First-Ever Children’s Books To Natal Intensive Care Units, Children’s Nurseries
Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith launched Nurturing Steps™ earlier this year, an infant and toddler series with the simple mission to enliven a child’s journey with hope and faith through music and storytelling. In the spirit of this holiday season, Smith will be giving away the first two books in the series from Zonderkidz™ to brand new parents while they are still at the hospital and in newborn nurseries surrounding his annual Christmas tour.
The gift baskets will include the NBC TODAY-lauded series’ Let’s Get Ready for Bed, released this month, and Nighty Night and Good Night along with a card from Smith congratulating the new parents. Both books were written by Smith and Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and voice of Larry the Cucumber. Where possible, photos of the new parents with their gifts will be shared on the stage’s video screens during their city’s “Michael W. Smith Christmas” tour event.
Smith will also offer the Nurturing Steps books for sale at venues surrounding his popular Christmas tour. With multiple sellout crowds expected, the 18-city tour launched Nov. 28 in Dallas and will travel to major markets across the U.S.
CMA Songwriters Series Announces London C2C Festival Performance
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“The CMA Songwriters Series has developed a reputation for delivering some wonderful magic moments on the eve of C2C each year,” said Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development. “We anticipate our next performance will be no different and we’re thrilled to reveal the 2019 lineup. Presenting hit songwriters and introducing new acts to U.K. audiences is so gratifying, with fans in the U.K. being so attentive and open to discovering new Country artists.”
Currently in its 14th season, the CMA Songwriters Series has presented more than 100 shows in multiple cities across the U.S. and the U.K. as well as Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo and Hamburg. Artists and songwriters who have participated in the series internationally include Jessi Alexander, Brandy Clark, Chris DeStefano, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Maren Morris, Liz Rose, Drake White, Charlie Worsham, and more.
Industry Ink: Florida Georgia Line, Hayley Williams, Scotty McCreery
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line Celebrates First Night Of Las Vegas Residency
Pictured (L-R): Back row – Live Nation’s Mick Treadwell, Big Loud Partner Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, FGL’s Brian Kelley, Live Nation Las Vegas VP Marketing Amanda Moore, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, Big Loud Partner Seth England, Canaan Smith, and Zappos Theater GM “Tex” Dike. Front row – Mason Ramsey. Photo: John Shearer
Duo Florida Georgia Line kicked off their first-ever Las Vegas residency with a sold-out opening night on Saturday, Dec. 1 inside Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Featuring openers Big Loud Records and Atlantic Records’ artist Mason Ramsey and chart-rising Tree Vibez Music singer-songwriter Canaan Smith on the bill, Nelly made a surprise guest appearance joining FGL for the 11X Platinum-certified mega hit “Cruise.”
Florida Georgia Line Live From Las Vegas will roll on for four more nights – Dec 5, 7, 8, and 11 – with all shows beginning at 8 p.m.
Paramore’s Hayley Williams To Curate Bonnaroo Plaza
Scotty McCreery Launches Seasons Change Tour
Pictured: Heather Morgan, Jimmie Allen, Scotty McCreery. Photo: Scott Stem
Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery launched his Seasons Change Tour last week at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, Nov. 29. Promoted by Live Nation, the entertainer also played in front of ecstatic fans at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio on Friday, Nov. 30, and the House of Blues in Houston on Saturday, Dec. 1. The tour celebrates McCreery’s current album Seasons Change, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country album chart in March.