Ashley Gorley accepts the Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 609
Winning never gets old.
That’s the way both Ashley Gorley and Warner/Chappell Music feel—both won their sixth top ASCAP honors this year. At ceremonies held at the Renaissance Hotel Monday night (Nov. 12), Warner/Chappell’s 19 honored copyrights led to its being named Country Publisher of the Year for the sixth consecutive time. Gorley earned his sixth Country Songwriter of the Year prize.
Warner/Chappell is presented with the Publisher of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode
“People ask me if this ever gets old – absolutely NOT,” said the songwriter. “Writing songs, doing what we do, never gets old. I’m still dying for more songs that people love. It doesn’t go away.
“This continues to be more than I deserve…..I’ve still got a lot to learn. That’s the thing about the creative process….I’m so thankful to God that He crafted us to be creators.”
Jesse Frasure presented Gorley’s honor, citing the tunesmith’s 38 No. 1 singles, 300 cuts, 1999 Belmont degree and his status as, “our biggest hit maker of the last decade. Ashley, you have truly changed the face of country music.”
Brett Young with his Songwriter-Artist of the Year award pictured at Red Rocks.
The Songwriter-Artist of the Year award went to Brett Young. He’s on his honeymoon, but sent in a thank-you video.
The most memorable moments of the two-hour gala were its music performances. The Cadillac Three launched the ceremony with its rocking “Hard Out Here for a Country Boy.” As is ASCAP’s custom, the three top country songs were sung during the evening.
Charismatic Trace Adkins performed “What If’s.” Dustin Lynch did his hit “Small Town Boy,” alongside songwriters Ben Hayslip, Kyle Fishman and Rhett Akins.
Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter-artist Sam Hunt, and songwriter Zach Crowell perform Song of the Year, “Body Like a Back Road.” Photo: Ed Rode
The ASCAP Country Song of the Year was “Body Like a Back Road.” Handsome Sam Hunt sang it with his co-writers, Josh Osborne and Zach Crowell.
Even better were the musical tributes sung to this year’s Golden Note winner, Lee Ann Womack. Buddy Miller kicked it off with a searing, solidly country rendition of “Don’t Tell Me,” one of six of his songs that Womack has recorded.
“There’s not a more honest or soulful singer out there,” said Miller of the honoree.
Alison Krauss and songwriter Tony Lane traded lines on his “A Little Past Little Rock,” with Viktor Krauss on stand-up bass support. They were rewarded with a standing ovation, as was Chris Stapleton’s dynamic rendition of “Either Way.”
“Not a lot of people know this, but Lee Ann was the first person who ever brought me out on stage as a professional,” Stapleton recalled.
“I’m thrilled to be here to honor one of my true heroes,” said Carly Pearce, who presented Womack’s accolade.
“I love the songwriters of this town,” said the award winner. “Everywhere I go, I tell people we have the greatest songwriting community. Thank you to all the songwriters, song pluggers and song publishers in the room. Thank you.” She suggested that anyone who’s written a “lonely” country song should drop a copy off for her at hubby Frank Liddell’s office.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta, Golden Note winner Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, President & Chairman Paul Williams, VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode
The Golden Note is presented to artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous winners have included Don Williams, Lindsey Buckingham, Alan Jackson, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire and J.D. Souther, among others.
More than 40 songs were honored at the ceremony. Songwriters collecting accolades included Chris DuBois, Chris Destefano, Steven Dale Jones, David Garcia, Dave Barnes, Jonathan Singleton, Jon Nite, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Adam Hambrick, Derek George, Scooter Carusoe, Frank Rogers and Matt Dregstrem.
Sprinkled amid the crowd of 1,000 were such bright lights as Brothers Osborne, Midland, David Lee Murphy, Dierks Bentley, Dan Smyers (of Dan + Shay), LoCash, Clare Dunn, C.J. Solar, The Sisterhood, Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Dave Haywood (of Lady A), Drake White, Michael Ray, Morgan Wallen, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Jillian Jacqueline and Jordan Davis, plus Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen and Matthew Ramsey (of Old Dominion).
We dined on beef medallions, shrimp, mashed potatoes and tragically undercooked root vegetables. Salads with mixed greens, apple slices, candied walnuts and blue-cheese crumbles were the first course. Rich chocolate tortes topped with strawberries were the dessert finale.
A Who’s-Who of the Nashville music biz attended. Mark Ford, Mark Bright, Mark D. Sanders, Marc Beeson, John Marks, John Huie, John Esposito, Craig Wiseman, Craig Campbell, Doug Johnson, Doug Casmus, Doug Howard & Linda Edell Howard, Chris Farren, Chris Oglesby, Daniel Miller, Daniel Hill, B.J. Hill, Tim DuBois, Tim Wipperman, Tim Nichols, Dale Bobo, Dale Dodson, Scott Borchetta, Scott Hendricks, Brett James, Jimmy Robbins and Robert Ellis Orrall mixed and mingled.
The throng of schmoozing fabulons also included Randy Goodman, Ben Vaughn, Kent Earls, Allison Jones, Alicia Warwick, Woody Bomar, Mike Hollandsworth, Jeff Silbar, C.J. Harding, Erika Wollam Nichols, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Cyndi Forman, Rusty Gaston, Barry Coburn, Liz Hengber, Julie Boos, Leslie DiPiero, Carla Wallace and Herkie Williams.
Michael Martin, John Titta, Paul Williams and big applause getter Mike Sistad were among the ASCAP folks presiding. This was the 56th annual ASCAP country awards presentation.
The PRO’s CEO Elizabeth Matthews termed the recently passed Music Modernization Act, “a true testament to music’s power, not only to bring people together, but to bring politics together.” She also addressed the Borderline country nightclub mass shooting in California, saying, “Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of that tragedy.”
Industry Ink: Academy Of Country Music, Banner Music, MC1 Nashville Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Promotes Maddy Stessman To Manager, Administration
Maddy Stessman
The ACM has promoted Maddy Stessman to the newly created role of Manager, Administration. The position is based out of the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA. Originally from Petaluma, CA, Stessman studied broadcast and digital journalism at Syracuse University and interned at NBC’s Affiliate Marketing Department, The Meredith Vieira Show and The TODAY Show, as well as the Academy of Country Music, where she supported the Events team for the Academy’s historic 50th Anniversary in Texas. She joined the Academy full-time in fall 2016, where she most recently served as Coordinator, Events. In her newly-created role, Stessman will oversee administrative tasks and report to ACM CEO, Pete Fisher, and assist both Senior Vice President Finance & Operations, Tom Torii and Senior Director of Administration & Board Governance, Tommy Moore.
Matt Wynn’s “Dust” Kicks Off Banner Believers Series
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Powell (Banner Music Creative Services Manager), Matt Wynn,
Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music Owner/CEO)
Matt Wynn and Banner Music have just released “Dust,” the inaugural song in the company’s Banner Believers series. “Dust” is Wynn’s debut single, which he co-wrote with Banner Music’s Alex Dooley and Daniel Kleindienst. Banner launched its new Banner Believers production project to give artists and writers like Wynn a chance to get their music out. The concept is to release songs from artists who write with Banner Music’s staff writers without all the strings attached of a typical deal.
Randy Barnette Inks With MC1 Nashville Publishing
“I’m proud to be part of the MC1 Nashville Family with Sony/The Orchard Distribution,” said Barnette.
Lindsay Ell, Kassi Ashton, The Sisterhood Band, Clare Dunn Kick Off CMA Week With Budweiser
/by Lorie HollabaughLindsay Ell, Clare Dunn, Kassi Ashton, The Sisterhood Band, Cassadee Pope and Natalie Stovall surprised fans for grand finale performance and jam session at The Budweiser Country Club to kick off the CMA Awards at the EXIT/IN in Nashville. Photo: Rick Williams
Budweiser kicked off CMA week with its official CMA Awards showcase, The Budweiser Country Club, with performances by Lindsay Ell, Clare Dunn, Kassi Ashton and The Sisterhood Band and surprise appearances by Cassadee Pope and Natalie Stovall at Nashville’s EXIT/IN Monday night (Nov. 12).
The night was packed full of female powerhouse performances and surprises including country covers of Led Zeppelin, Bob Seger, John Mayer, and an all-female jam session with a grand finale and cover of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends.”
The evening benefitted the “It Starts with M.E. (Music Education)” Campaign. The Budweiser Country Club is a fan enhancing experience at the largest country festivals and events around the U.S. and features fun photo opps, a dance floor, games, as well as a variety of giveaways.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Ashley Gorley, Warner/Chappell Reign Again At ASCAP Country Awards
/by Bobby KarlAshley Gorley accepts the Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 609
Winning never gets old.
That’s the way both Ashley Gorley and Warner/Chappell Music feel—both won their sixth top ASCAP honors this year. At ceremonies held at the Renaissance Hotel Monday night (Nov. 12), Warner/Chappell’s 19 honored copyrights led to its being named Country Publisher of the Year for the sixth consecutive time. Gorley earned his sixth Country Songwriter of the Year prize.
Warner/Chappell is presented with the Publisher of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode
“People ask me if this ever gets old – absolutely NOT,” said the songwriter. “Writing songs, doing what we do, never gets old. I’m still dying for more songs that people love. It doesn’t go away.
“This continues to be more than I deserve…..I’ve still got a lot to learn. That’s the thing about the creative process….I’m so thankful to God that He crafted us to be creators.”
Jesse Frasure presented Gorley’s honor, citing the tunesmith’s 38 No. 1 singles, 300 cuts, 1999 Belmont degree and his status as, “our biggest hit maker of the last decade. Ashley, you have truly changed the face of country music.”
Brett Young with his Songwriter-Artist of the Year award pictured at Red Rocks.
The Songwriter-Artist of the Year award went to Brett Young. He’s on his honeymoon, but sent in a thank-you video.
The most memorable moments of the two-hour gala were its music performances. The Cadillac Three launched the ceremony with its rocking “Hard Out Here for a Country Boy.” As is ASCAP’s custom, the three top country songs were sung during the evening.
Charismatic Trace Adkins performed “What If’s.” Dustin Lynch did his hit “Small Town Boy,” alongside songwriters Ben Hayslip, Kyle Fishman and Rhett Akins.
Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter-artist Sam Hunt, and songwriter Zach Crowell perform Song of the Year, “Body Like a Back Road.” Photo: Ed Rode
The ASCAP Country Song of the Year was “Body Like a Back Road.” Handsome Sam Hunt sang it with his co-writers, Josh Osborne and Zach Crowell.
Even better were the musical tributes sung to this year’s Golden Note winner, Lee Ann Womack. Buddy Miller kicked it off with a searing, solidly country rendition of “Don’t Tell Me,” one of six of his songs that Womack has recorded.
“There’s not a more honest or soulful singer out there,” said Miller of the honoree.
Alison Krauss and songwriter Tony Lane traded lines on his “A Little Past Little Rock,” with Viktor Krauss on stand-up bass support. They were rewarded with a standing ovation, as was Chris Stapleton’s dynamic rendition of “Either Way.”
“Not a lot of people know this, but Lee Ann was the first person who ever brought me out on stage as a professional,” Stapleton recalled.
“I’m thrilled to be here to honor one of my true heroes,” said Carly Pearce, who presented Womack’s accolade.
“I love the songwriters of this town,” said the award winner. “Everywhere I go, I tell people we have the greatest songwriting community. Thank you to all the songwriters, song pluggers and song publishers in the room. Thank you.” She suggested that anyone who’s written a “lonely” country song should drop a copy off for her at hubby Frank Liddell’s office.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta, Golden Note winner Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, President & Chairman Paul Williams, VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode
The Golden Note is presented to artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous winners have included Don Williams, Lindsey Buckingham, Alan Jackson, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire and J.D. Souther, among others.
More than 40 songs were honored at the ceremony. Songwriters collecting accolades included Chris DuBois, Chris Destefano, Steven Dale Jones, David Garcia, Dave Barnes, Jonathan Singleton, Jon Nite, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Adam Hambrick, Derek George, Scooter Carusoe, Frank Rogers and Matt Dregstrem.
Sprinkled amid the crowd of 1,000 were such bright lights as Brothers Osborne, Midland, David Lee Murphy, Dierks Bentley, Dan Smyers (of Dan + Shay), LoCash, Clare Dunn, C.J. Solar, The Sisterhood, Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Dave Haywood (of Lady A), Drake White, Michael Ray, Morgan Wallen, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Jillian Jacqueline and Jordan Davis, plus Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen and Matthew Ramsey (of Old Dominion).
We dined on beef medallions, shrimp, mashed potatoes and tragically undercooked root vegetables. Salads with mixed greens, apple slices, candied walnuts and blue-cheese crumbles were the first course. Rich chocolate tortes topped with strawberries were the dessert finale.
A Who’s-Who of the Nashville music biz attended. Mark Ford, Mark Bright, Mark D. Sanders, Marc Beeson, John Marks, John Huie, John Esposito, Craig Wiseman, Craig Campbell, Doug Johnson, Doug Casmus, Doug Howard & Linda Edell Howard, Chris Farren, Chris Oglesby, Daniel Miller, Daniel Hill, B.J. Hill, Tim DuBois, Tim Wipperman, Tim Nichols, Dale Bobo, Dale Dodson, Scott Borchetta, Scott Hendricks, Brett James, Jimmy Robbins and Robert Ellis Orrall mixed and mingled.
The throng of schmoozing fabulons also included Randy Goodman, Ben Vaughn, Kent Earls, Allison Jones, Alicia Warwick, Woody Bomar, Mike Hollandsworth, Jeff Silbar, C.J. Harding, Erika Wollam Nichols, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Cyndi Forman, Rusty Gaston, Barry Coburn, Liz Hengber, Julie Boos, Leslie DiPiero, Carla Wallace and Herkie Williams.
Michael Martin, John Titta, Paul Williams and big applause getter Mike Sistad were among the ASCAP folks presiding. This was the 56th annual ASCAP country awards presentation.
The PRO’s CEO Elizabeth Matthews termed the recently passed Music Modernization Act, “a true testament to music’s power, not only to bring people together, but to bring politics together.” She also addressed the Borderline country nightclub mass shooting in California, saying, “Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of that tragedy.”
Walker Hayes Takes Cues From Fans For 2019 Tour Title
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Matthew Berinato
Walker Hayes enlisted the help of his fans to name his upcoming 2019 Dream On It tour, which kicks off in January. The winning name was selected by Hayes himself through a contest he posted to his socials and was chosen from thousands of proposals. The winner of the contest received tickets to any of the tour’s show dates with a guest as well as dinner with Hayes and his band at the tour stop of their choosing.
“I’m so jacked to announce my Dream On It Tour and get back on the road,” said Hayes. “Thank you to my fans for working so hard to help me pick the perfect tour name. Y’all have been involved since the beginning, so it only seemed fitting to have y’all be part of it.”
Filmore will join Hayes on much of his Dream On It Tour, where fans can expect to hear their favorites including his latest single, “90’s Country,” which is currently available on all digital and streaming platforms. Dates on the new tour include a stop in Nashville at the Mercy Lounge on March 5, and tickets go on sale to the public Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. CT. VIP tickets, featuring early entry to the venue, a meet & greet, a pre-show acoustic performance, a Q&A session, a “90’s Country” lyric sheet signed by Walker, a “90’s Country” koozie, and more are available for purchase.
Dream On It Tour Dates:
Jan. 31, 2019 — Houston, TX — House of Blues Houston
Feb. 1, 2019 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues Dallas
Feb. 2, 2019 — Baton Rouge, La. — Texas Club
Feb. 8, 2019 — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — The Block
Feb. 22, 2019 — Rosemont, Ill. — Joe’s Live
Feb. 23, 2019 — Grand Rapids, Mich. — Elevation at The Intersection
Feb. 28, 2019 — Ashwaubenon, Wis. — Green Bay Distillery
Mar. 1, 2019 — Madison, Wis. — Majestic Theatre
Mar. 2, 2019 — Des Moines, Iowa — Wooly’s
Mar. 5, 2019 — Nashville, Tenn. — Mercy Lounge
Mar. 7, 2019 — Atlanta, Ga. — Buckhead Theatre
Mar. 8, 2019 — Birmingham, Ala. — Iron City
Mar. 14, 2019 — Rocky Mount, Va. — Harvester Performance Center
Mar. 15, 2019 — North Myrtle Beach, S.C. — House of Blues Myrtle Beach
Mar. 21, 2019 — Silver Spring, Md. — The Fillmore
Mar. 22, 2019 — Philadelphia, Pa. — The TLA
Mar. 23, 2019 — Boston, Mass. — House of Blues Boston
April 11, 2019 — Columbus, Ohio — Newport Music Hall
April 12, 2019 — Knoxville, Tenn. — The Mill & Mine
April 13, 2019 — Greensboro, N.C. — Cone Denim Entertainment Center
April 26, 2019 — Denver, Colo. — Grizzly Rose*
April 27, 2019 — Salt Lake City, Utah — The Depot
April 29, 2019 — San Martin, Calif. — Clos La Chance Winery
April 30, 2019 — Sacramento, Calif. — Ace of Spades
May 2, 2019 — Seattle, Wash. — Showbox
May 3, 2019 — Spokane, Wash. — The Knitting Factory
May 4, 2019 — Boise, Idaho — Knitting Factory Concert House
*Filmore will not be opening that date
Wynonna, Tyler Childers, Keb’ Mo’ To Headline MerleFest
/by Jessica NicholsonThe initial lineup for 2019’s MerleFest has been revealed. The festival is set for April 25-28 at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Wynonna and the Big Noise, Tyler Childers, Keb’ Mo’, The Earls of Leicester, Sam Bush, Peter Rowan and the Free Mexican Air Force and more have been announced as part of the lineup.
Additionally, the 2019 Late Night Jam on Saturday, April 27 will start at 10:30 p.m. and run well past midnight, hosted by Chatham County Line.
Ticket sales for both the festival and Late Night Jam begin at 10 a.m. EST on Nov. 13.
Weekly Register: Pistol Annies, Rosanne Cash Make Top Country Album Debuts
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Albums
Pistol Annies. Photo: Miller Mobley
Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley reside at the top of this week’s country albums chart, as their trio Pistol Annies’ third album Interstate Gospel debuts at No. 1, with 30K in total consumption (27K album only), according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Luke Combs‘ This One’s For You is at No. 2 with 21K in total consumption. Dan+Shay‘s self-titled effort lands at No. 3 with 13.4K. Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller is at No. 4 with 12.4K, followed by Kane Brown‘s self-titled album at No. 5 with 11.2K.
Another notable debut is Rosanne Cash at No. 16 on the country chart, with She Remembers Everything moving 5.7K (5.5K album only).
Country Streaming
Kane Brown. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Kane Brown continues to ride high on the country streaming sales chart, with “Heaven” at No. 1 again, with 7.2 million streams this week. Dan+Shay‘s “Speechless” is at No. 2 with 6.1 million streams. The duo’s “Tequila” is at No. 3 with 6.7 million streams this week, followed by Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey,” at No. 4 with 6.3 million. Luke Combs‘ “She Got The Best Of Me” is at No. 5 with 5.6 million.
Country Digital Songs Sales
Dan+Shay. Photo: Patrick Tracy
Dan+Shay top the digital country songs chart with “Speechless” moving 11.4K. Jimmie Allen‘s “Best Shot” is at No. 2 with 7.4K, while Luke Combs‘ “She Got The Best Of Me” is at No. 3 with 7.3K. Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 4 with 7.1K, while Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” rounds out the Top 5 with 6.6K.
Eric Church Added To CMA Awards Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church joins the growing list of artists who will be performing on tomorrow night’s “52nd Annual CMA Awards,” which will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC. Church has won three CMA awards, including Album of the Year in 2012 and 2016 and Musical Event of the Year in 2015, and has been nominated 25 times. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host the awards for the 11th consecutive year.
The lineup for Country Music’s Biggest Night will also include performances by Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean with Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley with Brothers Osborne, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line with Bebe Rexha, Midland, Kacey Musgraves, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Pistol Annies, Thomas Rhett, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Stapleton with Maren Morris and Mavis Staples, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Brett Young. Special appearances include Lindsay Ell, Vince Gill, Sierra Hull, Chris Janson, Ashley McBryde, David Lee Murphy, Jon Pardi, Carson Peters, Marty Stuart and Cole Swindell.
Those set to present on the show include Jimmie Allen, Bobby Bones, Kane Brown, Sharna Burgess, Olivia Culpo, Mackenzie Foy, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Carly Pearce, Dennis Quaid, Lionel Richie, Noah Schnapp, Rita Wilson and Trisha Yearwood.
Country Trio Pistol Annies Debut At No. 1 With Third Album ‘Interstate Gospel’
/by Jessica NicholsonPistol Annies. Photo: Miller Mobley
Pistol Annies‘ third album Interstate Gospel (RCA Records Nashville) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. The project moved over 26K in its debut week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
The album is led by the single, “Got My Name Changed Back.”
Interstate Gospel follows 2013’s Annie Up, and 2011’s Gold-certified Hell on Heels, which also produced Platinum certification from title track.
The trio, comprised of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley, will perform as part of the CMA Awards, airing on ABC on Wednesday, Nov. 14. They recently previewed the album with a show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, as well as concerts at New York City’s The Town Hall, and Los Angeles’ The Novo.
Kane Brown Sets Apple Music Record
/by Jessica NicholsonKane Brown‘s latest album, Experiment, which released Nov. 9, has already set a new U.S. record on Apple Music, as the largest debut for a country album in the first 24 hours of release. In one day, the new album garnered more than 2.5 million streams.
On Nov. 1, a week ahead of the album release of Experiment, Apple Music hosted an exclusive one-night-only performance for Kane Brown fans at 12th and Porter in Nashville, where Brown premiered brand new music from Experiment, and invited fans into his world with an advance screening of Apple Music Presents: Kane Brown – Experiment.
Brown and Apple Music have a solid history; Brown was the first country artist to be played globally on Apple Music’s Beats 1. He is also a staple on Apple Music’s playlists including Country Wide, The A-List: Country, and his own Essentials Playlists.
ole Appoints New CEO
/by Jessica NicholsonHelen Murphy
Independent music publisher ole has named a new chief executive officer. Helen Murphy has been announced as successor to Robert Ott, who will continue to serve as an advisor to Murphy and the ole Board of Directors.
Murphy previously founded International Media Services, Inc, which provides strategic and financial advisory services to clients in the global media and entertainment industries. Services include structuring and negotiating brand extensions; negotiating and executing new media/digital growth opportunities; financial/organizational restructuring and integration activities; and negotiating and structuring acquisitions.
Murphy said, “I am passionate about music and very excited that the music industry has returned to growth around the world. Given the ever-increasing ways people have to consume music, I believe we have an incredible opportunity at ole to continue to create value for our songwriters, our artists and our global production music and intellectual property business partners. I look forward to working with the team at ole and with its founding partner, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers’).”
Prior to founding IMS in 2004, Helen was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Warner Music Group (WMG). At WMG, Murphy was responsible for the finance, human resources, business development, information technology and real estate functions. In 2012, she was the lead external negotiator for Sony Corporation and Mubadala Development Company to acquire The EMI Music Publishing catalog for $1 billion and to negotiate a long-term administration deal for the Sony/ATV Catalog with Mubadala. Murphy also was CFO for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and led the initial public offering of the company. In the 1990’s, she held a series of senior financial positions, including CFO at PolyGram Music Group (now Universal Music Group).
“It has been a privilege and honor to found ole and grow the company to its present position as a global player,” Ott said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with many incredible people over the years and have learned so much from them. I’m thankful to Ontario Teachers for their belief in a dream and wish Helen Murphy and ole every success in the future.”
Ontario Teachers’ Senior Managing Director, Capital Markets, Gillian Brown said, “We believe that Helen’s track-record, industry knowledge, creative relationships and passion for excellence make her the right person to lead the next phase of ole’s growth and development in this exciting time for the company and for the industry. We thank Robert for the contribution he has made to ole during his tenure. His decision to stay on as an advisor to Helen and the Board will ensure a smooth transition and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”