Pictured (L-R): Rich McCune, Senior Vice President and Regional Team Manager, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank, Nate Wehunt, Senior Vice President and Digital Channels Manager, Marketing and Product Strategy, City National Bank, Loren Mahler, Founder, Dealy Mahler Strategies, LLC., Billy Eiselstein, General Counsel, Miller & Martin, PLLC, Martha Henderson, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank, Frank Abagnale, Briane Grey, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Security, City National Bank, Lori Badgett, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank. Photo: A&M Portraits (anmportraits.com).
City National Bank brought renowned cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale to Nashville for an exclusive forum on October 3 in The Ford Theater at The Country Music Hall of Fame. Abagnale gained international notoriety from the depiction of his life in the Academy Award-nominated feature film, Catch Me If You Can, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and from his preceding best-selling book of the same name.
Before joining a panel of industry experts, Abagnale gave a keynote about his life’s incredible and riveting journey. For those not familiar with his story, he spent his early youth as a con man forging checks and quickly became one of the most infamous impostors of that time. He falsely assumed many identities including an airline pilot for Pan American, a physician, and a lawyer from age 15 to 21 years old. He fled from police custody on more than one occasion including from authorities on a moving commercial airliner that was turning onto a taxiway after landing at New York’s JFK International Airport.
Pictured (L-R): Nate Wehunt, Senior Vice President and Digital Channels Manager, Marketing and Product Strategy, City National Bank, Frank Abagnale, Loren Mahler, Founder, Dealy Mahler Strategies, LLC., Billy Eiselstein, General Counsel, Miller & Martin, PLLC, Briane Grey, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Security, City National Bank. Photo: A&M Portraits (anmportraits.com).
He eventually succumbed to authorities in 1969 in Montrichard, France, when an airline attendant who he had once dated recognized him and turned him over to police. After serving time in France under horrific conditions and being extradited to the U.S., he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. After serving fewer than five years, the FBI offered him a job and release from prison in exchange for his expertise in helping federal authorities investigate and solve crimes related to fraud. He was obligated to spend the remaining time of his sentence working for the FBI. He continues to this day working for the FBI, some 45 years past his original obligation to the agency.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and renowned cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale. Photo: MusicRow.
Abagnale shared intimate details of his personal life with the invited guests including details depicted in the Steven Spielberg produced movie.
When he was sentenced to the French prison, Abagnale weighed 198 lbs and left confinement at a staggering 109 lbs. His love for his father grew immensely during prison; however, he never saw his father again after running away from home and being imprisoned due to a freak slip-and-fall accident that caused his father’s death.
Spielberg took great strides in depicting the prison cell scene in the movie to make it as authentic as possible using old logs from the prison.
Abagnale doesn’t look back fondly during his infamous times of being the world’s most famous con man. He sees his actions as criminal, immoral and regrettable. He has passed on pardons offered from three sitting presidents citing he doesn’t think a piece of paper should erase the consequences of his bad decisions as a youth. Prior to the movie coming out, his neighbor of many years knew nothing of his past. It was a past life he seldom shared.
Crediting his wife for everything positive in his life, Abagnale took his expertise and became one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents.
Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Publisher and Owner, MusicRow Magazine, Frank Abagnale, Lori Badgett, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank, Martha Henderson, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank. Photo: A&M Portraits (anmportraits.com).
After his keynote, Abagnale joined a panel of experts to discuss cyber fraud and identity theft. Panelists included Briane M. Grey, City National Bank’s Senior VP and Director of Corporate Security; Loren Dealy Mahler, President and Founder of Dealy Mahler Strategies; attorney Billy Eiselstein, Partner of Miller & Martin and moderator Nate Wehunt, City National Bank’s Senior VP and Digital Channels Manager.
One of the most thought-provoking comments involved the use of passwords. “Passwords are for tree houses,” proclaimed Abagnale. He further explained that passwords were first used in the 1960s but yet remarkably, they still remain the main form of securing access, a technology that has long exceeded its useful life. He is currently working with Trusona, a company that will help eliminate the need for passwords.
When asked about identity theft, he confessed that social security numbers and personal information of a child is much more valuable on the dark web than that of an adult–due mainly to the longevity of being able to impersonate a child for many years and stealing their identity.
Looking into the future, Abagnale shared that hackers currently have the technology to stop, slow down, or speed up a person’s pacemaker if they are a few feet away from a person. Likewise, with automobiles being heavily ran by some 200+ internal computers, hackers have the ability to shut down an automobile and lock you in your car if in close proximity. But what happens when that technology allows hackers to do that from thousands of miles away? Those are the type of security concerns we should have in the future.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson spoke with Abagnale after the forum to ask a burning question about a particular scene in Catch Me If You Can. “Did you really escape out of a moving commercial airliner as depicted in the movie?’ asked Robertson. Abagale replied with a smile, “Yes, I did. But it wasn’t through the bathroom as shown in the movie. I escaped through the food service area of the plane.”
Scotty McCreery To Perform At Graceland’s Annual Holiday Lighting
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery and Marty Stuart will help kick off the holiday season Elvis-style at Graceland on Nov. 15 when they flip the switch and help turn on the magic of the season at Graceland’s Annual Holiday Lighting Event. The event, free and open to the public, will also include a special performance by McCreery, an appearance by Santa and a 100 percent chance of “snow.”
Immediately following, the Hallmark Channel movie Christmas At Graceland will have its World Premiere on the Soundstage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis. This all-new holiday film, shot on location at Graceland, is filled with music made famous by Elvis, and stars Kellie Pickler (Pickler & Ben). Director Eric Close (Nashville) and star Wes Brown (True Blood) will attend both the Lighting Ceremony and the World Premiere to debut the new film.
The Premiere is a by-invitation, ticketed event, but complimentary tickets will be made available that night at the door based on availability. More information can be found at graceland.com/christmas.
Seasonal holiday tours of the interior of Graceland mansion, featuring the Presley family’s personal Christmas décor, will be offered through Jan. 8. The holiday festivities continue with Graceland’s 2nd Annual Holiday Concert Weekend Dec. 14-15, 2018. On Friday, Dec. 14, Elvis’ biggest Christmas hits will be performed with a live orchestra led by renown UK conductor Robin Smith and featuring local Memphis musicians, vocalists, choirs and dancers. On Saturday, Dec. 15, there will be two themed concerts on one night: an Elvis Gospel Christmas concert starring former members of JD Sumner and The Stamps Quartet and The Blackwood Brothers; and an Elvis Star-Studded Rock ‘n’ Roll show starring legendary guitarist James Burton of Elvis’ TCB Band.
City National Bank Brings Renowned ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Fraud Expert Frank Abagnale To Nashville
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured (L-R): Rich McCune, Senior Vice President and Regional Team Manager, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank, Nate Wehunt, Senior Vice President and Digital Channels Manager, Marketing and Product Strategy, City National Bank, Loren Mahler, Founder, Dealy Mahler Strategies, LLC., Billy Eiselstein, General Counsel, Miller & Martin, PLLC, Martha Henderson, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank, Frank Abagnale, Briane Grey, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Security, City National Bank, Lori Badgett, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank. Photo: A&M Portraits (anmportraits.com).
City National Bank brought renowned cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale to Nashville for an exclusive forum on October 3 in The Ford Theater at The Country Music Hall of Fame. Abagnale gained international notoriety from the depiction of his life in the Academy Award-nominated feature film, Catch Me If You Can, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and from his preceding best-selling book of the same name.
Before joining a panel of industry experts, Abagnale gave a keynote about his life’s incredible and riveting journey. For those not familiar with his story, he spent his early youth as a con man forging checks and quickly became one of the most infamous impostors of that time. He falsely assumed many identities including an airline pilot for Pan American, a physician, and a lawyer from age 15 to 21 years old. He fled from police custody on more than one occasion including from authorities on a moving commercial airliner that was turning onto a taxiway after landing at New York’s JFK International Airport.
Pictured (L-R): Nate Wehunt, Senior Vice President and Digital Channels Manager, Marketing and Product Strategy, City National Bank, Frank Abagnale, Loren Mahler, Founder, Dealy Mahler Strategies, LLC., Billy Eiselstein, General Counsel, Miller & Martin, PLLC, Briane Grey, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Security, City National Bank. Photo: A&M Portraits (anmportraits.com).
He eventually succumbed to authorities in 1969 in Montrichard, France, when an airline attendant who he had once dated recognized him and turned him over to police. After serving time in France under horrific conditions and being extradited to the U.S., he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. After serving fewer than five years, the FBI offered him a job and release from prison in exchange for his expertise in helping federal authorities investigate and solve crimes related to fraud. He was obligated to spend the remaining time of his sentence working for the FBI. He continues to this day working for the FBI, some 45 years past his original obligation to the agency.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and renowned cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale. Photo: MusicRow.
Abagnale shared intimate details of his personal life with the invited guests including details depicted in the Steven Spielberg produced movie.
When he was sentenced to the French prison, Abagnale weighed 198 lbs and left confinement at a staggering 109 lbs. His love for his father grew immensely during prison; however, he never saw his father again after running away from home and being imprisoned due to a freak slip-and-fall accident that caused his father’s death.
Spielberg took great strides in depicting the prison cell scene in the movie to make it as authentic as possible using old logs from the prison.
Abagnale doesn’t look back fondly during his infamous times of being the world’s most famous con man. He sees his actions as criminal, immoral and regrettable. He has passed on pardons offered from three sitting presidents citing he doesn’t think a piece of paper should erase the consequences of his bad decisions as a youth. Prior to the movie coming out, his neighbor of many years knew nothing of his past. It was a past life he seldom shared.
Crediting his wife for everything positive in his life, Abagnale took his expertise and became one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents.
Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Publisher and Owner, MusicRow Magazine, Frank Abagnale, Lori Badgett, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank, Martha Henderson, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Banking, City National Bank. Photo: A&M Portraits (anmportraits.com).
After his keynote, Abagnale joined a panel of experts to discuss cyber fraud and identity theft. Panelists included Briane M. Grey, City National Bank’s Senior VP and Director of Corporate Security; Loren Dealy Mahler, President and Founder of Dealy Mahler Strategies; attorney Billy Eiselstein, Partner of Miller & Martin and moderator Nate Wehunt, City National Bank’s Senior VP and Digital Channels Manager.
One of the most thought-provoking comments involved the use of passwords. “Passwords are for tree houses,” proclaimed Abagnale. He further explained that passwords were first used in the 1960s but yet remarkably, they still remain the main form of securing access, a technology that has long exceeded its useful life. He is currently working with Trusona, a company that will help eliminate the need for passwords.
Looking into the future, Abagnale shared that hackers currently have the technology to stop, slow down, or speed up a person’s pacemaker if they are a few feet away from a person. Likewise, with automobiles being heavily ran by some 200+ internal computers, hackers have the ability to shut down an automobile and lock you in your car if in close proximity. But what happens when that technology allows hackers to do that from thousands of miles away? Those are the type of security concerns we should have in the future.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson spoke with Abagnale after the forum to ask a burning question about a particular scene in Catch Me If You Can. “Did you really escape out of a moving commercial airliner as depicted in the movie?’ asked Robertson. Abagale replied with a smile, “Yes, I did. But it wasn’t through the bathroom as shown in the movie. I escaped through the food service area of the plane.”
High Valley, Michael Ray Celebrate During Old Dominion Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Tom Martens (VP Radio & Streaming); Brooke Hardesty (Sr. Director, Interactive Marketing); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R); Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development); High Valley’s Curtis Rempel; Michael Ray; High Valley’s Brad Rempel; Warner Music Nashville’s Tim Foisset (VP Streaming); Matt Signore (COO); Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming): Shelby Moran (Manager, Touring)
High Valley and Michael Ray celebrated the first show on the fall leg of Old Dominion‘s headlining tour last night (Oct. 4) in Knoxville.
Members of the Warner Music Nashville label family joined the artists backstage. The brother duo rallied the crowd with songs ranging from their hit “She’s with Me,” which has earned more than 56 million on-demand streams, to a bluegrass version of Walk The Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.” Ray then charmed the crowd with his Gold-certified No. 1s “Kiss You In The Morning” and “Think A Little Less,” as well as his upbeat new single “One That Got Away.”
Dailey & Vincent Prep Christmas Album, Tour, TV Specials
/by Jessica NicholsonDailey & Vincent will release their first-ever Christmas record, Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas, on Oct. 12 with BMG. Additionally, the duo plans to release a nationally broadcast television Christmas concert special, four all-new Christmas episodes of The Dailey & Vincent Show on RFD-TV and a 15-city Christmas tour, which launches Nov. 24.
Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas features Christmas classics like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Carol of the Bells” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain” as well as never-before-heard holiday tunes such as “Road To Bethlehem” featuring Dolly Parton, written by Country Music Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune and Jeff Bates. Ricky Skaggs also joins Dailey & Vincent on a cut of Alabama’s “Tonight It’s Christmas,” which is one of two bonus tracks available exclusively when fans purchase the Christmas record at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations.
“I’ve wanted to record a Christmas record my whole life, so to say I’m unhinged with excitement over the release of The Sounds of Christmas is an understatement!” expressed Jamie Dailey.
“It’s been a dream of ours the past 10 years. Timing is everything, and we’re very happy we waited. The song selection on this album takes you through a journey from childhood to adulthood, laughs, memories and the true meaning of Christmas,” added Darrin Vincent.
To coincide with the record’s release, the Grand Ole Opry stars recently taped The Sounds of Christmas, a broadcast television concert special, at The Franklin Theatre. During the sold-out special, which was produced by BMG Filmed Entertainment and directed by BMG’s Joe Thomas, Dailey & Vincent were joined by fellow entertainers, including CeCe Winans and Béla Fleck.
DAILEY & VINCENT: THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS TRACK LISTING
1. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Johnny Marks)
2. Mary Did You Know (Mark Lowry/ Rufus Green)
3. Road To Bethlehem feat. Dolly Parton (Jimmy Fortune/ Jeff Bates)
4. Go Thee Down (Judy Harris/ Pete McCann)
5. Let it Snow (Sammy Cahn/ Jule Styne)
6. The Spirit of Christmas (Parnell Davidson/ John Mabel/ Joel Webster)
7. Carol of the Bells (Mykola Leontovych/ Peter J. Wilhousky)
8. It’s a Very Merry Christmas (Jamie Dailey/ Karen Staley)
9. Mr. Grinch (Theo Geisel/ Albert Hague)
10. Silver Bells (Bonus Track) (Jay Livingston/ Ray Evans)
11. Frosty the Snowman (Steve Nelson/ Walter Rollins)
12. Tonight’s It’s Christmas featuring Ricky Skaggs (Bonus Track) (Steve Baccus/ Donnie Matthews/ Stanley Munsey/ Keith Worsham)
13. Christmas Medley (Charles Wesley/ George Whitefield) (Edmund Sears/ Richard Storrs Willis) (Isaac Watts)
14. Jingle Bells (James Lord Pierpont)
15. Little Town of Bethlehem (Phillips Brooks/ Lewis Redner)
16. Go Tell It on The Mountain (John Wesley Work, Jr.)
Warner Music Group Announces Seed Fund To Invest In Start-Ups
/by Eric T. ParkerThe multimillion-dollar fund will invest in early-stage businesses within and adjacent to the recorded music business. From AI, to blockchain, virtual reality, mobile gaming, voice, and more, WMG Boost will cover the full spectrum of ways that technology intersects with the music industry, both across recorded music and publishing.
“WMG Boost is all about nurturing the diversity of ideas within the music ecosystem, especially at this meeting point between music and tech,” said Ole Obermann, Chief Digital Officer, Warner Music Group. “This fund enables us to support thoughtful entrepreneurs, learn more about emerging business models, and invest in the creation of more opportunities for artists.”
In addition to seed funding, portfolio companies will have access to WMG’s unique music industry expertise as they develop their products.
Warner Music Group has a track record of investing in pioneering start-ups, including Landr and Pexeso and is a founding member of Techstars Music.
Start-ups can learn more about the fund and submit business plans for consideration at wmgboost.com.
Lauren Jenkins Releases New Video For ‘Give Up The Ghost’
/by Lorie HollabaughJenkins conceptualized the evocative video from a crazy idea she had. “Sometimes, I’ve found that it’s better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission, so I decided I would create my own music video on my own dime – the way I wanted,” explains Jenkins. “I had a vision and I contacted a filmmaker friend of mine from middle school, Cole Smith, to see if he would be down to make this with me. It was a gamble and involved some risk and creative thinking. I don’t think he hesitated for even a second.”
The video was shot in a deserted, dilapidated building in North Carolina, and she explains why she chose the location. “I’ve always loved exploring and discovering abandoned places. There’s a thrill in not knowing what you might uncover, and imagining the stories of people that were there before you. These places seem to hold secrets or memories that feel haunting. So in that sense, our location became a character – naturally decaying and broken, contrasting signs of life as the foliage and light coming through walls and broken windows seemed to grow. In those moments where the light shines through, it captures the sense of ‘maybe there’s hope’ that’s also in the lyrics.”
Madeline McDonald Signs With Full Circle Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R:) Christian Williams, Seth Mosley, Madeline McDonald, Stacey Willbur
Madeline McDonald has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Full Circle Music. McDonald recently released her debut single, “Well Behaved Women.” The Houston native has been carving out her path as an artist and songwriter, and writing with some of Nashville’s top writers including Seth Mosley, Marti Dodson, Ben Stennis, and more.
“Today is an exciting day for us! Ever since we met Madeline, we knew instantly that she has the raw material to be a star,” said Mosley. “This song is a big step for her and I, as a husband and father of two girls, love the message of ‘Well Behaved Women.'”
Little Big Town Extends Breakers Tour Into Canada
/by Lorie HollabaughTickets for The Breakers Canada Tour go on-sale Friday, Oct. 12. Pre-sale tickets and a special VIP package launch now at littlebigtown.com (
The Breakers Canada Tour Dates:
Feb. 14: London, Ontario
Feb. 15: Oshawa, Ontario
Feb. 19: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Feb. 20: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Feb. 21: Regina, Saskatchewan
Feb. 23: Calgary, Alberta
Feb. 24: Edmonton, Alberta
Feb. 26: Lethbridge, Alberta
March 1: Penticton, British Columbia
March 2: Abbotsford, British Columbia
Industry Ink: Eastside Sounds, Kenny Smoov Show, UTA, Nashville School Of Law
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Noelle And Briston Maroney Rock BMI’s Eastside Sounds
Pictured (L-R): Alt 97.5’s Gabby Sanderson, BMI’s Branden Bosler, Taylor Noelle, BMI’s Nina Carter and Briston Maroney (Photo: Bridgette Aikens)
BMI and Alt 97.5 hosted the latest installation of the Eastside Sounds showcase series at the Basement East. Designed to promote the best of Nashville’s rising alt-rock scene, the night kicked off with powerhouse vocalist Taylor Noelle followed by an energetic set from alt-rocker Briston Maroney. Each night offers free admission, a “happy half-hour” open bar sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon before the show, and two up-and-coming acts from Nashville’s emerging alternative scene. The series is slated to continue on Oct. 23.
Kenny Smoov Show Debut Set For Oct. 11
Pictured (L-R): C-Dub (Producer & Social Media Director), Sissy Brown (Co-Host), Kenny Smoov (Host)
92Q/WQQK-FM is debuting a new live and local morning show, “The Kenny Smoov Morning Show”, October 11 featuring longtime Nashville air talent and The Tennessean’s 2017 Favorite Radio Personality of the Year, Kenny Smoov. “The Kenny Smoov Morning Show” will air weekdays from 5am-10am on 92Q. Smoov, a veteran radio programmer and air talent, will continue to serve 92Q as Program Director, in addition to his new role as Morning Show Host.
A well-respected club and concert DJ, Smoov has also served as Red Carpet/Backstage talent for the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and The Grammys and is also the Afternoon Host for Westwood One’s nationwide The Touch Format. Sissy Brown will join Smoov on the show and will bring “The Get Down”, hourly entertainment and gossip updates, and “Sissy’s Inbox” to the show. 92Q Evening Host, C-Dub, will round out the morning team as Producer and Social Media Director.
UTA Hosts Digital Summit At Belmont
Sexual Harassment Legal Education Seminar
A bill by state Senator Jeff Yarbro and Representative Brenda Gilmore would allow a person providing services pursuant to a contract to bring a sexual harassment action in certain situations against the entity with which the person contracted. This proposed law is important in the entertainment industry where many are not employees, but rather are independent contractors such as songwriters, artists, producers, engineers, and others.
BBR Music Group Adds Director, A&R
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Poole
Nashville label BBR Music Group has added a Director of A&R to its staff lineup, reporting to VP, A&R Sara Knabe.
Chris Poole joins BBR Music Group in the new Director role, having previously served as Creative Manager for CTM/Writer’s Ink. He began his career as an artist manager with Paravel Management, which he co-founded in 2013. While at Paravel, their roster included artists Seth Ennis, KB, Branan Murphy, For All Seasons, Kid Politics, Alec Bailey, and others. During his time at CTM/Writer’s Ink, he worked in an artist development role with songwriters and artists including Scott Stevens, Faren Rachels, Jimi Bell, Trannie Stevens and others.
In addition to his work in artist management and music publishing, Poole started his music career as a drummer in college bands during his time at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia.
“I am so excited to have Chris on my team. I’ve never met a more voracious music consumer. He lives to listen and discover new talent, across genres. This will bring a unique diversity to the ear of our creative team. He has a heart for artist development. His personality wins in every situation. Buy this guy a beer, talk music and I promise you’ll walk away excited and inspired. I can’t wait to dig in with him,” says Knabe.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to join the BBR/BMG family,” adds Poole. “I am excited for the chance to work with and cultivate an incredible roster of unique artists while being led by a visionary leadership team that aims to continue building one of the most innovative record labels in Nashville.”
Poole is already on the job and reports directly to Knabe. Poole can be reached at chris.poole@bbrmusicgroup.com and 615-610-2120.