Pictured front (L-R): “Seein’ Red” co-writers Jason Sever, Kurt Allison; Dustin Lynch; Jon Loba; “Seein’ Red” co-writer Tully Kennedy; producer Mickey Jack Cones; “Seein’ Red” co-writer Steve Bogard. Back: BBR Label Group/ BMG staff. Photo: Steve Lowry
For “Seein’ Red,” his fourth No. 1 song as an artist on Broken Bow Records, Dustin Lynch received a blessing from Jason Aldean band members, and label staff who are ready to kick him to the next level.
“[Dustin] is a superstar,” said “Seein’ Red” songwriter and Aldean guitarist since 1999, Kurt Allison. “I don’t know if you’ve seen him live, but this guy is on the cusp of doing stadiums and arenas himself.”
“If you haven’t seen Dustin on the road, I would seriously suggest it,” said another co-writer and Aldean bassist since 1998, Tully Kennedy. “He blew us away. His band is unreal.”
To celebrate the No. 1 success, a three-PRO gathering was held on May 30 at Nashville’s Lower Broadway bar, The Stage.
“[The Stage] is where it all began for me,” said Lynch. “In college when I turned 21 I came down here…and got to meet Dierks Bentley for the first time. I learned the art of entertaining. It’s a pain in the butt to get parked, but it means the world to my band and crew, to bring it home [in a way] and celebrate where it all began for us.”
The gathering honored three of the writer’s first No. 1 and one writer’s 10th No. 1.
BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed attendees to the celebration on behalf of their sponsor Pinnacle Bank, which was represented by Cooper Samuels. Collins remarked on Kennedy and honored him with his No. 1 guitar in honor of his first. BMI also represents Lynch, whose “Small Town Boy” is already top 25.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad offered remarks on behalf of Allison, who also is a co-writer on Aldean’s latest single and album title track, “They Don’t Know.” Allison also co-produced records for Thompson Square and Parmalee as part of NV.
“Juli [Newton Griffith] could have dropped me a number of times on the option,” said a grateful Allison while thanking his team. “She didn’t, and I thank you…Thank you to my wife Kelly for putting up with me. When we’re gone a lot and when we’re home, we write.”
Sistad continued to offer remarks on Sever, who signed his publishing deal in 2009 with John McBride and his wife Martina’s Little Champion Music. Further, Sistad honored producer Mickey Jack Cones on his 8th No. 1 title.
Will Overton of Warner/Chappell honored Sever and offered “Seein’ Red” playing cards for everyone. McBride also commented about he and his wife’s belief in Sever.
“Mom and dad, thank you for letting me dream,” said Sever to his parents in the audience. “Anybody out here that’s a writer, keep believing in it. Fifteen years it took me to get this hit, and it was worth every single year.”
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch commented on the PRO’s recent signing, and fourth songwriter on “Seein’ Red,” Steve Bogard, on behalf of Franklin Synergy Bank. Bogard, also a songwriter advocate on Capitol Hill, has had a No. 1 hit in each decade for the past four decades with four Grammy nominations to his name.
“More than anything, this is about people who believe in you,” remarked Bogard of the symbiotic nature of the music industry. “We trust our lives to people who believe in us. We survive because people believe in us—[like with] the promotion team at BBR, Jon Loba, or Bart Herbison and Jennifer at NSAI, and my wife. We moved here 35 years ago…Nashville believes in me, and I believe in Nashville.”
Dustin Lynch with select “Seein’ Red” co-writers and BBR Music Group staff. Photo: Steve Lowry
Other than Sever, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith represented all the songwriters on the stage, offering plaques to all. Exec. VP of BBR Music Group, Jon Loba noted the record kept it “all in the family.” Both executives welcomed a slew of top promo staff to the stage to recognize their efforts. Kos Weaver, “the man who started the conversation in BMG and Broken Bow,” was additionally welcomed by Loba to represent his label’s new partnership.
“I want to say a huge thank you to my brother Dustin Lynch,” concluded Loba. “Probably the greatest gift he gives me—outside of the music, his work eithic and dedication to artistry—is trust. It seemed like 90 percent of the town wanted Dustin to release a different song for the first single. It was intense and they lobbied him for months. Like he did many times before, I don’t know if he believed it, but he trusted us. I can’t tell you how much that means to us—it makes us want to lay down in the road for you.”
A charismatic Cones took the mic too, jokingly confessing all his royalties have been spent on celebratory tequila shots over the years. Cones continued the tradition by buying a round of shots for the whole gathering, minus the newest addition to his family of course. “I have the best, most important No. 1 of my life here, and he’s 11 weeks old tomorrow,” said a teary-eyed Cones in thanking his family. “Jackson Daniel Cones is my first No. 1…
“Last but not least, [thank you, Dustin]. I’ve worked with a lot of artists, and you are the most talented, focused, hard-working, driven, foreseeing artists I’ve ever worked with. That’s what makes me want to stay in the studio working 20 hours a night,7 days a week. I’ve worked with some artists who don’t support their own careers like that. They could learn from you.”
“Before I forget—Pete, Neil, Steve, JT—my management team at L3, I’ve forgotten to thank you probably the last three times I’ve been up here,” Lynch began his remarks. “Just so you know Jason [Sever] is a part of the next record in a big way. He is killin’ it. On top of ‘Seein’ Red,’ he’s got some more songs that are just as good or better in my opinion, so I’m excited about that. Tully and Kurt, thank you for showing me how to rock out on stage and put on a live show. These two, Rich as well changed the game of live county music shows. I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter like this dude. ‘Bogie’ was my first introduction to country music. Early on, I think my vision was what he was telling me my vision was. It’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of your tenth. To, Mickey, we’re on fire. The fire’s still burning, and we’re cooking in the studio and it’s burning hot.”
Lynch will fill those expectations on the road this year. He’ll turn up the heat on tour this summer with Brad Paisley before headline his own outing this fall. Not to mention, his clothing brand Stay Country is available online while that full length, third studio album is expected soon.
Also at the No. 1 party were Brandi Simms from CMA and CRB’s Holly Lane to honor the creative forces behind “Seein’ Red.”
DISClaimer: Glen Campbell, Beyond The Sun, Harper Grae Offer Summery New Tracks
/by Robert K OermannThe numbers by Derek Johnson, The Pistol Annies, Brantley Gilbert and Hadley Park all have this open-air vibe.
So do the sounds of our three award winners. Glen Campbell wins the Disc of the Day award with his wafting remake of “Everybody’s Talkin.’ Locked in a tie for the DisCovery Award are the equally breezy Beyond the Sun and Harper Grae.
BEYOND THE SUN/Cruisin’ ‘Round Town
Writers: Colin Radu/Phil Radu/Dalton Radu; Producer: Dalton Radu; Publishers: none listed; BMI; BTS
– This is a Canadian brother trio. Their debut single is a summertime, bob-that-head, anthem. It is also super tuneful and wildly addictive. The bro’s have recently moved to Music City. If the rest of their songs are this good, roll out a great big welcome mat.
GLEN CAMPBELL/Everybody’s Talkin’
Writers: Fred Neil; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publishers: none listed; UMe
– Let’s face it: the Nilsson 1969 original hit with this sounded exactly like a Glen Campbell record. So it goes without saying that song fits Glen like a glove. His flawless performance is matched by a production by his former sideman Carl Jackson that places every note from every instrument in exactly the right place. Daughter Ashley Campbell’s banjo notes ripple through the entire thing beautifully. This is the lead track of a fantastic collection titled Adios. It will be released a week from Friday during CMA Fest as the final album from this legendary artist.
BEN BOSTICK/Independence Day Eve
Writers: Ben Bostick; Producer: John Would/Ben Bostick; Publishers: none listed; Simply Fantastic
– Bostick makes a good living busking on the Santa Monica Pier. He describes himself as an “outsider” country artist. His upcoming full-length CD debut leads off with this stately ballad of alienation. Urgent sounding.
TIM BENNETT/As Long As You’re Buying
Writer: Tim Bennett; Producer: Tim Bennett; Publishers: Big Sky, ASCAP; Sandy Beach
– The band sounds like a group of amateurs. His singing voice is weak, at best.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/The Ones That Like Me
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory Music
– Churning, charging, clanging midtempo excitement with mucho electric guitar grinding. I still think he has one of the coolest voices around.
DOAK SNEAD/Each Day Like It’s The Last Day
Writer: Snead; Producers: Snead/Kelley Sallee Snead; Publishers: Doak Snead, BMI; Hear Say (track)
– Catalogue is an album that compiles Nashville songwriter Snead’s demos recorded between 1991 and the present. This sparse, thoughtful, philosophical ballad dates from 2009. His conversational delivery connects emotionally, more than making up for his vocal limitations.
THE PISTOL ANNIES/Tulsa Time
Writer: Danny Flowers; Producer: Garth Fundis; Publishers: none listed; Slate Creek (track)
– Gentle Giants is a tribute CD to the great Don Williams. The cast is superb — Garth, Trisha, Brandy Clark, Lady A, John Prine, Keb Mo, Dierks and Chris Stapleton, for starters. The collection kicks off with a sprightly take on this toe tapper by Miranda, Ashley and Angaleena. Buy this righteous album.
DEREK JOHNSON/Real Cool, Kinda Hot
Writers: Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: none listed, BMI/SESAC; Applause (CDX)
– He’s got a backwoods accent you could cut with a knife. The song is a peppy hillbilly ditty that name-checks beer, pickup truck, camo clothes and a bunch of other cliches. But in its goofy way, it is utterly irresistible.
HADLEY PARK/Another Bottle Of Wine
Writers: Courtney Dashe/Morgan Leigh Garner; Producer: Hadley Park; Publishers: No Bull About It/Morgan Leigh Garner, BMI/ASCAP; HP (track)
– Have raved about this female duo before. Its current single/video is a witty, tongue-in-cheek ditty that kisses off an ex in a dishy gal-to-gal conversation. I am told that their songs are eagerly sought after by big-name artists, and I can certainly hear why.
HARPER GRAE/Free
Writers: Harper Grae/Femke Weidema; Producer: Josh Barker/Ethan Brewington; Publishers: Oliver Ann Music/Femke Music (BMI/ASCAP); Oliver Ann Records
– Very cool sounding. It has a gospel-y vibe of a melody, and her vocal is loaded with personality. Best of all, is an outstanding production that incorporates hand claps, thudding-stark percussion, churchy piano chords, a celebratory chorus of backup vocalists and mandolin twittering. Essential listening.
Industry Ink: Photographer Ed Rode, Black River Entertainment, Webster PR, TSA Precheck
/by Jessica NicholsonPhotographer Ed Rode To Celebrate Songwriting Legends At Bluebird Cafe
Willie Nelson by Ed Rode
Photographer Ed Rode has captured countless moments with music’s top songwriters during his 37-year career. His upcoming exhibit at the Bluebird Cafe (his second installation of his photos at the revered music venue), which opens Friday, June 2, will feature photographs from his upcoming book project Songwriters & Musicians.
Rode was the first photographer to be featured in an extended photo exhibit at the venue back in 1993. The images Rode selected for the walls of The Bluebird Cafe zoom in on many of the most beloved figures in songwriting and country music including:Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Billy Joe Shaver, Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson and more.
On Friday, June 2, 2017 beginning at 6:30 p.m., Ed Rode will officially unveil his new photography exhibit. A round featuring Tony Arata, Kendell Marvel and Danny Myrick will follow.
Black River Entertainment Hires Director of Radio Promotion SE
Theresa Ford
Black River Entertainment has hired Theresa Ford as Director of Radio Promotion SE.
Ford, a Washington, D.C. native, moved to Nashville in 1990 to begin her career in the music business. She first landed a position with RCA Records as Promotion Coordinator, where she and Wilson began working together. She also worked for several years as the Director of Regional Promotion SE for Lyric Street Records.
Reporting to SVP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson, Ford is officially on board beginning Monday, June 12 and is based out of Greenville, SC. At that time, Ford may be reached at tford@blackriverent.com.
Webster Public Relations Adds Deborah Allen, Lacy J. Dalton To Roster
Lacy J. Dalton, Deborah Allen
Webster Public Relations has added entertainers Lacy J. Dalton and Deborah Allen to the firm’s roster for publicity representation.
First hitting the Country Top-40 in 1979 with “Crazy Blue Eyes,” Dalton was one the most successful female vocalists of the format during the 80s with such hits as “Takin’ It Easy,” “Hillbilly Girl With The Blues,” “Black Coffee,” and the CMA-nominated anthem “16th Avenue.” During her career, she has collaborated with such Country Music Hall of Fame members as Bobby Bare, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, and George Jones. Her most recent recorded work was a tribute album to Hank Williams entitled Here’s To Hank. Dalton is a 2017 inductee of the North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Allen has worked with Tennessee Ernie Ford and Roy Orbison before becoming a regular on a prime-time variety series hosted by Jim Stafford. After earning a solo record deal with RCA, she recorded one of the biggest crossover hits of the 1980s with “Baby I Lied.” She also has penned songs for acts ranging from John Conlee to LeAnn Rimes, and recorded one of Prince’s compositions, “Telepathy.” Currently, Allen is hosting a short form radio and TV vignette which is airing on Fox affiliates across the country.
TSA Precheck To Bring Mobile RV To CMA Music Festival
For a full list of acceptable documentation for enrollment click here. Festival attendees and residents are welcome to walk-up or schedule an appointment in advance here.
Eaglemont Entertainment’s Jeff Berry Ventures Out With Courage
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“I moved to town nine years ago with a dream to start a management company,” Berry says. “For the last 10 years, I’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing group of people at Centricity, to learn from some of the best music executives in the business like John Mays and Steve Ford – and to be around great artists. What a gift that has been! Now I feel it’s the right time to start my own venture and to attempt to put into practice the generous lessons I’ve learned during this past season!”
Rounding out the team at Courage are Jordan Greiner and Angilee Smith, both who have served with Berry at Eaglemont and will join him in this new venture.
Berry received his MBA from Baylor University, and after teaching Economics and Entrepreneurship in the Business school at Baylor, founded CrossWind Ministries in 1994. For 11 years, he helped direct Grace Bible Study, a non-denominational bible-study for college students in Abilene and later served as an adjunct professor in the Music Business program at Dallas Baptist University. He joined forces with Centricity in Nashville in 2007 to begin an artist management division and work to develop new artists. During his tenure he developed a wide range of artists including Lauren Daigle and country group High Valley.
Vince Gill To Join The Eagles For Classic East, Classic West Festivals
/by Jessica NicholsonVince Gill
Vince Gill‘s sterling tenor and exquisite guitar work have made him a preferred collaborator for artists in many genres, including Sting, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Alison Krauss, Phil Everly, Diana Krall, and The Del McCoury Band to name a few, not to mention his own early days as a part of pop band Pure Prairie League.
Now, Gill will join The Eagles for their shows at The Classic West on July 15-16 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, as well as The Classic East on July 29-30 at Citi Field in New York. He will be joined by Deacon Frey, the eldest son of Eagles founder Glenn Frey, who died in January 2016. It is planned to have Gill singing the late Frey’s hits.
Gill has long had ties with the band.
In December 2016, Gill performed in honor of the The Eagles at the Kennedy Center, a performance the Los Angeles Times reported gave the band the idea to have Gill join. Further, in 1993 Gill covered The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why” on the multi-artist tribute album The Common Thread: Songs Of The Eagles and in 2016, Gill offered guitar and vocal credits on Don Henley’s solo project, Cass County. The Eagles’ Joe Walsh was also in attendance when Gill was inducted into the Guitar Center RockWalk in Los Angeles last year and came from the Kennedy Center Honors.
The Classic West (Los Angeles) will host the Eagles, Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers on Saturday, July 15 and Fleetwood Mac, Journey and Earth, Wind & Fire on Sunday, July 16.
The Classic East (New York) will host the Eagles, Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers on Saturday, July 29 and Fleetwood Mac, Journey and Earth, Wind & Fire on Sunday, July 30.
Single-day tickets, starting at $99 for either The Classic East and The Classic West will be available at Ticketmaster.com beginning Monday, June 5 at 10 AM. A limited amount of 2-day tickets are available starting at $150. Reserved 2-Day Seat Ticket Packages and special 2-Day VIP packages, including premium tickets, pre-show VIP lounge, exclusive merchandise, parking and more, are still available.
Alan Jackson Plans Nashville Concert For Predators Fans Before Game 3
/by Lorie HollabaughBroadway Smash: Preds Party with a Purpose will open at 3:30 p.m.with Jackson taking the stage at 4:45 pm. in advance of the game, which will be shown on huge screens as the Predators take to the ice in Bridgestone Arena. The concert stage will be at Fifth and Broadway, facing the Cumberland River, and Broadway will be closed between Fifth Avenue and Third Avenue with screens placed on stage and around the event site. Predators mascot GNASH and the Predators Energy Team will be on hand for the fun, with food trucks on site, and sodas and beer on sale. Bottled water and hot dogs will also be available at low, family-friendly prices. Folding chairs and small bags will be permitted, but coolers, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed. For a complete list of house rules, visit visitmusiccity.com/nashvillepredators.
“This is an exciting time for the Predators and the city of Nashville,” Jackson said. “As a fan, I’m proud to be included in their road to the Stanley Cup.”
Thousands of fans have turned out at the Music City Walk of Fame Park to view games throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and thousands more are expected to turn out for the upcoming home games of the Stanley Cup Final. Broadway Smash will also take place prior to the Game 4 home game on Monday, June 5.
“The Stanley Cup Final is the NHL’s biggest event, Nashville is country music’s biggest stage, and from Alan Jackson to the game itself, it doesn’t get bigger or better than having this type of first-class entertainment experience on Lower Broadway – one of the most iconic streets in the entertainment world,” said NHL Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President Steve Mayer.
Dustin Lynch Celebrates Songwriters On Fourth No. 1 “Seein’ Red”
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured front (L-R): “Seein’ Red” co-writers Jason Sever, Kurt Allison; Dustin Lynch; Jon Loba; “Seein’ Red” co-writer Tully Kennedy; producer Mickey Jack Cones; “Seein’ Red” co-writer Steve Bogard. Back: BBR Label Group/ BMG staff. Photo: Steve Lowry
For “Seein’ Red,” his fourth No. 1 song as an artist on Broken Bow Records, Dustin Lynch received a blessing from Jason Aldean band members, and label staff who are ready to kick him to the next level.
“[Dustin] is a superstar,” said “Seein’ Red” songwriter and Aldean guitarist since 1999, Kurt Allison. “I don’t know if you’ve seen him live, but this guy is on the cusp of doing stadiums and arenas himself.”
“If you haven’t seen Dustin on the road, I would seriously suggest it,” said another co-writer and Aldean bassist since 1998, Tully Kennedy. “He blew us away. His band is unreal.”
To celebrate the No. 1 success, a three-PRO gathering was held on May 30 at Nashville’s Lower Broadway bar, The Stage.
“[The Stage] is where it all began for me,” said Lynch. “In college when I turned 21 I came down here…and got to meet Dierks Bentley for the first time. I learned the art of entertaining. It’s a pain in the butt to get parked, but it means the world to my band and crew, to bring it home [in a way] and celebrate where it all began for us.”
The gathering honored three of the writer’s first No. 1 and one writer’s 10th No. 1.
BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed attendees to the celebration on behalf of their sponsor Pinnacle Bank, which was represented by Cooper Samuels. Collins remarked on Kennedy and honored him with his No. 1 guitar in honor of his first. BMI also represents Lynch, whose “Small Town Boy” is already top 25.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad offered remarks on behalf of Allison, who also is a co-writer on Aldean’s latest single and album title track, “They Don’t Know.” Allison also co-produced records for Thompson Square and Parmalee as part of NV.
“Juli [Newton Griffith] could have dropped me a number of times on the option,” said a grateful Allison while thanking his team. “She didn’t, and I thank you…Thank you to my wife Kelly for putting up with me. When we’re gone a lot and when we’re home, we write.”
Sistad continued to offer remarks on Sever, who signed his publishing deal in 2009 with John McBride and his wife Martina’s Little Champion Music. Further, Sistad honored producer Mickey Jack Cones on his 8th No. 1 title.
Will Overton of Warner/Chappell honored Sever and offered “Seein’ Red” playing cards for everyone. McBride also commented about he and his wife’s belief in Sever.
“Mom and dad, thank you for letting me dream,” said Sever to his parents in the audience. “Anybody out here that’s a writer, keep believing in it. Fifteen years it took me to get this hit, and it was worth every single year.”
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch commented on the PRO’s recent signing, and fourth songwriter on “Seein’ Red,” Steve Bogard, on behalf of Franklin Synergy Bank. Bogard, also a songwriter advocate on Capitol Hill, has had a No. 1 hit in each decade for the past four decades with four Grammy nominations to his name.
“More than anything, this is about people who believe in you,” remarked Bogard of the symbiotic nature of the music industry. “We trust our lives to people who believe in us. We survive because people believe in us—[like with] the promotion team at BBR, Jon Loba, or Bart Herbison and Jennifer at NSAI, and my wife. We moved here 35 years ago…Nashville believes in me, and I believe in Nashville.”
Dustin Lynch with select “Seein’ Red” co-writers and BBR Music Group staff. Photo: Steve Lowry
Other than Sever, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton Griffith represented all the songwriters on the stage, offering plaques to all. Exec. VP of BBR Music Group, Jon Loba noted the record kept it “all in the family.” Both executives welcomed a slew of top promo staff to the stage to recognize their efforts. Kos Weaver, “the man who started the conversation in BMG and Broken Bow,” was additionally welcomed by Loba to represent his label’s new partnership.
“I want to say a huge thank you to my brother Dustin Lynch,” concluded Loba. “Probably the greatest gift he gives me—outside of the music, his work eithic and dedication to artistry—is trust. It seemed like 90 percent of the town wanted Dustin to release a different song for the first single. It was intense and they lobbied him for months. Like he did many times before, I don’t know if he believed it, but he trusted us. I can’t tell you how much that means to us—it makes us want to lay down in the road for you.”
A charismatic Cones took the mic too, jokingly confessing all his royalties have been spent on celebratory tequila shots over the years. Cones continued the tradition by buying a round of shots for the whole gathering, minus the newest addition to his family of course. “I have the best, most important No. 1 of my life here, and he’s 11 weeks old tomorrow,” said a teary-eyed Cones in thanking his family. “Jackson Daniel Cones is my first No. 1…
“Last but not least, [thank you, Dustin]. I’ve worked with a lot of artists, and you are the most talented, focused, hard-working, driven, foreseeing artists I’ve ever worked with. That’s what makes me want to stay in the studio working 20 hours a night,7 days a week. I’ve worked with some artists who don’t support their own careers like that. They could learn from you.”
“Before I forget—Pete, Neil, Steve, JT—my management team at L3, I’ve forgotten to thank you probably the last three times I’ve been up here,” Lynch began his remarks. “Just so you know Jason [Sever] is a part of the next record in a big way. He is killin’ it. On top of ‘Seein’ Red,’ he’s got some more songs that are just as good or better in my opinion, so I’m excited about that. Tully and Kurt, thank you for showing me how to rock out on stage and put on a live show. These two, Rich as well changed the game of live county music shows. I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter like this dude. ‘Bogie’ was my first introduction to country music. Early on, I think my vision was what he was telling me my vision was. It’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of your tenth. To, Mickey, we’re on fire. The fire’s still burning, and we’re cooking in the studio and it’s burning hot.”
Lynch will fill those expectations on the road this year. He’ll turn up the heat on tour this summer with Brad Paisley before headline his own outing this fall. Not to mention, his clothing brand Stay Country is available online while that full length, third studio album is expected soon.
Also at the No. 1 party were Brandi Simms from CMA and CRB’s Holly Lane to honor the creative forces behind “Seein’ Red.”
BMI Announces Board Of Directors
/by Jessica NicholsonMichael J. Fiorile, Chairman and CEO of the Dispatch Printing Company & Chairman and CEO of Dispatch Broadcast Group, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held today in New York City. Fiorile was most recently Vice Chair of the BMI Board. He succeeds Paul Karpowicz, President, Meredith Local Media Group, who was elected Presiding Director at the meeting.
Fiorile joined the BMI Board in 2010. He also serves as a member of the following Boards: CBS Television Affiliates Board (Past Chair), the Television Bureau of Advertising (Past Chair), National Association of Broadcasters, Television Operators Caucus and the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
The following Board members were re-elected: Dave Lougee, President, TEGNA Media; Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI; and Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW Network. In addition, Jack Sander, former Chairman of the BMI Board of Directors and retired Vice Chairman, Belo Corporation, will continue his tenure for another two years as Honorary Director.
Continuing in their terms on the Board of Directors are: Greg Ashlock, President, West Division, iHeartMedia Markets Group; Susan Davenport Austin, former Chairman, BMI Board of Directors; Vice Chairman, Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation and Senior Managing Director, Brock Capital Group LLC; Caroline Beasley, CEO, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.; Amador Bustos, President & CEO, Bustos Media Holdings, LLC; Rebecca Campbell, President, ABC Owned Television Station Group and ABC Daytime; Craig Dubow, Retired Chairman, President & CEO, Gannett Company, Inc.; Bill Hoffman, Consultant, Cox Media Group; Catherine Hughes, Founder & Chairperson, Radio One, Inc.; Philip Jones, former Chairman, BMI Board of Directors and past President, Meredith Corporation Broadcast Group; Jerry Kersting, former President, Tribune Broadcasting and past EVP/CFO, Clear Channel Radio; Ginny Morris, Vice President, Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. and Chair & CEO, Hubbard Radio, LLC; Steven Newberry, President & CEO, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation; and Neil Smith, President, GNS Media, LLC.
T.J. Martell Foundation Announces Board Members
/by Jessica NicholsonAmong the new national Board of Directors members are Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, and Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen. Borchetta and Esposito will both serve on the executive committee.
The T.J. Martell Foundation is a leading organization for cancer, leukemia and AIDS research, with longstanding ties to the music industry.
In March, the foundation named Greenburg Traurig’s Joel A. Katz as chairman of the board, succeeding founder Tony Martell, who died in November 2016.
The Board of Directors have voted to award nearly $1.3M in grants to outstanding scientists in seven prominent hospitals in five states. Katz said, “Donors from all over the United States come together to support the brightest scientists with the most innovative ideas from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Columbia University Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.”
New National Board of Directors:
Craig Balsam, Co-Founder, and CEO of Razor & Tie
Larry Beckwith, Chairman of Iconic Entertainment Group
Scott Borchetta, Founder of Big Machine Label Group
Michael Cohl, CEO of S2BN Entertainment
John Esposito, Chairman & CEO of Warner Music Nashville
Steve Gawley, Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs of Universal Music Group
Steve Greenberg, Founder & President of S-Curve Records
Julie Gurovitsch, Talent Executive, Music for “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”
Stanley Lim, Partner at Gelfand Rennert & Feldman, LLP
Ruby Marchand, Vice President of Repertoire Development at Warner Music Group
Charles B. Ortner, Partner, Entertainment Industry at Proskauer Rose LLP
Jason Owen, President and CEO of Sandbox Entertainment
Don Perry, Business Consultant for Greenberg Traurig
Darren Stupak, Executive Vice President/General Manager of Sales for Sony Music Entertainment
Russell Wallach, President of Media & Sponsorship at Live Nation
Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclay’s Sports and Entertainment
Chaka Zulu, Co-Founder of Disturbing Tha Peace Records
The Executive Committee:
John Amato, Co-President of the Hollywood Reporter and Billboard Media Group
Scott Borchetta, Founder of Big Machine Label Group
Tom Corson, COO of RCA Records
John Esposito, Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Nashville
Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing
Monte Lipman, Founder and CEO of Republic Records
Julie Swidler, EVP, Business Affairs & General Counsel for Sony Music Entertainment
Marcus Peterzell, Partner, EVP Entertainment, Ketchum Sports & Entertainment (President)
Rick Krim, Co-President, Sony/ATV U.S. Music Publishing (Vice-President)
Julie Talbott, President, Premiere Networks (Vice-President)
Charlie Feldman, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations (Secretary)
David Satler, Chief Operating Officer, Barclays Wealth Management & Investment Management, Americas (Treasurer)
CMA Awards Voting Season Kicks Off
/by Lorie HollabaughVoting season is beginning for the upcoming 51st Annual CMA Awards, and CMA members can now submit applications online for the 2017 CMA Broadcast Awards for Broadcast Personality, Station, and National Broadcast Personality of the Year at broadcast.CMAawards.com. CMA Broadcast Awards are presented for Personality and Station of the Year in four categories that are determined by market size (major, large, medium, and small), as well as CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year.
The site will continue to accept submissions until Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. CT. All entries must reflect performances and events between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2017. CMA’s panel of judges, which includes radio and industry professionals, will be able to view and evaluate each entry online.
“The outstanding country radio stations and personalities we spotlight in the CMA Broadcast Awards are dedicated advocates rallying fans in support of our genre,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.
The eligibility period for “The 51st Annual CMA Awards” is July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. All voting for the CMA Awards will be conducted online. The first ballot and instructions will be emailed Monday, July 10 to CMA members in good standing who are eligible to vote. Voting for the first ballot closes Thursday, July 20 (6:00 PM/CT). The second ballot will be emailed to CMA members Monday, Aug. 14. Voting for the second ballot closes Thursday, Aug. 24 (6:00 PM/CT). The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced later this summer. Winners of “The 51st Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting, and the third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Monday, Oct. 2. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 24 (6:00 PM/CT).
Stanley Cup On Display At Johnny Cash Museum Tonight
/by Alex ParryNashville Predators fans can stop by the Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum entrance tonight (Wednesday, May 31) and grab a picture with the coveted National Hockey League Stanley Cup courtesy of NBC Sports. The Cup will be on display from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. CST at 119 Third Avenue South in Nashville.
The Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum hours of operation are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. CST and admission is $18.95 each.