Kitty Moon Emery
Kitty Moon Emery, one of the most influential figures in Nashville entertainment, has died at age 70.
During her five-decade career, she left her mark on the worlds of music, sports, politics, philanthropy, tourism and more. Kitty Moon Emery was a dynamo who took seats on boards overseeing professional sports, the symphony, film and video production, banks, country music and dozens of charitable organizations. She was one of the most effective civic leaders — male or female — in Music City.
Born Catherine Sue Moon, she was a Nashville native who began her career in public television. She became the press secretary to U.S. Senator Bill Brock in Washington D.C. Next, she served as the assistant national director of advertising for the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan. Henry Kissinger appointed her to a United Nations advisory committee.
Back in Nashville, she founded Scene Three Inc. in 1974. The company initially specialized in creating political campaign ads, but rapidly diversified. When music videos became popular in the early 1980s, Scene Three was at the forefront of the trend.
The company created video clips for such stars of the 1980s and 1990s as Kathy Mattea, The Statler Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, Sylvia, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ray Charles, Amy Grant, Crystal Gayle, Michael W. Smith, Janie Fricke, Alabama, K.T. Oslin, Reba McEntire, Chet Atkins, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless, John Michael Montgomery and Sawyer Brown. Among Scene Three’s videos were the career launching “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (1989) and “The Dance” (1990) for Garth Brooks.
Scene Three’s directors included company president Marc Ball, as well as John Lloyd Miller, Larry Boothby, Robert Gabrielsen, Trip Payne and Rob Lindsay. Other key figures at Scene Three at one time or another included Nick Palladino, Dale Franklin, Eric George, Patrice McPeak, Mark Sedgwick and Terry Dull. At its peak, the multi-million-dollar company was the largest video firm in Tennessee and employed more than 50 people.
Under Moon Emery’s leadership, the firm also continued to make waves in the advertising world. In addition to music videos, Scene Three created spots for Toyota, United Cerebral Palsy, Health/Trust, South Central Bell, Northern Telecom, Saturn Corporation, Johnston & Murphy Shoes,
Drexel Heritage Furniture and Bridgestone Tires, among others.
She produced such television specials as A Day in the Life of Country Music (1994), Influences: George Jones & Randy Travis (1991), Jerry Clower Live (1990) and The Gift of Song (1984).
She also founded Scene Three Construction. This firm won a 1995 award from the Metro Historical Commission for its redesign and renovation of the Fitzgerald Hartley Management office on Wedgewood Avenue. Scene Three also began the redevelopment of the Melrose Shopping Center, The firm relocated into the old Melrose Theater there. That building is now the restaurant Sinema on Franklin Pike.
Moon Emery left Scene Three Construction in 2004. Scene Three’s video business was liquidated the following year. She went into the interior-design business at Moll Anderson Home, then became involved in the Global Action Summit Steering Committee and founded Kitty Moon Enterprises. In 2010, she was among the first business figures to back Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s gubernatorial candidacy.
Frank Bumstead, Kitty Moon Emery and CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. Photo: Christian Bottorff / CMA
In 1995, Kitty Moon Emery served as the president of the CMA board of directors. She then became president of the CMA Foundation board, overseeing the organization’s charitable donations. These included funds to help build the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame exhibits in the Music City Center.
She was a key figure on the Metro Sports Authority board for more than a decade, and was its chairwoman during the era that lured professional hockey and football franchises to Nashville. As such, she was also part of the team that named the latter the Tennessee Titans.
Her other boards included the Rotary Club, Leadership Nashville, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Leadership Music, among many others. She was co-chair of the T.J. Martel Honors Gala of 2013.
Kitty Moon Emery’s honors included the CMA President’s Award and the Easter Seals Nashvillian of the Year award. In 2014, she was given a SOURCE Award as well as Leadership Music’s Bridge Award. She was also an inductee into the YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement.
Kitty Moon Emery is survived by her husband of 18 years, Patrick Emery, her sister Lady Bird, sister-in-law Jacque Moon and by nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitations will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 4 p.m.-6pm and on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 10-11 a.m. at Woodmont Christian Church on the corner of Woodmont and Hillsboro Road. The funeral service, which was planned by Kitty, will be held at the church on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. following the second visitation. Following the funeral service, there will be a graveside service for only family and close friends.
Miranda Lambert Has Some Beauty Parlor Fun in New Video
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Becky Fluke
Miranda Lambert is releasing a new video for her latest single “We Should Be Friends” featuring some of her real life pals. Set in a small town beauty parlor, the new clip includes cameos from some of Lambert’s real-life friends, including songwriters Natalie Hemby and Waylon Payne, both of whom contributed songs to her latest CD The Weight Of These Wings.
The fun-filled new video is filled with colorful characters, beer can curlers, and tiny dogs. The clip was shot in Watertown, Tennessee, and directed by Trey Fanjoy.
Lambert is up for two Grammy awards at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards for the first single from The Weight Of These Wings, “Vice.”
Big Yellow Dog Songwriter Claire Guerreso To Release Debut EP
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based artist Claire Guerreso is releasing her debut EP, Heavy, on Ultra Records this Friday (Feb. 10). This EP follows the single “I’m Just A Skipping Stone,” with Amsterdam electronic duo Deepend, which has garnered over a million streams and major airplay overseas.
Guerreso, a Big Yellow Dog songwriter, has had sync success with songs on Mad Max: Fury Road, Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, Shades of Blue, Nashville, and Reign, as well as a recent cut on Billy Currington‘s latest album.
“Claire has such a unique, authentic voice and writing style. We are excited to see these great songs reach a much broader audience,” said Devon DeVries, VP of Creative Film/TV Music – A&R at Big Yellow Dog Music.
Heavy Track Listing:
1. Heavy (Claire Guerreso and Andrew Petroff)
2. I Cannot Be Broken (Claire Guerreso and Jeff Bowman)
3. Quicksand (Claire Guerreso and Ian Fitchuk)
4. Anchor (Claire Guerreso, Nick Lyman and Derek Cannavo)
5. Til The Stars Fall Down (Claire Guerreso, Jonny Price, Spencer Combs)
6. Skipping Stones (Claire Guerreso and Terry Sawchuk)
In Pictures: Jake Owen, The Band Perry, Winter Jam
/by Jessica NicholsonJake Owen Honored By Golf Digest
Pictured (L-R): Arnie Award winners Peyton Manning, Phil Mickelson, Jake Owen, Doug Mackenzie, Vice Chairman of the Board, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Jerry Tarde, Golf Digest Editor-in-Chief.
Golf Digest hosted their annual “Golfers Who Give Back” event on Tuesday (Feb. 7), during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and presented Jake Owen, Peyton Manning, and Phil Mickelson with the prestigious Arnie Award (named after the late Arnold Palmer). Owen attended with his parents, Steve and Mitzi Owen. Jake’s father taught him to play golf at a young age.
Jake, an avid golfer with a 2 handicap, reflected on the honor, sharing the news with fans on Instagram:
“Last night was literally one of the greatest moments in my life. I was awarded ‘The Arnie Award.’ I also received this amazing honor last night with two people I’ve always admired and looked up to…Phil Mickelson and Peyton Manning. The award is not only near and dear to my heart because of the great Arnold Palmer (who is probably the most respected athlete in history) but also because it’s given to golfers that ‘give back.’ My work with my foundation ‘The Jake Owen Foundation’ has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever been involved with. To me, life isn’t about awards. It’s not about money. At the end of this beautiful life, none of that matters. What matters is, the kind of person you are. Your character. Your legacy. What have YOU done for others? Arnold Palmer left a lasting legacy and I couldn’t be more proud to have my name in the same sentence as his. I’m forever humbled.”
The Band Perry Performs For 26th Annual Taste Of The NFL’s Party With A Purpose Event
Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry of The Band Perry. Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Taste Of The NFL
On Saturday, Feb. 4 at the University of Houston, celebrities and top chefs joined together with current, past and Hall of Fame NFL players to celebrate the 26th Annual Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose to #KickHunger in the U.S.
The sibling trio closed the event with a performance after appearances by Alyssa Milano (Actress), Aly Raisman (Olympic Gymnast), Simone Biles (Olympic Gymnast), Caroline Wozniack (Tennis Player), Savvy Shields (Miss America 2017), Danielle “Summer Rae” Moinet (WWE Superstar), Trent Dilfer (ESPN Analyst), Anne Burrell (Celeb Chef), James Anderson & Carissa Rosario (NFL star & model), Carl Lewis (University of Houston Honorary Chair), and more joined current, former & retired NFL legends and Pro Bowlers including Merril Hodge, Delanie Walker, Matt Light, Chris Draft, Curley Culp, Dick Anderson and more.
Celebrity chefs Andrew Zimmern, Richard Blais, and Alex Guarnaschelli joined 32 talented chefs representing each of the NFL cities to create pre-game food.
Winter Jam Comes To Atlanta’s Georgia Dome
Pictured (L-R): NewSong’s Matt Butler, Jack Pumphrey, Mark Clay and Eddie Carswell; Kanas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley; and NewSong’s Billy Goodwin, Russ Lee and Rico Thomas. Photo: Sterling Graves
The Winter Jam 2017 Tour Spectacular made history Saturday (Feb. 4) as the final concert in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The venue, which will close later this year, played host to more than 27,000 people for Winter Jam, marking one of the tour’s biggest nights ever. Saturday’s concert
Winter Jam 2017 showcased 10 CCM artists including Crowder; Britt Nicole; Tenth Avenue North; Andy Mineo; Colton Dixon; Thousand Foot Krutch; and Winter Jam creators and tour hosts, NewSong.
Sarah Darling’s New CD ‘Dream Country’ Out This Friday
/by Lorie HollabaughSarah Darling is releasing her forthcoming new album, Dream Country, this Friday (Feb. 10). The project is filled with tracks that Darling dubs “dream country” that run the gamut from wishing on wandering stars to songs that capture the spirit of dreamers. The CD includes tracks co-penned by Darling and Nashville star Sam Palladio, Minnie Murphy, Rebekah Powell, and others.
A teaser of the album’s lead single, “Halley’s Comet,” which is due out in March, can be streamed here. Fans can pre-order the new project on iTunes.
“This has been an opportunity to make a record with everything I’ve ever imagined, top to bottom,” says Darling about the new record.
Dream Country Track Listing:
“Wish Upon A Wandering Star” – Sarah Darling, Zach Runquist, Andrew Petroff
“Where Cowboys Ride” – Sarah Darling, Zach Runquist
“Anchor” – Sarah Darling, Sam Palladio
“Tell That Devil” – Emery Dobyns, Matthew Mayfield, Jill Andrews
“Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” – Johnny Marr, Steven Morrissey
“Starry Eyes” – Sarah Darling, Jessica Campbell, Minnie Murphy
“Montmartre” – Sarah Darling, Jennifer Bostic
“Halley’s Comet” – Sarah Darling, Cheyenne Medders, Rebekah Powell
“You Take Me All The Way” – Sarah Darling, Tyler Flowers, Cheyenne Medders
“Stargazer” -Jesse Terry
Lady Antebellum To Announce ACM Awards Nominees On Feb. 16
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum will appear live on CBS This Morning on Thursday, Feb. 16 to announce the nominees for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards, during the 8 a.m. hour (delayed PT).
Entertainment Tonight hosts Nancy O’Dell and Kevin Frazier will announce additional nominees on ETonline.com at 8:50 a.m. ET/5:50 a.m. PT. The full list of nominations will be released immediately following the announcement on ACMcountry.com.
The 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards will broadcast live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 2 (live 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
BMLG Names Mike Rittberg As Chief Marketing Officer
/by Jessica NicholsonMike Rittberg
Big Machine Label Group has named Mike Rittberg as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Rittberg will be based out of the label’s Nashville headquarters, working on the wide array of superstar talent under the Big Machine Label Group. Rittberg will begin his new role on Feb. 13.
BMLG President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta commented, “In this ever-changing environment, what once was is now no longer…Through constant analysis of the marketplace, we have hit on an incredible new marketing formula and Mike is the perfect executive to lead its operations.”
Rittberg will oversee a variety of teams including branding (formerly PMPS), sales, marketing, ecommerce, data and streaming under BMLG’s new super-marketing missive.
Prior to joining Big Machine Label Group, Rittberg worked for Bill Silva Management and was involved with the management of Linkin Park. His past stops include General Manager at Verve Music Group (UMG) as well as Senior Vice President of Reprise Records, owned by Warner Music Group. Rittberg has worked with artists including Michael Bublé, Disturbed, Green Day, Eric Clapton, Josh Groban, Stevie Nicks, Neil Young, Michelle Branch, Iyaz, and My Chemical Romance. Rittberg’s experience also extends into promotion, where he oversaw rock and alternative promotion for Warner Bros. Records for artists including Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse and Van Halen.
“I’m grateful to Scott and Andrew for this amazing opportunity to join Big Machine,” shared Rittberg. “I’m excited to work with and for such a talented roster of artists. I look forward to joining the staff in Nashville next week!”
Rittberg can be reached at mike.rittberg@bmlg.net and 615-324-7765.
LifeNotes: Industry Leader Kitty Moon Emery Passes
/by Robert K OermannKitty Moon Emery
Kitty Moon Emery, one of the most influential figures in Nashville entertainment, has died at age 70.
During her five-decade career, she left her mark on the worlds of music, sports, politics, philanthropy, tourism and more. Kitty Moon Emery was a dynamo who took seats on boards overseeing professional sports, the symphony, film and video production, banks, country music and dozens of charitable organizations. She was one of the most effective civic leaders — male or female — in Music City.
Born Catherine Sue Moon, she was a Nashville native who began her career in public television. She became the press secretary to U.S. Senator Bill Brock in Washington D.C. Next, she served as the assistant national director of advertising for the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan. Henry Kissinger appointed her to a United Nations advisory committee.
Back in Nashville, she founded Scene Three Inc. in 1974. The company initially specialized in creating political campaign ads, but rapidly diversified. When music videos became popular in the early 1980s, Scene Three was at the forefront of the trend.
The company created video clips for such stars of the 1980s and 1990s as Kathy Mattea, The Statler Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, Sylvia, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ray Charles, Amy Grant, Crystal Gayle, Michael W. Smith, Janie Fricke, Alabama, K.T. Oslin, Reba McEntire, Chet Atkins, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless, John Michael Montgomery and Sawyer Brown. Among Scene Three’s videos were the career launching “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (1989) and “The Dance” (1990) for Garth Brooks.
Scene Three’s directors included company president Marc Ball, as well as John Lloyd Miller, Larry Boothby, Robert Gabrielsen, Trip Payne and Rob Lindsay. Other key figures at Scene Three at one time or another included Nick Palladino, Dale Franklin, Eric George, Patrice McPeak, Mark Sedgwick and Terry Dull. At its peak, the multi-million-dollar company was the largest video firm in Tennessee and employed more than 50 people.
Under Moon Emery’s leadership, the firm also continued to make waves in the advertising world. In addition to music videos, Scene Three created spots for Toyota, United Cerebral Palsy, Health/Trust, South Central Bell, Northern Telecom, Saturn Corporation, Johnston & Murphy Shoes,
Drexel Heritage Furniture and Bridgestone Tires, among others.
She produced such television specials as A Day in the Life of Country Music (1994), Influences: George Jones & Randy Travis (1991), Jerry Clower Live (1990) and The Gift of Song (1984).
She also founded Scene Three Construction. This firm won a 1995 award from the Metro Historical Commission for its redesign and renovation of the Fitzgerald Hartley Management office on Wedgewood Avenue. Scene Three also began the redevelopment of the Melrose Shopping Center, The firm relocated into the old Melrose Theater there. That building is now the restaurant Sinema on Franklin Pike.
Moon Emery left Scene Three Construction in 2004. Scene Three’s video business was liquidated the following year. She went into the interior-design business at Moll Anderson Home, then became involved in the Global Action Summit Steering Committee and founded Kitty Moon Enterprises. In 2010, she was among the first business figures to back Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s gubernatorial candidacy.
Frank Bumstead, Kitty Moon Emery and CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. Photo: Christian Bottorff / CMA
In 1995, Kitty Moon Emery served as the president of the CMA board of directors. She then became president of the CMA Foundation board, overseeing the organization’s charitable donations. These included funds to help build the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame exhibits in the Music City Center.
She was a key figure on the Metro Sports Authority board for more than a decade, and was its chairwoman during the era that lured professional hockey and football franchises to Nashville. As such, she was also part of the team that named the latter the Tennessee Titans.
Her other boards included the Rotary Club, Leadership Nashville, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Leadership Music, among many others. She was co-chair of the T.J. Martel Honors Gala of 2013.
Kitty Moon Emery’s honors included the CMA President’s Award and the Easter Seals Nashvillian of the Year award. In 2014, she was given a SOURCE Award as well as Leadership Music’s Bridge Award. She was also an inductee into the YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement.
Kitty Moon Emery is survived by her husband of 18 years, Patrick Emery, her sister Lady Bird, sister-in-law Jacque Moon and by nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitations will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 4 p.m.-6pm and on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 10-11 a.m. at Woodmont Christian Church on the corner of Woodmont and Hillsboro Road. The funeral service, which was planned by Kitty, will be held at the church on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. following the second visitation. Following the funeral service, there will be a graveside service for only family and close friends.
Grammys Plan Special Tribute to Prince, George Michael
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“George Michael and Prince were pop icons who showcased rare musical genius and otherworldly charisma,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “While each possessed a distinct style and sound, they were both adored by audiences worldwide. The passings of two such creative innovators were a huge loss for the creative community; The Recording Academy is humbled to pay homage to their tremendous legacies on the GRAMMY stage.”
The Grammys will air live on CBS-TV on February 12th.
Country Music Hall of Fame to Spotlight ‘Nashville Cat’ Jim Horn
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is highlighting the career of saxophone/woodwinds player Jim Horn in the latest installment of its “Nashville Cats” series Feb. 25 at the museum’s Ford Theater. Hosted by musician Bill Lloyd, the discussion will feature stories from Horn’s colorful career, including recording in George Harrison’s bathroom, giving saxophone lessons to Garth Brooks, touring with Duane Eddy, and more.
Horn began his career as a teen, recording and touring in the 1950s with rock & roll pioneer Duane Eddy. As a young man in Los Angeles, Horn played hundreds of sessions with legendary session pros the Wrecking Crew, lending his talents to some of the biggest pop hits of all time, including the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” and the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” After touring extensively with John Denver, he relocated to Nashville and played on hit records by Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna, and Blake Shelton.
Horn will offer a short performance during the event as well, and his interview is included with museum admission and is free to museum members. Passes are required for admittance, and museum members can reserve program passes in advance by phone or via e-mail at reservations@
“Nashville Cats” honors master musicians who have played an integral role in Nashville and country music. Recent honorees include Richard Bennett, Duane Eddy, Paul Franklin, Mac Gayden, Steve Gibson, Leon Rhodes, Michael Rhodes, Billy Sanford, Pete Wade, Bill Walker, and Bergen White.
Industry Ink: MV2 Entertainment, Cuts For Guts, St. Jude Hero
/by Jessica NicholsonMV2 Entertainment’s Terry McBride Celebrates Album Release in Nashville
Pictured (L-R): MV2 Entertainment artist David Fanning, John Marks of Spotify, McBride, and Shelby Kennedy of Tunecore.
MV2 Entertainment artist/songwriter Terry McBride celebrated the upcoming release of his first solo project, Hotels & Highways, with notable industry friends and supporters during a listening party Friday in Nashville.
The former frontman for iconic ‘90s country group McBride & the Ride, McBride co-wrote every cut on Hotels & Highways, which is scheduled for release on Feb. 24.
Songwriters Round To Benefit Crohns and Colitis Foundation
Lee Brice, Justin Wilson and Craig Campbell will team for a songwriters round at Nashville’s The Listening Room Cafe on March 6, for the benefit concert Cuts For Guts, which will aid the Crohns and Colitis Foundation.
The event begins at 8:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are $25 online and $35 at the door, and available at thelisteningroomcafe.com.
If You Can’t Be A Super Hero, Be A St. Jude Hero
Runners and walkers are invited to participate in the 2017 St. Jude Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon (or 5K) on April 29 as a St. Jude Hero. Participate as an individual, create your own team or join one of the Country Cares industry teams. For more information, call 615-760-8000 or contact teri.watson@stjude.org or jackie.proffit@stjude.org.