Scott Hamilton Tapped For CRS Keynote
Scott Hamilton
Olympic Gold Medalist, television broadcaster, and best-selling author Scott Hamilton will be the keynote speaker at Country Radio Seminar 2017. CRS President Charlie Morgan will conduct the interview on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 4 – 5:00 p.m.
As a first time guest of Country Radio Seminar, Hamilton will inspire others through his motivational story and how to overcome life’s obstacles. Hamilton captured the attention of the world in 1984 with his Olympic gold medal performances in Saravejo. He continues to share his passion for the sport as a commentator, performer, and author (Landing It, 1999; The Great Eight, 2009).
As a cancer survivor, Hamilton launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, Chemocare.com and the 4th Angel Mentoring Program. He is also the founder of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy at Ford Ice Center in Antioch, TN, in partnership with the Nashville Predators. Hamilton was diagnosed with his third brain tumor in October, but faced the news with his trademark positive attitude.
The $599 regular registration rate for Country Radio Seminar 2017 is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
BMI Hosts Holiday Tree Lighting
Pictured: (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Anderson Benson’s George Anderson, Mayor Megan Barry, Anderson Benson’s Brent Daughrity and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Steve Lowry.
BMI hosted its 22nd annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration Dec. 8 with a full house of BMI employees, family and industry friends. Sponsored by Anderson Benson, party-goers were encouraged to bring a gift for Toys for Tots and collected almost 100 presents. BMI’s Jody Williams toasted to another great year in Nashville and wished everyone a happy holiday season.
Catch This Music Writer’s Ink Signs Trannie Stevens
Catch This Music Writer’s Ink has signed rising songwriter Trannie Stevens. She arrived in Nashville 16 months ago and was the 2016 winner of Texas Songwriter U, a contest judged by Liz Rose, Jack Ingram, and Radney Foster.
“Our CTM Writer’s INK family is so excited to have Trannie Stevens join our team of creators,” said President/CEO Eddie Robba. “Trannie is a writer that’s willing to step outside of the box and strives to push for deep lyric and inspiring melodies.”
Stevens said, “I deeply value relationships, daily growth, and pushing the envelope within the best genre in the world, country music. I’m so glad CTM is a place where I can be myself and am surrounded by people and writers with the same mentality. God is so good!”
Stevens has opened concerts for Toby Keith, Ronnie Dunn, Eric Paslay and Jack Ingram.
(YEP) Announces 2017 Board of Directors
Amelia Varni will serve as Executive Director of (YEP). She works at Universal Music Publishing Group. Photo: Dallas Wilson.
Nashville’s Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) announces the 2017 Board of Directors led by Executive Director Amelia Varni. The 2017 Board of Directors includes Alina Thompson (Country Music Association), Caroline Melby (Belmont University), Christina Wiltshire (Sea Gayle Music), Garrison Snell (Gyrosity Projects), Jaclyn Carter (Shore Fire Media), Jarrod Holley (Suit Music Management), Katie Roth (Creative Nation) and Rachel Knight (Turnipblood Entertainment/The Knight Agency). Catherine Moore (Farris, Self and Moore) will continue as the organization’s treasurer.
YEP’s 2017 “Alumni Class” includes Andrew Cohen (Suit Music) and MaryAnn Keen (BMI), who founded the organization at Tin Roof in Nashville six years ago.
“I’m honored to have been chosen by the board to carry this responsibility,” says Varni. “Andrew [Cohen] has been extremely helpful leading me through this transition for the past six months. We’re looking forward to YEP’s growth in 2017 with the help of our team and Nashville’s continued support.”
Leading Music Organizations To Trump: ‘Tech Corporations Can Do Better’
/by Sarah SkatesClick to read the full letter.
Leading music industry organizations, including the RIAA, The Recording Academy and the performing rights organizations, sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump to state the importance of intellectual property and rights-holders earning fair market value. This letter comes on the eve of Trump’s meeting with leaders of the tech industry Wednesday (Dec. 14) afternoon.
The correspondence addresses that “music drives innovation” and that “sophisticated technology corporations can do better” in preventing illegal access to music and “paying fair market value.”
The letter is signed by A2IM, American Federation of Musicians, ASCAP, Americana Music Association, BMI, Church Music Publishers’ Association, Christian Music Trade Association, Gospel Music Association, The Living Legends Foundation Inc., Music Managers Forum – U.S., NSAI, NMPA, The Recording Academy, RIAA, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, SAG-AFTRA, SESAC, The Songwriters Guild of America and SoundExchange.
According to the New York Times, top executives from Tesla, Alphabet (Google’s parent), Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook are scheduled to attend tomorrow’s meeting.
Last month, Mr. Trump hosted a similar meeting with members of the media with the main purpose of lashing out at them.
Sony Music Nashville Names Jennifer Way To Director, Marketing Role
/by Jessica NicholsonJennifer Way
Jennifer Way has joined Sony Music Nashville as Director, Marketing, reporting to Hannah Dudley, Vice President, Marketing. Way will be responsible for the strategy, development and execution of targeted marketing campaigns for her assigned artists.
Dudley says, “I am extremely excited for Jen to join the marketing team, bringing her considerable experience and excellent relationships to her new family at Sony Music Nashville.”
With over 10 years marketing experience with Universal Music Group Nashville, Jennifer Way was Manager, Marketing & Artist Development. She has an extensive background in marketing and product management for such artists as Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Charles Kelley, Jordan Davis and David Nail. Her recent launch highlights include the 2017 GRAMMY-nominated albums Love Remains by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family and Keith Urban’s Ripcord, as well as Chris Stapleton’s Traveller.
Jennifer Way remarked, “It’s such an exciting time for Sony Music Nashville and I’m honored to be joining the team as the newest member. I can’t wait to jump in and begin working with these incredible artists.”
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Way resides in Nashville with her family. She can be reached at jennifer.way@sonymusic.com.
Drake White Sets First Headlining Tour For 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonDrake White
Following the release of his debut album earlier this year, BMLG artist Drake White will kick off his first headlining stint in February 2017. White and his band The Big Fire will take The Spark Tour 2017 to 17 clubs across the US, including a show at Nashville’s Exit/In on April 13.
“I couldn’t be more excited to get out on the road for my first headlining dates,” exclaimed White. “The Big Fire and I are road warriors. We have been playing together for many years so to be out there on our own tour is really special for us.”
White was recently named as one of MusicRow‘s 2017 Next Big Thing artists, and has opened for artists including Willie Nelson, Zac Brown Band and Eric Church.
UPCOMING SPARK TOUR 2017 DATES
Feb. 4: Husson University – Gracie Theatre | Bangor, ME
Feb. 16: Texas Club | Baton Rouge, LA
Feb. 17: Mo’s Place | Katy, TX
March 17: Coyote Joe’s | Charlotte, NC
March 18: The Blind Horse Saloon | Greenville, SC
March 23: Gramercy Theatre | New York, NY
March 24: Paradise Rock Club | Boston, MA
March 25: Mohegen Sun – Wolf Den | Uncasville, CT
April 7: The Dallas Bull | Tampa, FL
April 13: Exit/In | Nashville, TN
April 14: Mercury Ballroom | Louisville, KY
April 19: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille | Warrendale, PA
April 20: Coyote Joe’s | Shelby Township, MI
April 21: 8 Seconds Saloon | Indianapolis, IN
May 5: The Bluestone | Columbus, OH
May 31: Moonshine Beach | San Diego, CA
June 2: Brandin’ Iron | San Bernardino, CA
Big Loud Mountain Signs Mat Kearney
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Big Loud Mountain partners Seth England and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Mat Kearney, Big Loud Mountain partners Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi and Big Loud Mountain’s Troy Johnson
Songwriter/artist Mat Kearney has signed with Big Loud Mountain Management and has new music in the works.
Kearney’s unique blend of hip-hop, adult alternative, and spiritually-based songwriting have garnered a dedicated fanbase during his 10-year career. His current record, Just Kids (released in February 2015), became his fourth-consecutive Top 5 release on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The prolific writer has also contributed songs to dozens of television shows and movies, including Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, and Soul Surfer. Kearney recently wrapped his run on the COMPADRES 2016 Tour, presented by Needtobreathe. His career breakthrough came in 2006 with his major label debut, Nothing Left To Lose, which has sold over 450,000 copies.
“Big Loud is an exciting place to be. Great people with big ideas,” said Kearney. “After being on a major label for 10 years I felt a strong need to start this journey together as an independent artist. It has been so inspiring, and I feel lucky to have such a world-class team down the street.”
Big Loud Mountain partner Seth England said of the signing, “After our first meeting with Mat, we knew we had to officially work together. I’ve always respected Mat’s career from a distance all these years. We couldn’t be more excited to join his team. We’ve had the pleasure of hearing what Mat is working on next and I can confidently say the best is yet to come for him.”
Big Loud Mountain is also home to superstars Florida Georgia Line and breakout artists Chris Lane and Dallas Smith.
Dierks Bentley Inks Deal With Kobalt Music Copyright
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Willard Ahdritz (Kobalt founder/CEO), Merril Wasserman (EVP, Business Development), Dierks Bentley, Richard Sanders (President, Kobalt North America), Laura Alexander (Senior Creative Director), Stephanie Cox (VP, Creative), Jesse Willoughby (GM, Kobalt Nashville).
Dierks Bentley has inked a deal with Kobalt Music Copyright for representation of his back catalog, including hits such as “I Hold On,” “Home,” “Drunk On A Plane,” “Sideways,” and more, MusicRow has confirmed. Kobalt will also handle administration for Bentley’s future compositions.
“I couldn’t be more happy about joining the Kobalt team,” said Bentley. “Everyone I’ve had a chance to meet emits a feeling of belief in the power of songs and songwriting. You can’t help but sense their excitement about writing collaborations and possibilities. I look forward to having the positive energy surrounding me as we start thinking about the next project.”
Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, commented, “Dierks Bentley is a gifted artist and songwriter who has only grown stronger over the years. We very much believe in him and feel strongly that he will keep growing and that the best is yet to come.”
Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville stated, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring such a phenomenal artist like Dierks Bentley into the Kobalt family. His career continues to thrive as he pushes new boundaries on every project. His eighth album release speaks volumes about his contribution to country music and popular culture as a whole. Welcome to Kobalt, Dierks!”
Alabama, Cyndi Lauper Set For Tonight’s Dolly Parton Telethon
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton‘s Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon will air tonight (Dec. 13) on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network, beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Significant donations have already been committed before the airing, including pledges from Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
Artists performing on the show include Parton, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Chris Stapleton, Reba, Alison Krauss, Michael W. Smith, Chris Janson, Big & Rich, LOCASH, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Cyndi Lauper, Don McLean, Amy Grant, Alabama, Aaron Lewis and Rhonda Vincent.
“The donations that are already coming in are so special to me,” Parton said. “It means there are a lot of people behind us and ready to help us. There is still so much need to support the people of the Smoky Mountains, but thanks to Taylor and Kenny and both the ACM and CMA for gettin’ us started with such huge donations.”
More than 1300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. Currently, the monthly pledge is in excess of $1.3 million each month.
Reba Returns To ABC In New TV Series
/by Jessica NicholsonReba
Reba is set to rejoin ABC in a new series penned by Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, who will serve as executive producer and showrunner. The untitled project has earned a script commitment and a penalty in a competitive situation, according to multiple sources.
McEntire commented via social media about the announcement on Dec. 12, saying, “we’re really excited!!!!”
Described as a Southern Gothic soap opera, the hourlong series is set in motion after a horrible, suspected act of terrorism happens at a 4th of July parade in the small town of Oxblood, Kentucky. The FBI sends a cocky agent of Middle Eastern descent to investigate. He teams up with the mercurial local Sheriff (McEntire) to uncover secrets far darker than either could have ever imagined.
The series also includes longtime McEntire collaborators Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel from Acme Productions. Both served as executive producers on McEntire’s previous series Reba (WB) and Malibu Country (ABC/ABC Studios). Cherry’s producing partner Sabrina Wind will also executive produce via their Cherry-Wind Productions.
New Books Spotlight Jessi Colter, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Charley Pride
/by Jessica NicholsonJessi Colter will release her first memoir about her career and life with husband and country legend Waylon Jennings. Titled An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon and the Faith That Brought Me Home, the book will be released April 11, 2017.
Penned with author David Ritz, the book includes Colter becoming the first female to earn the CMA award for Album of the Year (for her contribution to Wanted–The Outlaws), her integral role in the “outlaw” country movement, and the struggles of her marriage to Jennings, as he dealt with cocaine and alcohol addiction.
Colter still lives in Arizona, where Jennings was laid to rest in 2002. The book also chronicles Colter’s return to faith, and how he shared that faith with her in the later years of his life.
Peter Cooper To Release ‘Johnny’s Cash & Charley’s Pride’
Now a senior director, writer, and producer at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Cooper’s selected stories are an original take on the formative days at WSM as well as introductions to many of country music’s unique personalities. The book includes tales of Nashville artists, executives and locations including Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Kris Kristofferson, Don Light, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Earl Scruggs, The Station Inn, and more.
Johnny’s Cash & Charley’s Pride will release April 25, 2017 via Spring House Press.
Congressional Proposal Seeks Autonomy Of Copyright Office
/by Eric T. ParkerAfter years of soliciting input from stakeholders on all sides of the copyright debate and a more recent, contentious ouster of Maria Pallante as U.S. Copyright Registrar in October 2016, comes the first in a series of expected reforms for the U.S. copyright system. On Thursday, Dec. 8, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee began the conversation by proposing autonomy of the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress.
The proposal retains the Copyright Office as part of the Legislative Branch and led by a Registrar, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
Reforms are aimed at modernizing the agency, and funding technology upgrades including a searchable, digital database of historical and current copyright ownership. A noted IT modernization plan is estimated at costing $165 million over five years.
“These policy proposals are not meant to be the final word on reform in these individual issue areas, but rather a starting point for further discussion by all stakeholders, with the goal of producing legislative text within each issue area,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va) and ranking member John Conyers (D-Mich) in a video statement (below).
Hayden, who took office in September, oversaw Pallante and reportedly assigned the Registrar to a new position that required she vacate her office and submit weekly reports to a deputy librarian about her duties, including a review of the library’s retail operation.
“The proposals set up a show-down between Congress and new librarian Carla D. Hayden over the future of the agency,” notes the Washington Post‘s Peggy McGlone.
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who issued their reforms earlier this year, said they looked forward to working with their House colleagues. “Based on our extensive consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, we believe the Copyright Office should have more independence, accountability, and authority to make decisions in areas such as IT, budget, and staffing,” they said in a joint statement Thursday.
The House committee is seeking public comment on the proposal through Jan. 31. A library spokeswoman told the Post that Hayden plans to release a timeline for the hiring a replacement Registrar by year’s end.
Industry Ink: CRS, BMI, Catch This Music, YEP
/by Sarah SkatesScott Hamilton Tapped For CRS Keynote
Scott Hamilton
Olympic Gold Medalist, television broadcaster, and best-selling author Scott Hamilton will be the keynote speaker at Country Radio Seminar 2017. CRS President Charlie Morgan will conduct the interview on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 4 – 5:00 p.m.
As a first time guest of Country Radio Seminar, Hamilton will inspire others through his motivational story and how to overcome life’s obstacles. Hamilton captured the attention of the world in 1984 with his Olympic gold medal performances in Saravejo. He continues to share his passion for the sport as a commentator, performer, and author (Landing It, 1999; The Great Eight, 2009).
As a cancer survivor, Hamilton launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, Chemocare.com and the 4th Angel Mentoring Program. He is also the founder of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy at Ford Ice Center in Antioch, TN, in partnership with the Nashville Predators. Hamilton was diagnosed with his third brain tumor in October, but faced the news with his trademark positive attitude.
The $599 regular registration rate for Country Radio Seminar 2017 is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.
BMI Hosts Holiday Tree Lighting
Pictured: (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Anderson Benson’s George Anderson, Mayor Megan Barry, Anderson Benson’s Brent Daughrity and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Steve Lowry.
BMI hosted its 22nd annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration Dec. 8 with a full house of BMI employees, family and industry friends. Sponsored by Anderson Benson, party-goers were encouraged to bring a gift for Toys for Tots and collected almost 100 presents. BMI’s Jody Williams toasted to another great year in Nashville and wished everyone a happy holiday season.
Catch This Music Writer’s Ink Signs Trannie Stevens
Catch This Music Writer’s Ink has signed rising songwriter Trannie Stevens. She arrived in Nashville 16 months ago and was the 2016 winner of Texas Songwriter U, a contest judged by Liz Rose, Jack Ingram, and Radney Foster.
“Our CTM Writer’s INK family is so excited to have Trannie Stevens join our team of creators,” said President/CEO Eddie Robba. “Trannie is a writer that’s willing to step outside of the box and strives to push for deep lyric and inspiring melodies.”
Stevens said, “I deeply value relationships, daily growth, and pushing the envelope within the best genre in the world, country music. I’m so glad CTM is a place where I can be myself and am surrounded by people and writers with the same mentality. God is so good!”
Stevens has opened concerts for Toby Keith, Ronnie Dunn, Eric Paslay and Jack Ingram.
(YEP) Announces 2017 Board of Directors
Amelia Varni will serve as Executive Director of (YEP). She works at Universal Music Publishing Group. Photo: Dallas Wilson.
Nashville’s Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) announces the 2017 Board of Directors led by Executive Director Amelia Varni. The 2017 Board of Directors includes Alina Thompson (Country Music Association), Caroline Melby (Belmont University), Christina Wiltshire (Sea Gayle Music), Garrison Snell (Gyrosity Projects), Jaclyn Carter (Shore Fire Media), Jarrod Holley (Suit Music Management), Katie Roth (Creative Nation) and Rachel Knight (Turnipblood Entertainment/The Knight Agency). Catherine Moore (Farris, Self and Moore) will continue as the organization’s treasurer.
YEP’s 2017 “Alumni Class” includes Andrew Cohen (Suit Music) and MaryAnn Keen (BMI), who founded the organization at Tin Roof in Nashville six years ago.
“I’m honored to have been chosen by the board to carry this responsibility,” says Varni. “Andrew [Cohen] has been extremely helpful leading me through this transition for the past six months. We’re looking forward to YEP’s growth in 2017 with the help of our team and Nashville’s continued support.”