Leadership Music’s 28th class will be composed of 47 industry leaders from across the country (full list below).
Participants first attend an orientation and alumni welcome reception in September, a two-day Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, ending in May with graduation at a two-day Closing Retreat.
“The Leadership Music Class of 2017 is an impressive group of industry professionals with a wealth of experience and expertise from a diverse field of those that work within the music business,” said Diane Pearson, Senior Vice President, City National Bank who, as immediate past president of the board of directors, co-chaired the selection committee with Mike Craft, President of Leadership Music and Senior Vice President Finance, Big Machine Label Group.
“We had a record number of applications this year, and choosing 47 applicants from among those who applied is one of the most challenging tasks for the selection committee. The selection committee, composed of 28 alumni from every facet of the industry, deliberates over a four-week period, and makes every effort to choose the most balanced and diverse class possible. We all consider it a privilege to serve on this committee.”
The organization, which was founded in 1989 by 12 music industry alumni of Leadership Nashville, has graduated more than 1,100 individuals. The program creates a forum for established music industry leaders to identify and explore issues currently affecting the music industry, and provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences while building lasting relationships with classmates and alumni.
Leadership Music Class of 2017:
· Whit Adamson, President, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters
· Marshall Altman, Producer/President, Galt Line Music, Inc.
· Darcy Anderson, District Director, Office of Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn
· Justine Avila, Executive Director, Music City Music Council
· Rob Baker, Artist Manager, Longshot Management
· Katherine Beakes, Director, Finance, Universal Music Group Nashville
· Josh Bennett, Nashville Head, Nielsen Music
· Chris Blair, President/Owner, The Listening Room
· Amy Bryan, Director of Talent Buying Division, REACH
· Amanda Cates, Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy, Maverick Management
· Susan Chertkof, Senior VP, Business & Legal Affairs, RIAA (Washington, DC)
· RAC Clark, President, Lion’s Heart Entertainment (Los Angeles)
· Jeff Cuellar, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, AC Entertainment (Oak Park, IL)
· Melinda Drennan, Partner, Dodd, Drennan & Associates
· Josh Easler, Vice President, Promotion, Arista Records
· Emily Evans, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Country Music Association
· Jon Folk, President, Red 11 Music
· Mary Gauthier, Singer/Songwriter
· Gino Genaro, Vice President, Country Music Management, Thirty Tigers
· Asha Goodman, Vice President, Sacks & Company
· Kevin Grosch, CEO, Made In Network
· Todd Henry, Deputy Chief of Police, Metro Nashville Police Department
· Megan Joyce, Vice President/Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Warner Music Nashville
· Gary Kraen, Vice President, Operations & Programming, Tuned In Broadcasting
· Beth Laird, Co-owner, Creative Nation Music
· Jennifer Lane, Principal, The Vaden Group
· Wayne Milligan, Director, Special Services & Royalty Compliance, Tri-Star Sports & Entertainment Group
· Kevin Montler, Legal Director, Global Music, Google (San Bruno, CA)
· Jonell Mosser, Singer/Songwriter
· Jessica Myers, Director, Rights Management & Licensing, Big Machine Label Group
· Dhruv Prasad, Executive VP, Live Events, Townsquare Media (Greenwich, CT)
· Lisa Purcell, Vice President, Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
· Bob Reeves, Vice President, 1608 Promotions
· Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Writer Publisher Relations, BMI
· Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Senior VP, A&R, Atlantic Records
· Liz Rose, Owner, Liz Rose Songs
· Shannon Sanders, Songwriter/Producer,
· Sally Seitz, Artist & Label Relations, Apple Music/iTunes
· Barrett Sellers, Agent, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
· Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive, Music, EA
· Reid Shippen, Mixer/Producer/Engineer
· Matthew “Chewy “Smith, President, CID Entertainment/Blue Dot Entertainment
· Sarita Stewart, Assistant Professor of Entertainment Industry Studies, Belmont University
· Trent Summar, Songwriter
· Josh Van Valkenburg, Sr. VP, Nashville A&R, Sony ATV Music Publishing
· Bayard Walters, President, Cromwell Group, Inc.
· Kristin Wilkinson, Musician
Leadership Music Welcomes 47 To Class Of 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonParticipants first attend an orientation and alumni welcome reception in September, a two-day Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, ending in May with graduation at a two-day Closing Retreat.
“The Leadership Music Class of 2017 is an impressive group of industry professionals with a wealth of experience and expertise from a diverse field of those that work within the music business,” said Diane Pearson, Senior Vice President, City National Bank who, as immediate past president of the board of directors, co-chaired the selection committee with Mike Craft, President of Leadership Music and Senior Vice President Finance, Big Machine Label Group.
“We had a record number of applications this year, and choosing 47 applicants from among those who applied is one of the most challenging tasks for the selection committee. The selection committee, composed of 28 alumni from every facet of the industry, deliberates over a four-week period, and makes every effort to choose the most balanced and diverse class possible. We all consider it a privilege to serve on this committee.”
The organization, which was founded in 1989 by 12 music industry alumni of Leadership Nashville, has graduated more than 1,100 individuals. The program creates a forum for established music industry leaders to identify and explore issues currently affecting the music industry, and provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences while building lasting relationships with classmates and alumni.
Leadership Music Class of 2017:
· Whit Adamson, President, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters
· Marshall Altman, Producer/President, Galt Line Music, Inc.
· Darcy Anderson, District Director, Office of Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn
· Justine Avila, Executive Director, Music City Music Council
· Rob Baker, Artist Manager, Longshot Management
· Katherine Beakes, Director, Finance, Universal Music Group Nashville
· Josh Bennett, Nashville Head, Nielsen Music
· Chris Blair, President/Owner, The Listening Room
· Amy Bryan, Director of Talent Buying Division, REACH
· Amanda Cates, Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy, Maverick Management
· Susan Chertkof, Senior VP, Business & Legal Affairs, RIAA (Washington, DC)
· RAC Clark, President, Lion’s Heart Entertainment (Los Angeles)
· Jeff Cuellar, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, AC Entertainment (Oak Park, IL)
· Melinda Drennan, Partner, Dodd, Drennan & Associates
· Josh Easler, Vice President, Promotion, Arista Records
· Emily Evans, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Country Music Association
· Jon Folk, President, Red 11 Music
· Mary Gauthier, Singer/Songwriter
· Gino Genaro, Vice President, Country Music Management, Thirty Tigers
· Asha Goodman, Vice President, Sacks & Company
· Kevin Grosch, CEO, Made In Network
· Todd Henry, Deputy Chief of Police, Metro Nashville Police Department
· Megan Joyce, Vice President/Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Warner Music Nashville
· Gary Kraen, Vice President, Operations & Programming, Tuned In Broadcasting
· Beth Laird, Co-owner, Creative Nation Music
· Jennifer Lane, Principal, The Vaden Group
· Wayne Milligan, Director, Special Services & Royalty Compliance, Tri-Star Sports & Entertainment Group
· Kevin Montler, Legal Director, Global Music, Google (San Bruno, CA)
· Jonell Mosser, Singer/Songwriter
· Jessica Myers, Director, Rights Management & Licensing, Big Machine Label Group
· Dhruv Prasad, Executive VP, Live Events, Townsquare Media (Greenwich, CT)
· Lisa Purcell, Vice President, Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
· Bob Reeves, Vice President, 1608 Promotions
· Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Writer Publisher Relations, BMI
· Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Senior VP, A&R, Atlantic Records
· Liz Rose, Owner, Liz Rose Songs
· Shannon Sanders, Songwriter/Producer,
· Sally Seitz, Artist & Label Relations, Apple Music/iTunes
· Barrett Sellers, Agent, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
· Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive, Music, EA
· Reid Shippen, Mixer/Producer/Engineer
· Matthew “Chewy “Smith, President, CID Entertainment/Blue Dot Entertainment
· Sarita Stewart, Assistant Professor of Entertainment Industry Studies, Belmont University
· Trent Summar, Songwriter
· Josh Van Valkenburg, Sr. VP, Nashville A&R, Sony ATV Music Publishing
· Bayard Walters, President, Cromwell Group, Inc.
· Kristin Wilkinson, Musician
LifeNotes: Pop/Country Stylist Floyd Robinson Passes
/by Robert K OermannFloyd Robinson
Floyd Robinson, best known for his 1959 top-20 pop hit “Makin’ Love,” has died at age 83.
Born in 1932, Robinson was a Nashville native who decided on a career in music while he was still a youngster. He formed his first band, The Eagle Rangers, and the group entertained at local teen dance parties and school functions. While he was still in high school, Robinson had his own radio shows on WLAC and WSM.
The Eagle Rangers served as the touring band for such stars as George Jones, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold and Jimmy Dickens. They also appeared on the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1958, Floyd Robinson wrote the novelty song “The Little Space Girl.” It was recorded by his cousin, Jesse Lee Turner, and became a pop hit.
The following year, Chet Atkins signed Robinson to RCA Records and produced “Makin’ Love.” The song was particularly popular overseas and had cover versions recorded in French, German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish.
RCA released the Floyd Robinson LP in the wake of that hit, but the singer-songwriter never charted again. He continued to record teen-oriented singles for the labels Jamie, Dot, Groove and United Artists in the 1960s.
In 1973, Robinson resurfaced as the inventor of “Christian animal music.” During the next few years, he issued at least 14 LPs of children’s evangelical music.
Among the titles were Charlie the Hamster Sings the Ten Commandments, Ricky the Cricket Bible Songs, The Adventures of Bernie the Billy Goat: Songs for Sunday School, Woody Woodchuck Sings Bible Stories, Charlie the Hamster Sings Christmas Songs, Barney the Bear Sings Bible Stories and The Adventures of Finley the Fish.
In 1977, the estate of David Seville (Ross Bagdasarian) sued Robinson because his recordings supposedly sounded too much like The Chipmunks. The matter was settled out of court, and Robinson discontinued making his animal records.
In the 1990s, Floyd Robinson published two books, 1992’s instruction manual Guitar Playing Made Easy and 1994’s novel The Guitar. His teen-pop records were reissued on CD in 1994.
Floyd Robinson died on May 28. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Sherry Peacock and Donna Decker, brother William, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
All services will be private. For online condolences, please visit hendersonvillefh.com.
Nick Fradiani To Release Debut Project For Big Machine Records In August
/by Jessica NicholsonAmerican Idol season 14 winner Nick Fradiani will release his debut album, Hurricane, on Aug. 5 via Big Machine Records/19 Recordings. Fradiani is teasing the project with snippets of select tracks, posting every Friday now through Aug. 5.
He co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on Hurricane, including his pop/Hot AC hit “Get You Home.”
“I worked so hard on this record and couldn’t be happier to finally get it to the fans,” said the singer/songwriter. “From writing, to radio tours and recording sessions, the past year has flown by and am so excited for everyone to hear what I have been working on. I couldn’t have done this without the fans and their support has been such a driving force.”
United Record Pressing Acquires California-Based Vinyl Manufacturer
/by Jessica NicholsonBill Smith Custom Records, founded in 1980 by father and son team of Bill and Kevin Smith, has been a leading regional manufacturer of vinyl records for independent record labels and artists on the West Coast.
“I have been privileged to work with many talented artists and wonderful people for almost four decades” said Kevin Smith, president of Bill Smith Custom Records. “I have reached a transition point in my career, and I am pleased to know that our assets and customers will be in the hands of such a passionate and dedicated organization as is United Record Pressing. Their commitment to quality and service resonates with what we have always strived to deliver.”
By integrating Bill Smith Custom Records’ presses into its 24-hour-per-day operation at United’s new modern facility in Nashville, United Record Pressing expects to significantly increase production.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill Smith Custom Records into the United Record Pressing family,” said Mark Michaels, Chairman/CEO of United Record Pressing. “Kevin and his team have done a terrific job serving their customers and caring for their equipment. We look forward to building upon that foundation.”
United Record Pressing expects to have the newly acquired presses running in Nashville by mid-July.
In Pictures: APA’s Nashville Office Relocates To One Nashville Place
/by Jessica NicholsonIn order to house its expanding staff, talent agency APA recently relocated to a spacious 14,900-square-feet office on the top floor of One Nashville Place, located at 150 4th Ave. N. in downtown Nashville. They will celebrate the move next week with an open house to showcase its upscale new location.
The new facility provides APA more than double the space of its previous 7,000-square-feet location at 3010 Poston Avenue. Panoramic views overlook downtown Nashville, as well as Nissan Stadium and the Cumberland River. Other amenities include sleek interiors, an abundance of natural lighting, and the convenience of being in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of downtown.
“If we have clients performing at the Ryman Auditorium or the Schermerhorn Symphony Center or the amphitheater, any of the downtown venues, we can walk there,” says APA Sr. VP Steve Lassiter. “It will be extremely convenient for CMA Music Fest coming up.”
The company’s new location offers some much-needed breathing room from APA’s former property. “We had 7,000 square feet in the old building,” says Lassiter. “We were completely out of space. We had assistants in the hallways, people sharing offices. We felt it was time to move downtown.”
Since the relocation, APA has hired three additional agents, as well as a staffer to handle tour sponsorships and branding. They have also relocated a television agent from their Beverly Hills office.
After looking at five available properties, APA signed the lease at One Nashville Place in November 2015. They plan to sell APA’s former property at Poston Avenue.
“The timing was perfect,” says Lassiter. “When we looked at the space in September, there was a law firm that had just vacated the space, and it was clearly the perfect one that suited our needs.”
APA represents clients including BlackHawk, Charlie Daniels Band, Clint Black, Crystal Gayle, David Lee Murphy, Don Williams, Doug Seegers, Dolly Parton, Hailey Whitters, Jesse James Decker, Keith Anderson, Leon Russell, Little Texas, Phil Vassar, Sawyer Brown, Tanya Tucker, Tonic, Travis Tritt, and more.
HGTV Lodge To Feature 5+ Performances A Day During CMA Fest
/by Eric T. ParkerHGTV Lodge at the 2015 CMA Music Festival. Photo: Courtesy HGTV
HGTV returns to Nashville’s CMA Music Festival with its 3,500 sq. ft. HGTV Lodge with live musical performances by popular artists Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Jake Owen, Cole Swindell, and many more.
From Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 12 festival-goers also can attend performances and autograph signings with Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and the Scott Family, Kip Moore, Thompson Square, Frankie Ballard, Old Dominion, Maddie & Tae, Cassadee Pope, Eric Paslay, Jack Ingram, Brandy Clark, Chris Carmack, Aubrie Sellers, Aaron Lewis, Margo Price, and a special ASCAP songwriter’s round. Great American Country’s Suzanne Alexander will serve as the HGTV Lodge emcee during the four-day event. HGTV stars Drew and Jonathan Scott will also be present.
“We’re giving our fans a one-of-a-kind experience in a venue that is unlike any other at the Festival,” said Shannon Jamieson Driver, Senior Vice President, Network Marketing and Creative Services, Scripps Networks Interactive. “We’re back in a big way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the HGTV Lodge.”
Schedule of Events* at 2016 CMA Fest’s HGTV Lodge:
Thursday, June 9:
10:00 a.m.: Brandy Clark performance
12:00 p.m.: Jake Owen performance
1:30 p.m.: Keith Urban performance
3:30 p.m.: Kip Moore performance
5:00 p.m.: Aubrie Sellers performance
Friday, June 10:
10:00 a.m.: Chris Carmack, Star of ABC’s Nashville performance
11:30 a.m.: Thompson Square performance
12:30 p.m.: Frankie Ballard performance
1:30 p.m.: Cole Swindell performance
4:00 p.m.: Charles Kelley performance
5:00 p.m.: Eric Paslay performance
Saturday, June 11:
10:00 a.m.: Aaron Lewis performance
11:00 a.m.: Margo Price performance
12:30 p.m.: ASCAP Songwriters performance
2:00 p.m.: Drew and Jonathan Scott presentation
5:00 p.m.: Martina McBride performance
Sunday, June 12:
10:00 a.m.: Hillary Scott and the Scott Family performance
12:30 p.m.: Old Dominion performance
2:00 p.m.: Cassadee Pope performance
3:00 p.m.: Jack Ingram performance
4 :00 p.m.: Maddie & Tae performance
*All performances and times subject to change without notice.
Weekly Chart Report (6/3/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Kelsea Ballerini Announces ‘Neverland VIP Experience’ Upgrade for Tour Dates
/by Troy_StephensonBlack River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini announces the addition of the Neverland VIP Experience to her upcoming dates with Rascal Flatts on their Rhythm & Roots tour. The upgrade package spans shows from June 17 – Sept. 17, 2016.
Fans who purchase the upgrade ($75 for the general public) will enjoy a private pre-show performance from Ballerini as well as an intimate Q&A session, meet & greet with individual photo, crowd-free merchandise shopping, a unique gift package created exclusively for VIPs, and a special commemorative laminate.
The Neverland VIP Experience spins off the theme of Ballerini’s current single, “Peter Pan.”
In Pictures: Maren Morris, BMI and YEP, William Michael Morgan
/by Molly_HannulaSony Music Nashville Radio Promotion Execs Celebrate Maren Morris’ Debut Album
Pictured (L-R): Columbia Records Nashville’s Lauren Thomas, Shane Allen, Steve Hodges, Bo Martinovich, Christy Garbinski, Samantha Borenstein, Lyndsay Church, and Arista Nashville’s Josh Easler.
Sony Music Nashville radio promotion super heroes celebrate Maren Morris’ debut album, HERO, available everywhere tomorrow (June 3).
BMI and YEP Host Rocking Country Writers
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, songwriter Channing Wilson, YEP’s MaryAnne Keen, Quaker City Night Hawk’s Aaron Haynes and Patrick Adams, YEP’s Andrew Cohen, Quaker City Night Hawk’s Sam Anderson, songwriter Morgan Wallen, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Quaker City Night Hawk’s David Mastler and BMI’s Perry Howard.
BMI and YEP joined forces recently for their quarterly showcase, highlighting up-and-coming country talent at the iconic Exit/In venue. The May 31 edition of the concert featured country-rocker Morgan Wallen, crooner Channing Wilson and band Quaker City Night Hawks.
William Michael Morgan Performs With US Army And Navy Veterans In Special Opry Moment
Pictured (L-R): Bob Regan (Operation Song), Jimmy Sells (US Navy veteran), William Michael Morgan, Ian Wagner (US Army veteran), Jimmy Ritchey
In a very special appearance this weekend on the Grand Ole Opry, William Michael Morgan was joined onstage by Vietnam veteran Jimmy Sells (US Navy) and Purple Heart recipient Ian Wagner (US Army) to sing “The Last Monday in May.”
The song was written as part of Operation Song, an organization whose mission is to empower veterans and active duty military to tell their stories through songwriting. Morgan’s performance garnered a standing ovation and was declared an “Opry moment” by country legend Vince Gill.
Bill Anderson Renews Publishing Deal With Sony/ATV Music Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Terry Wakefield, Sr. VP Creative, Sony/ATV; Bill Anderson; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV
Songwriter and country music icon “Whisperin’” Bill Anderson has been churning out hit songs for seven consecutive decades, and this month, Anderson re-signs once again with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The six-time Songwriter of the Year award-winner first signed with Tree International, now owned by Sony, in 1958.
Troy Tomlinson, president/CEO of Sony/ATV said, “Few music publishers have the honor of ever getting to work with a writer of the stature of Bill Anderson. Even fewer, are able to maintain a relationship that spans decades. We consider it a privilege to represent a legendary songwriter like Bill Anderson and the body of work that he has created over the years.”
Anderson has penned hits for artists including “Whiskey Lullaby,” (Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss), “A Lot Of Things Different,” (Kenny Chesney), “Give It Away,” (George Strait), and “Country,” (Mo Pitney). Other well-known songs include “Still,” “City Lights,” “The Tips Of My Fingers,” “Po’ Folks,” “Mama Sang A Song,” “8X10,” and many more.
“I’m honored that they still want me and my songs at Sony/ATV,” said Anderson. “Those guys are the best music publishers and song guardians in the world.”
With 40 studio albums and seven No. 1 singles to his credit, the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member is set to release an autobiography Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music on Sept. 1.