Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Kenneth Gamble, Shannon Sanders, H. Beecher Hicks III, Jon Platt. (Front Row, L-R): Cathy Hughes, Dyana Williams, Leon Huff, Shirley Caesar,
Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for National Museum of African American Music
Warner/Chappell Music Chairman and CEO Jon Platt was honored in Nashville on Friday (May 6) at the National Museum of African American Music’s (NMAAM) Celebration of Legends.
Platt was joined at the Renaissance Hotel luncheon event by the following fellow honorees: Pastor Shirley Caesar; songwriting legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff; and TV One/Radio One, Chairman Cathy Hughes.
Shannon Sanders and Dyana Williams, Grammy chapter presidents of Nashville and Philadelphia, respectively, co-hosted the event and served as masters of ceremonies. They were joined by H. Beecher Hicks III, president and CEO of NMAAM.
Platt was named CEO of Warner/Chappell Music in November and added the Chairman title in May. Over the last six months, Platt and his team have achieved numerous milestones for the publishing company:
• Warner/Chappell achieved its highest-ever radio market share
• Warner/Chappell won ASCAP Pop Publisher of the Year (for the third time in the last five years), as well as Publisher of the Year at the ASCAP Latin and Country Awards (the latter of which has been won three years in a row)
• Signed an innovative direct deal with Pandora.
• He promoted Katie Vinten and Ryan Press to co-heads of A&R US (excluding Nashville)
• He hired veteran Paul Kahn as CFO
• He hired Chuck Gamble to look after Warner/Chappell’s catalog
• He named Mike Smith as Managing Director of Warner/Chappell UK
During his visit to Nashville, Platt also interviewed Gamble and Huff at the offices of Warner Music Nashville. He was introduced by Warner/Chappell Executive Vice President Ben Vaughn. Guests in attendance included Warner Music Nashville President/CEO John Esposito, BMI Sr. VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Phillip R. Graham, and musician John Oates.
Live Nation Drops Tickets To $20 For Select Summer Shows
/by Jessica NicholsonLive Nation has revealed the 150 artists involved in a special Kickoff to Summer offer, which gives fans access to select Live Nation concerts for $20 per ticket. The promotion begins Friday, May 13 and runs through May 20 at livenation.com.
Among those artists are Alabama Shakes, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Don Henley, Dwight Yoakam, Gregg Allman Band, Hillsong Worship, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Journey/Doobie Brothers, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers, Lee Brice, Lynyrd Skynyrd, mercyme, Miranda Lambert, Needtobreathe, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, and more.
The promotion was first offered last year, and aided Live Nation to reach a sales volume in amphitheaters of 14.4 million tickets.
The vast majority of the $20 promotional tickets are offered for Live Nation’s lawn inventory in its amphitheaters. In a review of last year’s promotion, Live Nation reported seeing increased sales for full-priced reserved seat sales in its amphitheaters during the week of the promotion and in the weeks following.
For a full list of participating artists, visit livenation.com.
NMPA Will Honor SESAC’s Pat Collins With Industry Legacy Award
/by Craig_ShelburnePat Collins
Pat Collins, Vice Chairman of SESAC, will be presented with the Industry Legacy Award by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) on June 8 in Manhattan.
NMPA will also honor singer-songwriter, musician and philanthropist Sting with its Songwriter Icon Award. Additionally, NMPA President & CEO David Israelite will host a keynote discussion with legendary manager, executive and visionary Irving Azoff.
The NMPA President’s Award will be given to Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for his contributions to helping creators survive in the digital age. Additionally, esteemed attorney and music publisher John Eastman will be given the Lifetime Service Award.
Nashville singer-songwriter Devin Dawson will kick off the event, followed by Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville band The Last Bandoleros, plus a special performance by Sting.
“I am incredibly excited to honor Sting at this year’s Annual Meeting,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “He is a household name not only for leading The Police and his work as a solo artist, but also through his unsurpassed songwriting. Additionally, I am thrilled to hear from Irving Azoff who has made an indelible mark on music, and to celebrate John and Pat, both of whom have provided leadership that continues to guide our industry.”
Israelite added, “As Congress continues to play a huge role in songwriters’ future, I look forward to honoring Congressman Jeffries who has been a leader in advancing the Songwriter Equity Act.”
Each year, the NMPA holds its Annual Meeting at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square the night prior to the Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner.
Israelite will deliver his yearly State of the Industry Address, which will include new publishing industry data and a forecast for what’s to come.
Tire Manufacturer Signs On As Florida Georgia Line Tour Sponsor
/by Craig_ShelburneFlorida Georgia Line has added Nitto Tire as the presenting sponsor of their upcoming Dig Your Roots Tour.
Nitto Tire is a leading manufacturer of off-road and street performance tires. The brand will be launching an all-new tire in its Grappler line of truck and SUV tires this summer. Florida Georgia Line fans will get a first look at this new tire at CMA Fest in Nashville on June 11.
In addition, this new tire will be featured on a Florida Georgia Line-inspired truck (F150) built by Nitto. The truck will be given away to a fan at the conclusion of the tour. In addition, Nitto Tire will be activating on-site at select shows this summer while giving fans the opportunity to engage with the brand and win prizes.
“Being car enthusiasts ourselves, we are thrilled to partner with Nitto Tire for our tour,” says the duo’s Tyler Hubbard.
Brian Kelley continued, “Getting our own FGL inspired car is incredible! We are honored and can’t wait for one of our fans to drive away in it.”
Florida Georgia Line performed on NBC’s The Voice and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday (May 9). The duo’s next concert will take place Thursday in Tupelo, Mississippi.
BMI Songwriters Celebrate Music (And Awards) In Key West
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI songwriters took advantage of the balmy weather and beachy locale to mingle with fellow songwriters and to perform some of their hit songs during the Key West Songwriters Festival this month.
Artist-songwriter Jake Owen served as the headliner for the Saturday evening show on Duval Street. Also on the bill were Kane Brown and LANco.
Several songwriters, including Owen, Rhett Akins, Wendell Mobley, and Natalie Hemby, were also honored with Millionaire Awards during the festival.
The retreat was held May 4-8 in Key West, Florida.
Jake Owen receives a Millionaire Award during his concert on the Duval Street stage during Key West Songwriters Festival on May 7, 2016. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Jody Williams present Rhett Akins and Wendell Mobley with Millionaire Awards at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Even Stevens performs at Conch Republic Seafood Company during Key West Songwriter’s Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Pictured (L-R): Bob DiPiero and Heather Morgan perform at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI’s Jody Williams presents Natalie Hemby with a Millionaire Award at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring Photo
Pictured: Lori McKenna and Ashley Cleveland perform at the San Carlos Institute during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring Photo
Pictured (L-R): Key West Songwriters Festival’s Charlie Bauer, songwriter Rhett Akins, BMI’s Jody Williams and Key West Songwriters Festival’s Dani Holliday gather for a photo at Conch Republic Seafood Company during Key West Songwriter’s Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Kyshona Armstrong performs at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Jake Owen performs on the Duval Street Stage during Key West Songwriters Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
Warner/Chappell Chairman & CEO Jon Platt Honored In Nashville
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (Back Row, L-R): Kenneth Gamble, Shannon Sanders, H. Beecher Hicks III, Jon Platt. (Front Row, L-R): Cathy Hughes, Dyana Williams, Leon Huff, Shirley Caesar,
Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for National Museum of African American Music
Warner/Chappell Music Chairman and CEO Jon Platt was honored in Nashville on Friday (May 6) at the National Museum of African American Music’s (NMAAM) Celebration of Legends.
Platt was joined at the Renaissance Hotel luncheon event by the following fellow honorees: Pastor Shirley Caesar; songwriting legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff; and TV One/Radio One, Chairman Cathy Hughes.
Shannon Sanders and Dyana Williams, Grammy chapter presidents of Nashville and Philadelphia, respectively, co-hosted the event and served as masters of ceremonies. They were joined by H. Beecher Hicks III, president and CEO of NMAAM.
Platt was named CEO of Warner/Chappell Music in November and added the Chairman title in May. Over the last six months, Platt and his team have achieved numerous milestones for the publishing company:
• Warner/Chappell achieved its highest-ever radio market share
• Warner/Chappell won ASCAP Pop Publisher of the Year (for the third time in the last five years), as well as Publisher of the Year at the ASCAP Latin and Country Awards (the latter of which has been won three years in a row)
• Signed an innovative direct deal with Pandora.
• He promoted Katie Vinten and Ryan Press to co-heads of A&R US (excluding Nashville)
• He hired veteran Paul Kahn as CFO
• He hired Chuck Gamble to look after Warner/Chappell’s catalog
• He named Mike Smith as Managing Director of Warner/Chappell UK
During his visit to Nashville, Platt also interviewed Gamble and Huff at the offices of Warner Music Nashville. He was introduced by Warner/Chappell Executive Vice President Ben Vaughn. Guests in attendance included Warner Music Nashville President/CEO John Esposito, BMI Sr. VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Phillip R. Graham, and musician John Oates.
In Pictures: Keith Urban Unleashes ‘Ripcord’ On 10,000 Fans
/by Jessica NicholsonKeith Urban performs for fans in Nashville on May 9, 2016. Photo: Andy Snyder
As Keith Urban celebrates the release of his eighth studio album, Ripcord, he previewed tracks from the project, along with renditions of many of his biggest hits, for approximately 10,000 fans during a free concert Monday afternoon (May 9) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Plaza.
The event is part of a three-city Ripcord release celebration that included a sold-out performance in New York City last Wednesday at Stage 48, as well as a special Grammy Museum presentation titled Keith Urban: Inside The Songs Of Ripcord tomorrow night (May 10) in Los Angeles.
Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, Keith Urban, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. Photo: UMG Nashville
Keith Urban Free Bridgestone Concert 5.9.16 (C) Moments By Moser Photography
Keith Urban Free Bridgestone Concert 5.9.16 (C) Moments By Moser Photography
Keith Urban Free Bridgestone Concert 5.9.16 (C) Moments By Moser Photography
Keith Urban Free Bridgestone Concert 5.9.16 (C) Moments By Moser Photography
Keith Urban performs in Nashville on May 9, 2016. Photo: Andy Snyder
Keith Urban Free Bridgestone Concert 5.9.16 (C) Moments By Moser Photography
Nick Fradiani Sings Acoustic Show In Nashville For Mother’s Day
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): David Nathan, BMLG SVP Promotion and Artist Development; Scott Borchetta, BMLG President and CEO; Nick Fradiani; Jonathan Shuford, WRVW 107.5 The River PD; Garrett Rheam, Republic Records Southern Atlantic Regional, Promotion. Photo: Big Machine Records
Big Machine Records artist and 2015 American Idol champion Nick Fradiani performed an acoustic afternoon set at the Aloft Hotel in Nashville on Sunday (May 8).
The special Mother’s Day event was hosted by Nashville pop station WRVR 107.5 The River.
Scott Borchetta and American Idol alumni Lauren Alaina and Clark Beckham were also on hand. Fradiani, the Season 14 American Idol winner, gave a sample of new music along with a few mashups. His new single is “Get You Home,” which he co-wrote. His debut single, “Beautiful Life,” was selected as the anthem for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In addition to recording his debut album for Big Machine Records, Fradiani is traveling to Aloft hotels across the country to perform intimate concerts.
Next ‘Skyville Live’ Will Feature Billy Gibbons, Frankie Ballard
/by Craig_ShelburneZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Photo: Blain Clausen
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top will star in the next edition of Skyville Live, the Emmy-nominated online music series based in Nashville.
The show will be streamed live on May 24. Additional guests include country artist Frankie Ballard, Nashville musician Mike Henderson, rock guitarist Orianthi and neo-soul singer ZZ Ward.
“We’ve had some world-class-kick-ass guitar playing on previous shows…but every artist on here is a brilliant guitarist,” says producer Wally Wilson. “This one’s gonna take us to Six String Heaven with the Rev. Billy G. leading the way!”
The episode is scheduled to stream live exclusively via AOL.com and go90, a free mobile video platform available across all wireless carriers on May 24 at 8/7c. To access go90, download the app via the App Store or Google Play.
Each episode is recorded with full HD video in front of an intimate studio audience in Nashville and live-streamed around the world. Since debuting in January 2015, Skyville Live has welcomed artists like Cyndi Lauper, Kris Kristofferson, Jason Isbell, Gladys Knight, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and more.
Toby Keith Prepares Tour, Charity Event, New Album
/by Craig_ShelburneToby Keith
Toby Keith will launch his Interstates & Tailgates Tour on Tuesday (May 10) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Presented by Ford Trucks, the tour is scheduled through Oct. 16 in Austin, Texas. Eric Paslay has been added to the tour on select dates.
Next month, Keith will host the 13th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, in Norman, Oklahoma. The event raises money for the Toby Keith Foundation and its work supporting seriously ill children and their families through the OK Kids Korral. A gala dinner, performance and auction will take place June 3, followed the next day by a shotgun golf tournament. Approximately 750 attendees are expected at the event, which has raised millions since its inception.
Keith is currently in the studio working on a new album, following his 2015 project, 35 mph Town.
Cassadee Pope Anticipates “Summer” Single, EP Release
/by Jessica NicholsonCassadee Pope. Photo: Lance Goodman
Republic Nashville artist Cassadee Pope will release a new EP, Summer, on June 3.
Pope penned three of the four songs on the EP. The project’s title track will be the lead single, impacting radio on June 6.
Pope’s Summer EP is produced by Corey Crowder, who produced and co-wrote “Think of You,” the recent No. 1 single recorded by Pope and Chris Young. Pope will be on the road as part of Young’s I’m Comin’ Over Tour, which has been extended into the fall.
Pope’s prior project for the label, Frame By Frame, was released in 2013.
Summer EP track listing:
1. “Summer” (written by Cassadee Pope, Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton)
2. “Piano” (written by Cassadee Pope, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz)
3. “Kisses at Airports” (written by Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Chase McGill)
4. “Alien” (written by Cassadee Pope, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite)