Martin Bandier. Photo: @MartyBandier
Martin Bandier has signed a contract extension to remain as Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, where he has served the joint venture between Sony Corporation of America and the Estate of Michael Jackson since 2007.
Under Bandier’s leadership, Sony/ATV has become one of the world’s leading music publishers with a catalog of more than 3 million songs. These include songs by Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams as well as works by legends including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Queen, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. In 2011/2012, Bandier played a key role in the acquisition of EMI Music Publishing by Sony Corporation of America, the Estate of Michael Jackson and an investment group headed by Mubadala Development Company, for whom Sony/ATV administers the EMI catalog.
“I am thrilled to continue my role at Sony/ATV Music Publishing and continuing to work with a talented group of colleague,” Bandier said. “Since my arrival, we have become the No. 1 music publisher and I am proud to say we represent many of the world’s best-loved songs alongside some of its greatest songwriters. I would like to thank Sony and John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, for their support and confidence in me, and I am looking forward to sharing many more successes with them over the next few years.”
“Marty Bandier is a legend in the music industry, and we are thrilled that he will continue his work at Sony/ATV,” said Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment Inc. “Since he first joined in 2007, the company has reached amazing heights, and we expect that it will continue to flourish under his guidance.”
“Renewing Marty’s relationship with Sony/ATV avails the Estate of his enormous creative and executive talents as we strategically and profitably meet the challenges of our evolving business,” said Branca and McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.
Bandier’s Sony/ATV appointment followed a 17-year stint running EMI Music Publishing, which he took over in 1989 after his company SBK was acquired by EMI and which he turned into what was then the world’s leading music publishing company.
While at Sony/ATV he has negotiated the acquisitions of both the Famous Music catalog, which includes scores for film such as The Godfather, Braveheart and Mission Impossible, and the Leiber & Stoller catalog whose hits include “Stand By Me,” “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” Finalized in 2007, the acquisition of the historic Leiber & Stoller catalog fulfilled a dream and business goal that Michael Jackson specifically iterated in the agreement for the formation of Sony/ATV in 1995.
During his time at Sony/ATV, Bandier has championed fair value for songwriters, working to ensure that writers are fairly compensated for their work by music streaming services.
Throughout his tenure the company and its songwriters have won numerous awards, including this last year when Sony/ATV was named Pop Publisher of the Year by both ASCAP and BMI in the U.S. In February 2015 he became the first ever music publisher to receive the Grammy Awards’ President’s Merit Award for his work in the music industry during a Grammy weekend when many of the company’s songwriters, including Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams, were also honored. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, while among his many industry roles he serves on the boards of the City of Hope, ASCAP, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA).
Under his management, the company has enjoyed significant success on Broadway with Motown The Musical and the double Tony Awards winner Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, both of which have expanded into international tours.
Bandier is additionally a trustee of Syracuse University where in 2006 he founded a music and entertainment degree program called The Bandier Program for Music and Entertainment Industries. Last year, Billboard named it one of the top schools in the U.S. to learn about the music industry.
Vince Gill Chosen For Guitar Center’s RockWalk
/by Craig_ShelburneVince Gill will be inducted into the RockWalk at Guitar Center’s flagship location on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles on Feb. 4. Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh will introduce Gill and speak about his accomplishments at the ceremony.
As the newest RockWalk inductee, Gill’s handprints will reside alongside musicians and innovators such as Eric Clapton, George Martin, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Korn, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Run-D.M.C., Queen, Linkin Park and many others.
“It is an absolute honor to be chosen by my peers to be inducted into Guitar Center’s RockWalk. I’ve always been grateful to be able to spend my life doing what I love to do, and to be recognized in such a monumental way—cemented next to the legendary artists reflected on the RockWalk—is a moment I could never have imagined when I picked up that very first guitar,” said Gill, who spent time in Los Angeles as a fledgling musician in the 1970s.
“Over the course of his decades-spanning career, Vince Gill has become a fixture in country music and beyond. Not only is he a legend in the music world with 20 Grammys and countless other accolades, but he has also forged a meaningful career as a humanitarian, producer and collaborator. These, among other attributes, are what make Vince Gill the perfect example of the type of artist we intend to honor with Guitar Center’s RockWalk,” said Jake Cheung, manager of music marketing and artist relations at Guitar Center.
Gill will release Down to My Last Bad Habit, his first new album in five years, on Feb. 12.
Bonnaroo Performance Lineup To Be Announced Jan. 19 on ‘Conan’
/by Jessica NicholsonBonnaroo’s much-anticipated announcement of its 15th anniversary lineup will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 19, exclusively on TBS’ Conan, airing at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT. This year’s edition of Bonnaroo will showcase more than 150 musicians, bands, and comedians performing across 12 stages during the four-day event, slated for June 9-12 at Great Stage Park. The 700-acre Great Stage Park is located 60 miles south of Nashville in Manchester, Tennessee.
Bonnaroo’s milestone 15th anniversary will be celebrated with the addition of several new amenities and infrastructure improvements. For the first time, the site will feature its own permanent water line, allowing for the installation of more than 400 permanent toilets, hundreds of permanent shower stalls (35 percent of the total shower stalls onsite), and a large number of water filling stations installed throughout the site.
Bonnaroo began in 2002; over the past 15 years more than 1,600 artists and 150 comedians have performed at Bonnaroo.
Ringside: A Fight For Kids Announces Participants In 12th Annual ‘Rumble On The Row’
/by Troy_StephensonRCA Nashville Director, National Promotion Josh Easler will face EMI Director, Regional promotion Chris Fabiani. And Jon Andolina, Director of Tour Marketing/Sponsorships for Jake Owen, will take on Arista regional Rusty Sherrill.
The evening event will include gourmet dining, sounds by DJ KO, surprise celebrity guests, a silent auction with numerous one-of-a-kind items, and boxing featuring two “Rumble on the Row” and three additional amateur bouts.
The annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids event supports The Charley Foundation, the Nashville non-profit organization that provides assistance to disable and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups throughout Middle Tennessee.
“Ringside’s ‘Rumble on the Row’ bouts are always the most anticipated and this year’s match-ups will be fierce competitions,” said Carolyn Miller, founder and chairman of The Charley Foundation, who produces the annual event. “I am so grateful to these four gents for their commitment to train and help raise funds for this event which will directly help impact the lives of so many local children in need.”
For tables and tickets, visit charleyfoundation.org.
Industry Members Celebrate Chris Young’s Latest Chart-topper
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell; Jody Williams, BMI; Bradley Collins, BMI; Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV; Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV; Josh Hoge; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Chris Young; Corey Crowder; Larry Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Hartley; Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald Hartley; Mike Sistad, ASCAP; Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville
Industry members, friends and family gathered yesterday evening (Jan. 11) at Nashville’s The Cannery Ballroom for a No. 1 celebration honoring RCA Nashville artist Chris Young‘s title track single, “I’m Comin’ Over.” The song held the top spot for a three-week run in 2015.
Written by Young (BMI), Corey Crowder (ASCAP) and Josh Hoge (SESAC), the lead single has reached RIAA Platinum status and is Young’s 7th No. 1 song and first as a producer.
BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed guests and set the stage for the festivities before Sony Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Keith Gale started the accolades. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a contribution on behalf of the tunesmiths to T. J. Martell Foundation while Ashley Silver took a turn to honor the writers from Country Radio Broadcasters.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad touted that Crowder was celebrating his first No. 1 as a writer and producer while everyone agreed this would not be his last. Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn continued the celebration and in partnership with Liz Rose Music handed out original Rob Hendon paintings to each of the writers. SESAC’s Shannan Hatch gave kudos to Hoge who was also celebrating his first No. 1 song. Sony ATV’s Troy Tomlinson bragged on Hoge and Young before Collins proudly added his respect and excitement for Young’s achievements.
Then it was the writers’ turns.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Hoge (SESAC), Chris Young (BMI), Corey Crowder (ASCAP). Photo: Alan Poizner
Hoge quickly admitted, “I’m very nervous” and shared his remembrance of starting out in the music business working at Dreamworks and running the mailroom stating, “That’s when it all started.” “I’m a firm believer in not forgetting where you come from,” shared Hoge before giving an emotional thanks to his co-writers adding, “We share more than just writing songs.”
Crowder took the stage next, offering sincere gratitude to a long list of recipients including his wife, Laney, family, musicians, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Sony, ASCAP, Duane Hobson, and his co-writers. Crowder met co-writer Hoge 10 years ago and admitted, “It’s cool to see our friendship come full circle.” With Hoge being the one to initially introduce him to Chris Young, Crowder told Young, “Thanks for taking a chance on me.”
“This is obviously a very big song for me,” Young admitted to the excited crowd. “I needed this. I really did.” Young expressed his appreciation to his co-writers saying, “Both of these guys are emotional guys and you have to write from your heart.” His thanks included those to Sony Music, Huskins-Harris, WME, and Sony ATV, among others. “I’m very proud to have made this song with Corey and Josh,” added Young. “This is my seventh No. 1, and seven is my lucky number ever since I was a little kid. I truly am lucky and very blessed.”
Randy Goodman (via video recording) gave a “hearty congratulations” as he was on a business trip in New York and unable to attend. Goodman also took the opportunity to remind guests of ACM voting and that Chris Young deserves the male vocalist nod stating, “This is a guy whose time has come.”
LifeNotes: Gospel Great, Former BMI Exec Joe Moscheo Dies
/by Robert K OermannJoe Moscheo. Photo: The Joe Moscheo Fund/Giveforward.com
Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Joe Moscheo was known to thousands of music industry folks due to his membership in The Imperials and his long tenure as an executive at BMI. Moscheo, 78, passed away around 10 p.m. on Monday night, Jan. 11, reported The Imperials on a Facebook posting. He was a musician, a manager, an executive, a producer, a songwriter and an author.
Moscheo was born to Italian immigrants in Albany, New York in 1937. He first went on the road in 1960 when he joined the gospel group The Harmoneers. Within a year, he had moved on to perform with The Prophets. In the fall of 1964, he joined The Imperials as a singer, keyboard player and arranger. He also wrote several songs for the group.
This version of The Imperials regularly performed with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas in 1969-72. Between 1966 and 1971, The Imperials also appeared on a number of Presley’s recordings. Moscheo revisited this phase of his career in his 2007 book The Gospel Side of Elvis. He also produced the PBS TV documentary He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. It became a DVD in 2002.
The Imperials also backed such entertainers as Jimmy Dean, Pat Boone, Roy Clark and Carol Channing. The group won the first of its many awards from the Gospel Music Association in 1969. In 1972, The Imperials became gospel’s first interracial group.
In 1978, Moscheo left his performing career behind and was hired by BMI. He was the organization’s Vice President of Special Projects for the next 16 years. In 1982 and 1983 he served two terms as the President of the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy. In the mid-1990s, Moscheo formed his own management company. He worked with BeBe & CeCe Winans, Michael English, Wynonna and others.
He was hired by First Union Bank in June 1996 to establish its Entertainment Division. Moscheo retired from First Union in 2003. He became a consultant to the music company MCS America and assumed its presidency in 2004. Moscheo was a member of the founding council of Leadership Music. He also served as both president and board member of the W.O. Smith Community Music School and of the Gospel Music Association.
He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007. This was actually his second induction, for he was also voted into the Hall as a member of The Imperials in 1998.
He continued to make appearances relating to Elvis and The Imperials until his retirement in 2014. Moscheo suffered from a degenerative neurological disease. He was moved into an assisted living facility last year and a GiveForward account called the Joe Moscheo Fund was set up for his care. He underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized in late December.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Signs Contract Extension
/by Eric T. ParkerMartin Bandier. Photo: @MartyBandier
Martin Bandier has signed a contract extension to remain as Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, where he has served the joint venture between Sony Corporation of America and the Estate of Michael Jackson since 2007.
Under Bandier’s leadership, Sony/ATV has become one of the world’s leading music publishers with a catalog of more than 3 million songs. These include songs by Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams as well as works by legends including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Queen, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. In 2011/2012, Bandier played a key role in the acquisition of EMI Music Publishing by Sony Corporation of America, the Estate of Michael Jackson and an investment group headed by Mubadala Development Company, for whom Sony/ATV administers the EMI catalog.
“I am thrilled to continue my role at Sony/ATV Music Publishing and continuing to work with a talented group of colleague,” Bandier said. “Since my arrival, we have become the No. 1 music publisher and I am proud to say we represent many of the world’s best-loved songs alongside some of its greatest songwriters. I would like to thank Sony and John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, for their support and confidence in me, and I am looking forward to sharing many more successes with them over the next few years.”
“Marty Bandier is a legend in the music industry, and we are thrilled that he will continue his work at Sony/ATV,” said Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment Inc. “Since he first joined in 2007, the company has reached amazing heights, and we expect that it will continue to flourish under his guidance.”
“Renewing Marty’s relationship with Sony/ATV avails the Estate of his enormous creative and executive talents as we strategically and profitably meet the challenges of our evolving business,” said Branca and McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson.
Bandier’s Sony/ATV appointment followed a 17-year stint running EMI Music Publishing, which he took over in 1989 after his company SBK was acquired by EMI and which he turned into what was then the world’s leading music publishing company.
While at Sony/ATV he has negotiated the acquisitions of both the Famous Music catalog, which includes scores for film such as The Godfather, Braveheart and Mission Impossible, and the Leiber & Stoller catalog whose hits include “Stand By Me,” “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” Finalized in 2007, the acquisition of the historic Leiber & Stoller catalog fulfilled a dream and business goal that Michael Jackson specifically iterated in the agreement for the formation of Sony/ATV in 1995.
During his time at Sony/ATV, Bandier has championed fair value for songwriters, working to ensure that writers are fairly compensated for their work by music streaming services.
Throughout his tenure the company and its songwriters have won numerous awards, including this last year when Sony/ATV was named Pop Publisher of the Year by both ASCAP and BMI in the U.S. In February 2015 he became the first ever music publisher to receive the Grammy Awards’ President’s Merit Award for his work in the music industry during a Grammy weekend when many of the company’s songwriters, including Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams, were also honored. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, while among his many industry roles he serves on the boards of the City of Hope, ASCAP, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA).
Under his management, the company has enjoyed significant success on Broadway with Motown The Musical and the double Tony Awards winner Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, both of which have expanded into international tours.
Bandier is additionally a trustee of Syracuse University where in 2006 he founded a music and entertainment degree program called The Bandier Program for Music and Entertainment Industries. Last year, Billboard named it one of the top schools in the U.S. to learn about the music industry.
MusicRowLife: Joel Borski/Amanda Craig, Hillary Lindsey/Cary Barlowe, LOCASH, Gloriana, Colton Dixon
/by Jessica NicholsonJoel Borski, Amanda Craig Wed
Joel Borski, Amanda Craig, and their dog Ninja.
Joel Borski, Sr. Director of Product Management at Warner Music Nashville, and Amanda Craig, stylist/co-owner of Nashville salon Leigh, Edwards & Company, were wed on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Nashville’s Loveless Barn.
Craig works with clients including Blake Shelton, RaeLynn, and more.
Hillary Lindsey, Cary Barlowe Welcome Daughter
Nashville-based hit songwriters Cary Barlowe and Hillary Lindsey have welcomed a baby girl. “One week ago today this sweet Baby Girl came into the world and changed our lives forever!” Barlowe wrote on Jan. 6, 2016.
Barlowe is known for writing songs including Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze,” Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At (Yep, Yep)” and Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey.” Lindsey is a co-writer behind Little Big Town’s CMA Award-winning “Girl Crush,” as well as numerous hits for Carrie Underwood, including “Jesus Take The Wheel,” “Last Name,” and “Two Black Cadillacs.”
Gloriana’s Tom Gossin, Wife Jaime Welcome Son
Tom Gossin and wife Jaime.
Gloriana’s Tom Gossin and wife Jaime welcomed son Casimir Latrille Gossin on Jan. 7, 2016. “Best day of my life,” Tom tweeted.
LOCASH’s Preston Brust, Wife Kristen Welcome Daughter
LOCASH’s Preston Brust and wife, former Republic Nashville regional Kristen (White) Brust, welcomed daughter Love Lily Brust on Jan. 5, 2016.
“The only Love I’ve ever known gifted to me by the biggest love I have ever had,” Kristen posted on Instagram.
Colton Dixon Marries Annie Coggeshall
CCM artist Colton Dixon married Annie Coggeshall on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 in Nashville. In attendance along with family and friends were fellow musicians TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman, Seth Morrison from Skillet and Michael Tait from Newsboys.
Pictured (L-R): TobyMac, Colton Dixon, Annie Dixon and Amanda McKeehan. Photo: David Molnar
Lisa Chader Joins Wortman Works Media & Marketing As Principal
/by Craig_ShelburneLisa Chader
Public relations and media veteran Lisa Chader has been named Principal at Wortman Works Media & Marketing by company president Jules Wortman.
Effective immediately, Chader is charged with client branding, communications and business development for new and existing Wortman Works clients, including country music/lifestyle brand, Rare Country.
Wortman states, “Lisa Chader is one of the sharpest and most respected public relations strategists I have had the pleasure to work with throughout my career. We are thrilled to bring her insights and energy into the firm at this very pivotal time in the industry.”
Chader joins Wortman after an almost two-year stint as Executive Vice President at PR agency, NPG. While at NPG, Chader worked with a wide variety of entertainment and hospitality clients including AT&T, BMI, City Winery, CMT, dick clark productions, NCAA Women’s Final Four, Wild West Comedy Festival and more.
Prior to joining NPG, Chader served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for CMT in Nashville. During her nine-year tenure, she was responsible for creating and executing all network and program publicity strategies for original series, live music events, benefit concerts, specials and corporate strategy across all CMT brands. She spearheaded publicity for the CMT Music Awards and all CMT concerts.
Chader is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Florida State University. She is a graduate of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute via Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) and is a past member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Southern Foodways Alliance, the Academy of Country Music, and the Americana Music Association. She is an alumna of Leadership Music’s Class of 2009.
The Wortman Works team also including account executive Elyse Wiser and social media coordinator Jake Wheat.
Wortman Works’ management clients include Grammy-nominated bluegrass band The SteelDrivers, Deana Carter, and Taylor Brashears. PR and marketing clients include Salt Life, the Dove Awards, eOne Entertainment Nashville, Redneck Riviera and more.
Industry Ink: Garth Brooks, Silverado Records, LEGACY Events, Maxximum Artist Group
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks Sevens by CINCH Clothing Line To Debut in 2016
Garth Brooks and Cinch Jeans & Shirts will launch “Garth Brooks Sevens by CINCH,” featuring jeans and shirts endorsed and inspired by the singer-songwriter. This marks Brooks’ first licensed clothing endorsement in his 26 years as a singer, songwriter and performer.
The “Garth Brooks Sevens by CINCH” clothing line showcases high-quality jeans and shirts at accessible prices. Designs come from Brooks’ stage-inspired styling and combine his high-energy on-stage presence with CINCH’s commitment to authentic western apparel. The “Garth Brooks Sevens by CINCH” clothing line will be available at CINCH retailers in September 2016. Retailers will first see the line at the Denver Merchandise Market this month.
Exegan Music Group Launches Country Label Silverado Records
Aaron Chesling
Las Vegas-based Exegan Music Group has announced the launch of a new Nashville-based country music label, Silverado Records. Nashville resident and former Big Machine Records staffer Aaron Chesling has been hired as A&R Director.
Silverado CEO Scott Thomas says, “Aaron brings both experience and a strong passion for country music. We’re excited to begin this journey with him on the team.”
LEGACY Consulting, PR & Events Adds To Team
Pictured (L-R): Meredith Martin, Tresa Halbrooks, Rachel Martinez at Carrie Underwood’s album launch event
LEGACY Consulting, PR & Events has expanded its staff to include two new hires. LEGACY recently produced the album launch party for Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller album. Additional clients have included Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, Sony Music, ESPN College Gameday anchor Kevin Carter, Gigi’s Cupcakes, and more.
Rachel Martinez joined the firm to handle Strategic Development and Special Projects while Meredith Martin has been named PR & Special Events Assistant. Martin will serve within the public relations and creative services division of the company while Martinez will work within the non-profit and events production division.
LEGACY Consulting, PR, and Events was founded in 2012 by sports and entertainment executive Tresa Halbrooks.
Maxximum Artist Group Staffs Up
Disney’s career has included work at Word Records, Benson Music (Provident/Sony), Worthy Publishing, as well as a management role for Steven Curtis Chapman (1987-1990). Since 2009, Disney has worked as an adjunct instructor at Nashville’s Belmont University.
Additionally, Aaron Benward has joined as Director of National Promotions and Development, and will run a Los Angeles office for Maxximum. MarQuis Hardin has joined as Management Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. A former Maxximum intern, Hardin recently graduated from Belmont University.
Rounding out the team are artist managers Kristi Brazell (day-to-day management for Grant), Penny Railey (manager for Gokey), and project coordinator Ben Pogue.
Tin Pan South, Watkins College Unveil Winning Design
/by Craig_ShelburneTin Pan South Songwriters Festival has partnered for the ninth consecutive year with Watkins College of Art, Design & Film for its festival artwork. Select Watkins students competed to create a concept that captured the essence of the event, and this year, Chris Robertson‘s design has been chosen to represent all Tin Pan South marketing, passes, posters and banners.
Chris Robertson
The competing students were all enrolled in department chair Dan Brawner’s Illustration I class. Robertson is an artist and writer from Alabama now living in Nashville. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of Alabama and is a junior in Graphic Design at Watkins.
The popular Tin Pan South Fast Access Passes are scheduled to go on sale at tinpansouth.com on Tuesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. Information about venues, lineups, schedules and more will also be available on the website. Updates can also be found on the Tin Pan South Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.
Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Tin Pan South is the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. Last year, close to 350 talented songwriters performed 92 shows at 10 of Nashville’s top music venues. Thousands of music fans attend the event annually to hear songwriters tell stories behind hit songs they have written and perform the songs as they were originally composed.
Regions Bank returns for the ninth year as the presenting sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors include ASCAP, BMI, Ford, News Channel 5 (official broadcast sponsor), ole, SESAC, Southwest Airlines (official airline sponsor), Vident Financial, and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.