Honorees and guests attend the NATD Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images for NATD
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 516
The final awards banquet of the season was also the most elegant, intimate, warm and mellow.
On Monday (Nov. 8), the Nashville Association of Talent Directors staged its annual Honors amid the beaux arts splendor of the historic Hermitage Hotel downtown. The NATD saluted television, sports, publicity, agency, government and Music Row personalities.
The honorees were Mayor Megan Barry, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern, publicist Kirt Webster, Predators hockey announcer Pete Weber, American Pickers TV star Mike Wolfe, APA booking executive Steve Lassiter and rock manager Charlie Brusco.
The Tennessean’s Brad Schmitt and Channel 2’s Stephanie Langston co-hosted. The crowd was sprinkled with stars such as Crystal Gayle, Henry Paul, Nan Kelley and Lee Roy Parnell.
The event began with cocktails in the Hermitage’s elegant lobby with its stained-glass ceiling. Pianist Eric Bikales serenaded the crowd while servers circulated with spinach filo pockets and beef Wellington.
Producer Dave Brainard was there, with his jaw brace finally removed and on the road to recovery from the attack he suffered near Music Row. NATD president Steve Tolman had his singing daughter in tow. Jenny Tolman is working with Brainard.
David & Carolyn Corlew, BeBe Evans and Paula Szeigis were representing the Charlie Daniels office. Jeremy Westby, Jeff Gregg, Bonnie Sugarman, Bill Gatzimos, Preshus Tomes, Charles Dorris, Ray Shelide, Randi Perkins, Tinti Moffat, Moore & Moore, Mike Campbell, Teresa George, Pepper Meller and NATD executive assistant Tina Payton mingled.
We moved into the dining room. With its coffered ceiling, wood paneling, opulent drapes, gilded décor, elegant carpet and spectacular vintage chandeliers, this is one of the most beautiful spaces in Nashville. Harpist Deanna Loveland sent notes wafting through the room’s atmosphere.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and NATD President Steve Tolman. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Following the invocation by Father Joseph Breen, Steve Tolman introduced honoree Megan Barry. “We want to congratulate you on breaking new ground,” he said to Nashville’s first female mayor. “We are here to support you and help you however we can.”
“It’s really fitting to be honored in this room,” said the Mayor, recalling that suffragettes came to the Hermitage to lobby the legislature to make Tennessee the deciding state in granting women the right to vote in 1920.
“We have the greatest concentration of talent than any other city in the United States. We really are the Third Coast. When we think about the music, we think about the people in front. But it’s really about the people in the back,” she said, referring to the 150 elite industry workers at the NATD soiree.
Kirt Webster and Crystal Gayle. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
The surprise honoree was Kirt Webster. Tolman gave him the Directors’ Award, because, “He keeps a lot of our legendary artists visible and out there.” Webster was saluted via video by The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
“I am usually not at a loss for words, but I am,” said Webster. “I do what I do, because I love what I do.
“We’re family, and that’s what is most important.” He said he was wearing a ball cap to hide his recent hair transplants.
Pictured (L-R): Charlie Brusco, Red Light Management; John Huie, CAA. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Charlie Brusco has managed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Peter Frampton, Survivor, Styx and The Outlaws. He is also an Atlanta show promoter. Rod Essig, Henry Paul and Tommy Shaw appeared in his tribute video.
John Huie presented the award. “Nashville’s kind of a second home to me,” said the honoree. “We have friends from all over the place who have moved down here. I know everybody thinks this is the country music capital. But there is all kinds of great music here.”
Pictured (L-R): Pete Weber and Terry Crisp. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Pete Weber has been the Voice of the Nashville Predators for 17 seasons. Partner Terry Crisp presented his honor.
“Nashville has offered us a very, very warm home,” said Weber. “The All Star Game is coming to Nashville in January, and that should be a lot of fun. Let’s get on with the show.”
Tony Conway offered a memorial to the late Tandy Rice and the late Joe Guercio, both avid NATD supporters. The audience joined him in a toast and a round of hearty applause.
Tolman announced to Schmitt that the NATD is donating $2,500 to the Nashville Prevention Partnership in his honor. The ACM’s Bob Romeo announced that his organization would match that. Schmitt recalled his two DUI arrests, being fired from Channel 2 and going to rehab at Cumberland Heights.
“Recovery is here, and it works,” he said. “I’m five-and-half years clean.” Co-host Langston said, “He’s an inspiration to all of us.”
Pictured (L-R): Steve Tolman, NATD President, Mike Wolfe; Shaun Silva, Tacklebox Films. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Shaun Silva presented the NATD honor to Mike Wolfe. “I moved to Nashville in 2001,” said Silva. “I fell in love with this town. Mike has brought a lot of eyes to what’s great about Nashville.”
“I came to this community 14 years ago, riding through on my motorcycle,” Wolfe recalled. He moved to Music City four years ago. His American Pickers is one of the top shows on cable TV and a runaway ratings success for the History Channel. Wolfe also operates the Antique Archeology store in Nashville, is restoring a number of historic properties in the area and is producing several new 2016 TV series.
“I am a product of what Nashville truly embodies. I really wouldn’t have this show without Nashville. My Nashville friends gave me the courage to do that. It’s a city of dreams. A dream I had wouldn’t have happened without this community. So thank you for this.
“I think this is my first award.”
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA; Nan Kelley. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images of NATD
Luke Bryan, Ralph Emery and the Community Foundation’s Ellen Lehman were in the tribute video for Sarah Trahern. Nan Kelley presented the honor.
“The theme through everybody’s remarks tonight is family, passion and collaboration,” said Trahern. “I am grateful that I get to do something that I am very passionate about. How lucky we are that we get to do this for a living.”
Pictured (L-R): Steve Lassiter, Senior Vice President at APA Nashville; Jim Gosnell, President/CEO at APA. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Corlew, Evans, Gayle, Shelide, Paul, Joe Sullivan, Lee Greenwood, Rob Beckham, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and Frank Wing saluted Steve Lassiter on video. Lassiter is an East Nashville native and an MTSU grad. He got his start in Sullivan’s Sound 70 concert-promotion office 38 years ago.
APA president Jim Gosnell joined Steve’s sons Cain, Luke and Austin Lassiter in presenting the honor. “I’ve been doing this so long I know just about everybody in this room,” said the honoree. “I do what I love, and I passed that down to these young men, right here. I am as passionate and I love this as much as I did 38 years ago.”
Founded in 1958, the Nashville Association of Talent Directors fosters camaraderie among friendly competitors. Its members generate $300 million annually for their artists. The organization began giving college scholarship funds to worthy students 26 years ago. It began staging annual Honors banquets five years ago.
In Pictures: Cam, Old Dominion, Chris Janson, Bryan White, Lindi Ortega
/by Eric T. ParkerCam Performs at Seacrest Studios
Pictured (L-R): Cam, Ryan Seacrest and Kurt Newman, MD, Children’s National Health System. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images
Arista Nashville/RCA Records’ Cam was in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Nov. 6, for a performance as part of the unveiling of Seacrest Studios inside the Children’s National Main Atrium at the Sheikh Zayed Campus for Advanced Children’s Medicine.
The 920 sq. ft. multimedia broadcast studio was opened by Children’s National Health System in partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Appearances were additionally made by Lucy Hale, Robin Thicke, and Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky.
Old Dominion Celebrates No. 1
Pictured (L-R): RCA Records National Director of Promotion Josh Easler; Old Dominion’s Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi, and Matthew Ramsey; WSOC/Charlotte OM/PD DJ Stout; WSOC Integrated Marketing Consultant Krista Stout; and Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen and Whit Sellers. Photo: Sony Music
Old Dominion celebrated the No. 1 success of the breakout single “Break up with Him” while in North Carolina with friends from WSOC.
Chris Janson Visits Jimmy Fallon
Pictured (L-R): Tom Martens, National Dir./WAR; Rod Phillips, SVPP iHeartCountry; Chris Janson; Michael Bryan, PD/WSIX; Chad Schultz, Warner National Dir. Radio Mktg & Promo; Kimsey Kerr, MD/WSIX.
Chris Janson hung out with Nashville radio guests backstage for his taping of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night (Nov. 9). Watch Janson’s performance of “Buy Me A Boat” at nbc.com.
Bryan White Visits WSM-AM Prior to Asia Performance
Pictured (L-R): Bryan White, Bill Cody.
Bryan White visited the WSM-AM studio this morning (Nov 10) with Bill Cody. White recently surged in popularity in the Philippines with “God Gave Me You.” He’s gearing up to perform in the country’s Manila for the first time on December 1.
Lindi Ortega Debuts at Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, Lindi Ortega. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Lindi Ortega graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at The Ryman Auditorium this weekend (Nov. 7). She sang “Ashes,” the current single from her 2015 album, Faded Gloryville, for which a music video was released.
The date kicks off Ortega’s 40+ world tour through February, encompassing shows in the North America, U.K., Ireland, and Spain.
Apple Music Launches On Android
/by Jessica NicholsonApple has made good on its promise from earlier this year that Apple Music would soon be coming to Android. Today (Nov. 10), Apple Music for Android is available.
A free, three-month trial is being offered for new users; Apple Music is $9.99/month for a single-user plan after that.The Android version is similar to the iOS version, including a “new” tab featuring chart-topping songs, as well as a “for you” tab, featuring pre-made playlists centered on a user’s musical tastes.
A major difference is an absence of Siri integration for Android, otherwise the app functions similarly to iOS and also loads Apple Music playlists created on other devices.
Bobby Karl Works the Room: NATD Awards
/by Bobby KarlHonorees and guests attend the NATD Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images for NATD
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 516
The final awards banquet of the season was also the most elegant, intimate, warm and mellow.
On Monday (Nov. 8), the Nashville Association of Talent Directors staged its annual Honors amid the beaux arts splendor of the historic Hermitage Hotel downtown. The NATD saluted television, sports, publicity, agency, government and Music Row personalities.
The honorees were Mayor Megan Barry, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern, publicist Kirt Webster, Predators hockey announcer Pete Weber, American Pickers TV star Mike Wolfe, APA booking executive Steve Lassiter and rock manager Charlie Brusco.
The Tennessean’s Brad Schmitt and Channel 2’s Stephanie Langston co-hosted. The crowd was sprinkled with stars such as Crystal Gayle, Henry Paul, Nan Kelley and Lee Roy Parnell.
The event began with cocktails in the Hermitage’s elegant lobby with its stained-glass ceiling. Pianist Eric Bikales serenaded the crowd while servers circulated with spinach filo pockets and beef Wellington.
Producer Dave Brainard was there, with his jaw brace finally removed and on the road to recovery from the attack he suffered near Music Row. NATD president Steve Tolman had his singing daughter in tow. Jenny Tolman is working with Brainard.
David & Carolyn Corlew, BeBe Evans and Paula Szeigis were representing the Charlie Daniels office. Jeremy Westby, Jeff Gregg, Bonnie Sugarman, Bill Gatzimos, Preshus Tomes, Charles Dorris, Ray Shelide, Randi Perkins, Tinti Moffat, Moore & Moore, Mike Campbell, Teresa George, Pepper Meller and NATD executive assistant Tina Payton mingled.
We moved into the dining room. With its coffered ceiling, wood paneling, opulent drapes, gilded décor, elegant carpet and spectacular vintage chandeliers, this is one of the most beautiful spaces in Nashville. Harpist Deanna Loveland sent notes wafting through the room’s atmosphere.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and NATD President Steve Tolman. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Following the invocation by Father Joseph Breen, Steve Tolman introduced honoree Megan Barry. “We want to congratulate you on breaking new ground,” he said to Nashville’s first female mayor. “We are here to support you and help you however we can.”
“It’s really fitting to be honored in this room,” said the Mayor, recalling that suffragettes came to the Hermitage to lobby the legislature to make Tennessee the deciding state in granting women the right to vote in 1920.
“We have the greatest concentration of talent than any other city in the United States. We really are the Third Coast. When we think about the music, we think about the people in front. But it’s really about the people in the back,” she said, referring to the 150 elite industry workers at the NATD soiree.
Kirt Webster and Crystal Gayle. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
The surprise honoree was Kirt Webster. Tolman gave him the Directors’ Award, because, “He keeps a lot of our legendary artists visible and out there.” Webster was saluted via video by The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
“I am usually not at a loss for words, but I am,” said Webster. “I do what I do, because I love what I do.
“We’re family, and that’s what is most important.” He said he was wearing a ball cap to hide his recent hair transplants.
Pictured (L-R): Charlie Brusco, Red Light Management; John Huie, CAA. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Charlie Brusco has managed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Peter Frampton, Survivor, Styx and The Outlaws. He is also an Atlanta show promoter. Rod Essig, Henry Paul and Tommy Shaw appeared in his tribute video.
John Huie presented the award. “Nashville’s kind of a second home to me,” said the honoree. “We have friends from all over the place who have moved down here. I know everybody thinks this is the country music capital. But there is all kinds of great music here.”
Pictured (L-R): Pete Weber and Terry Crisp. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Pete Weber has been the Voice of the Nashville Predators for 17 seasons. Partner Terry Crisp presented his honor.
“Nashville has offered us a very, very warm home,” said Weber. “The All Star Game is coming to Nashville in January, and that should be a lot of fun. Let’s get on with the show.”
Tony Conway offered a memorial to the late Tandy Rice and the late Joe Guercio, both avid NATD supporters. The audience joined him in a toast and a round of hearty applause.
Tolman announced to Schmitt that the NATD is donating $2,500 to the Nashville Prevention Partnership in his honor. The ACM’s Bob Romeo announced that his organization would match that. Schmitt recalled his two DUI arrests, being fired from Channel 2 and going to rehab at Cumberland Heights.
“Recovery is here, and it works,” he said. “I’m five-and-half years clean.” Co-host Langston said, “He’s an inspiration to all of us.”
Pictured (L-R): Steve Tolman, NATD President, Mike Wolfe; Shaun Silva, Tacklebox Films. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Shaun Silva presented the NATD honor to Mike Wolfe. “I moved to Nashville in 2001,” said Silva. “I fell in love with this town. Mike has brought a lot of eyes to what’s great about Nashville.”
“I came to this community 14 years ago, riding through on my motorcycle,” Wolfe recalled. He moved to Music City four years ago. His American Pickers is one of the top shows on cable TV and a runaway ratings success for the History Channel. Wolfe also operates the Antique Archeology store in Nashville, is restoring a number of historic properties in the area and is producing several new 2016 TV series.
“I am a product of what Nashville truly embodies. I really wouldn’t have this show without Nashville. My Nashville friends gave me the courage to do that. It’s a city of dreams. A dream I had wouldn’t have happened without this community. So thank you for this.
“I think this is my first award.”
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA; Nan Kelley. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images of NATD
Luke Bryan, Ralph Emery and the Community Foundation’s Ellen Lehman were in the tribute video for Sarah Trahern. Nan Kelley presented the honor.
“The theme through everybody’s remarks tonight is family, passion and collaboration,” said Trahern. “I am grateful that I get to do something that I am very passionate about. How lucky we are that we get to do this for a living.”
Pictured (L-R): Steve Lassiter, Senior Vice President at APA Nashville; Jim Gosnell, President/CEO at APA. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NATD
Corlew, Evans, Gayle, Shelide, Paul, Joe Sullivan, Lee Greenwood, Rob Beckham, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and Frank Wing saluted Steve Lassiter on video. Lassiter is an East Nashville native and an MTSU grad. He got his start in Sullivan’s Sound 70 concert-promotion office 38 years ago.
APA president Jim Gosnell joined Steve’s sons Cain, Luke and Austin Lassiter in presenting the honor. “I’ve been doing this so long I know just about everybody in this room,” said the honoree. “I do what I love, and I passed that down to these young men, right here. I am as passionate and I love this as much as I did 38 years ago.”
Founded in 1958, the Nashville Association of Talent Directors fosters camaraderie among friendly competitors. Its members generate $300 million annually for their artists. The organization began giving college scholarship funds to worthy students 26 years ago. It began staging annual Honors banquets five years ago.
Live Nation To Operate Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater
/by Jessica NicholsonLive Nation also operates outdoor venue Ascend Amphitheater on Nashville’s riverfront.
Nestled on the property of Barbara Mandrell’s former estate in north Nashville, Fontanel’s business and tourism entities include not only the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater, but also The Inn at Fontanel, Italian kitchen and bar Cafe Fontanella, Prichard’s Distillery,White’s Creek Bistro, Music City Ziplines, and The Mansion at Fontanel.
Music industry veterans Dale Morris and Marc Oswald formed More Enterprises, and later teamed with Michigan-based American Hospitality Management to form More American Hospitality.
Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, The BIG 98 Plan Benefit Concert For St. Jude
/by Craig_ShelburneNashville country station The BIG 98 will present an all-star benefit concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 7. The concert will be headlined by Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, who are signed to Black River Entertainment.
Confirmed performers include Dierks Bentley, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Little Big Town, and Eric Paslay.
Bones stated, “We’ve been blown away by the support for The Raging Idiots, and it’s a dream come true to not only play a show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, but also share the stage with some amazing country music artists. We hope fans enjoy the show and come out to support the incredible work St. Jude does to help children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
Over the last year and a half, Bones’ on-air fundraisers, radiothons and charity concerts have brought in more than $1.5 million for St. Jude.
Tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. CT via ticketmaster.com.
Joe Galante Named 2016 Co-Chair of Music City Music Council
/by Craig_ShelburneJoe Galante
Joe Galante has been named co-chair of the Music City Music Council by Nashville mayor Megan Barry. Barry will also serve as co-chair of the council, as previous mayor Karl Dean did before her.
The organization will continue to focus on helping music-related businesses expand or relocate to Nashville; bringing televised music shows and music-related award shows across all genres to the city; and recruiting more music-related events and conventions. Priorities also include supporting and expanding live music in Nashville and music education in public schools.
Galante began his career at RCA Records and rose to serve as president of the label and chairman of RCA Label Group/Nashville. He also oversaw the creation of Sony Music Nashville, where he served as chairman until 2010. He currently serves as mentor-in-residence at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Ed Hardy, former president of Great American Country, currently holds the co-chair title. He has served in that role since October 2014.
One of the first tasks for the Music Council under Galante’s leadership will be hiring a new executive director – the first time the organization will employ someone in the position full-time. Hardy and Galante will lead the search for an executive director, working together during a transition period until Galante officially takes on the co-chair role on Jan. 1.
The Music City Music Council, a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, was created in 2009 to capitalize on Nashville’s identity as Music City. During her campaign this year, Mayor Barry strongly supported the Music Council, and she named Hardy to her transition team after her election.
Scott Clayton, a music agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and co-head of CAA Music’s Nashville operations, will serve as vice chair of the Music Council beginning Jan. 1. He represents many of the world’s leading musicians, including John Mayer, Train, Dead & Company, Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Guster, Steve Winwood, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Zac Brown Band, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Michael Franti, Natalie Merchant, Mat Kearney, and Iron & Wine, among other artists.
“I look forward to building on the successes of the previous co-chairs as we work to bring new entertainment jobs, conventions, and televised music and award shows that add to the richness and growth of Nashville,” Galante said. “I am honored and excited to work with Mayor Barry in support of her vision to accelerate the growth of the entertainment industry in Music City.”
“I am committed to continuing the great work of the Music Council, which has done so much this past year under the leadership of Ed Hardy to promote the Music City brand,” Mayor Barry said. “The Music Council will continue to be a leading advocate for our entertainment industry under the direction of Joe Galante, who understands every aspect of the music business and how the industry has evolved.
“Joe’s background leading two giants in the music industry – RCA and Sony – and his current work mentoring future business leaders at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center makes Joe the kind of visionary we want in our corner as we recruit entertainment companies to move here or expand in our city.”
Previous co-chairs of the Music Council have included Hardy; Randy Goodman, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville; and Mary Ann McCready, co-founder and president at Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy.
Along with Mayor Barry, members of the Music City Music Council include Galante (co-chair); Clayton (vice chair); Hardy (immediate past co-chair); Goodman (past co-chair); McCready (past co-chair); David Bohan, President/CEO, BOHAN; Ken Levitan, Founder and Co-President, Vector Management; Hank Adam Locklin, entertainment attorney; Ken Paulson, Dean, College of Media and Entertainment, Middle Tennessee State University; Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties; Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Nancy Shapiro, Senior Vice President, The Recording Academy; Clarence Spalding, Partner, Maverick Management; Butch Spyridon, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp; Troy Tomlinson, CEO, SONY/ATV Publishing; Jason Moon Wilkins, Co-Founder, Do615 LLC; and Sally Williams, Vice President of Business and Partnership Development, Opry Entertainment Group, and General Manager, Ryman Auditorium.
Save The Date: MusicRow’s 2016 ‘Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards’
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow Magazine announces the date for its 2016 Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards.
The invitation-only event will welcome MusicRow subscribed members and radio executives in downtown Nashville on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, beginning at 1 p.m. Invitations requesting RSVPs will be sent in January.
The ceremony occurs before Country Radio Seminar which attracts radio broadcasters from across the country for events Feb. 8-11, 2016.
MusicRow‘s afternoon will include the presentation of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Given annually, these honors recognize artists who earned the most airplay on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart during the preceding year. For 14 years, the CountryBreakout Chart has led the market for country radio’s secondary stations. Additionally, the event will feature performances from some of country music’s most promising rising artists.
“The value of the MusicRow chart is greater than it has ever been before,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “We are proud to pay homage to this important segment of our radio industry. Not only does the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart give insight to radio’s future trends, but it provides a fluid platform for established artists to expand success and allows new artists to begin their careers and create initial momentum.”
In-depth profiles of the yet-to-be-revealed awards winners will be included in the February/March 2016 edition of MusicRow Magazine, set to debut at the awards ceremony. Copies of the print issue will be available for attendees. MusicRow paid subscribers will receive copies by mail. Magazines are also available for purchase anytime at musicrow.com or the magazine’s 17th Avenue headquarters in Nashville.
Read more about last year’s exciting event:
Bobby Karl Works the 2015 Country Radio Meet & Greet
Loretta Lynn Comes ‘Full Circle’ On First Studio Album In More Than A Decade
/by Jessica NicholsonLoretta Lynn is set to release her first project of new music in over a decade. Produced by daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash, Full Circle was recorded at Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tenn., and will release on March 4, 2016 via Legacy Recordings.
The 13 recordings include original tracks alongside the 83-year-old country legend’s interpretations of country classics such as “Black Jack David” and “I Never Will Marry.” It is also volume one of the Cash Cabin Recordings, a series of new album projects created at Cash Cabin Studio.
Full Circle includes a duet with Willie Nelson on “Lay Me Down,” as well as guest vocals from Elvis Costello on “Everything It Takes.” Lynn offers a new rendition of “Whispering Sea,” the first song she ever wrote. She also revives songs from her own catalog of hits, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Fist City.”
PBS is set to release a new documentary commemorating Lynn’s life and career. American Masters-Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl will premiere Friday, March 4, 2016.
Full Circle is available for pre-order at amazon.com.
Full Circle Track Listing
City National Bank Has New Ownership
/by Sherod RobertsonCalling the acquisition a major milestone for both City National Bank and RBC, Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC says, “City National is a great addition to RBC. I’m excited about combining our capabilities to deepen client relationships and to serve a broader client base with the aim of being the preferred provider in the U.S. to corporate, institutional, commercial and high-net worth clients and their businesses. Ultimately, our strategy is underpinned by a foundation of helping clients thrive, communities prosper and employees succeed.”
“We will continue to operate essentially as we do today and continue to grow,” says Diane Pearson, City National’s Sr. VP, Entertainment Division.
City National Sr. VP and Team Leader, Lori Badgett adds, “City National found the ideal partner in Royal Bank of Canada and this compelling combination will allow us to preserve and enhance what we can do for our clients, especially in the music business, and offer more support to the local communities we serve”
Based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of RBC’s common shares on October 30, 2015 of $56.83, the total transaction value is at $5 billion and will be paid with $2.6 billion in cash and 41.6 million RBC common shares. In addition, RBC will issue $275 million of RBC first preferred shares in exchange for all outstanding shares of City National preferred stock.
RBC previously announced they will combine its U.S. Wealth Management unit and City National into one line of business to be reported as part of the RBC Wealth Management segment. City National CEO Russell Goldsmith will lead the combined line of business from Los Angeles, where City National is headquartered and where it will continue to operate under the City National name.
Goldman says the acquisition marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in City National’s remarkable history adding, “RBC is the ideal partner for us and, over time, we plan to grow market share in the communities and among the industries that our company serves. We also intend to create new opportunities by working closely with RBC’s outstanding U.S. Wealth Management and U.S. Capital Markets businesses. Through this compelling combination, many of RBC’s clients and business-owners, entrepreneurs and their families and companies will gain access to City National’s excellent products, services and colleagues.”
The combined entity will include approximately 2,100 financial advisors in the U.S. with U.S.-based client assets of $336 billion in wealth and asset management.
Warner Music Nashville, Uber To Give Artists A ‘Big Break’
/by Troy_Stephenson“We live in a songwriter’s city, and our core mission at Warner Music Nashville is to discover the best new talent and develop careers for artists that we believe in,” said John Esposito, CEO, Warner Music Nashville. “Uber Big Break is a groundbreaking partnership that marries technology and music in a fun new way to give aspiring artists a chance at stardom, and we always look forward to hearing new music.”
In addition to Esposito, the Warner Music Nashville executives available for meetings include Executive President of A&R Scott Hendricks, Vice President of A&R Cris Lacy and Vice President of National Promotion Kristen Williams as well as Damon Whiteside, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships at the Country Music Association and Hunter Kelly, Senior Correspondent at Rare Country.
“Nashville truly is Music City, full of incredible artists, and we’re super excited to provide an opportunity for folks to showcase their talent to some the industry’s leading executives at the touch of button,” said Luke Marklin, general manager of Uber Nashville. “Being able to leverage our technology and bring a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this to Nashville residents is something we hope our users will really enjoy.”