Joe 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.
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.”
Songwriter Even Stevens To Release Autobiography
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriter Even Stevens, writer behind hits such as Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” and “Drivin’ My Life Away,” has penned an autobiography detailing his life as a songwriter.
In Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town (Heritage Builders Publishing), Stevens chronicles his ups and downs in the Nashville music industry. Thirteen of Stevens’ songs have earned BMI Millionaire status, representing more than 143 years of consecutive radio airplay.
Stevens’ songs have been recorded by: Joe Cocker, Tim McGraw, Eddie Rabbitt, Martina McBride, George Jones, Julio Iglesias, Kenny Chesney, Conway Twitty, Elvis Costello, J.D. Souther, Sammie Smith, B.J. Thomas, Brenda Lee, Engelbert Humperdinck, Blake Shelton, Marilyn McCoo, Tom Jones, Shel Silverstein, Mac Davis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Steel Pulse, Micky Gilley, Lacy J. Dalton, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins, Glen Campbell, Alabama, Kim Carnes, Paul Davis, Kenny Rogers, Dr. Hook, The London Symphony and even The Chipmunks.
Stevens now lives in Carthage, Ind.
Someday I’m Gonna Rent This Town will release in November 2015.
CMA Songwriters Series Spotlights ‘Nashville’
/by Jessica NicholsonThe men of ABC’s Nashville were on hand recently to take part in the CMA Songwriters Series, held at Nashville’s CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The in-the-round performance featured Chris Carmack (Will Lexington), Will Chase (Luke Wheeler), Charles Esten (Deacon Clayborne), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), and Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), performing alongside “Nashville” guest star Mark Collie (Frankie), musician Colin Linden, and Nashville songwriters Trent Dabbs, Chris Gelbuda, Travis Meadows, and Jonathan Singleton.
Pictured (L-R): Sam Palladio, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, CMA Board member Milly Olykan, Will Chase, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA
Pictured (L-R): Will Chase, Charles Esten, Colin Linden, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, and Chris Carmack. Photo: Natasha Moustache / CMA
Magic Mustang Music Publishing Adds ASCAP Songwriter
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (front row L-R): Colton McGee, BBR Music Group; Lydia Schultz, Magic Mustang; Keithan Melton, Magic Mustang; Juli Newton-Griffith, Magic Mustang; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy; Robert Filhart, ASCAP. (Bottom row L-R): Taylor Davis; Benny Brown, BBR Music Group President/CEO. Photo: BBR Music Group
Magic Mustang Music has signed ASCAP songwriter Taylor Davis to its publishing roster.
A native of Menomonee Falls, Wis., Davis has been in Nashville for the past few years honing his songwriting craft.
“The moment I heard his music, I knew I wanted to sign Taylor,” says VP Publishing for Magic Mustang Music, Juli Newton-Griffith. “His vocal and unique songwriting instantly stood out to me.”
“I’m very blessed and excited to join Magic Mustang Music and to be part of the BBR Music Group family,” says Davis. “Songwriting is my passion, and I can’t wait to get to work!”
Founded by President/CEO Benny Brown in 1997, the BBR Music Group has grown from a fledgling independent label into one of the largest independent country label groups in the United States whose umbrella now includes publishing company Magic Mustang Music and management company BBR Management in addition to four label imprints: Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, RED BOW Records, Wheelhouse Records.
Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, The Recording Academy, Skyville Live
/by Jessica NicholsonSony Music Nashville’s Vessio Exits
Jennifer Vessio
Director of Media Jennifer Vessio departed Sony Music Nashville’s publicity department last Friday (Nov. 6) after three years at the company, MusicRow has confirmed. Vessio oversaw publicity efforts across the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville rosters.
Prior to her time at Sony, she worked at NBCUniversal’s worldwide headquarters in New York in corporate communications, television/entertainment and digital publicity.
She is looking for her next opportunity and can be reached at Jennifer.g.vessio@gmail.com
The Recording Academy Teams With Finn Partners
“As an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of music creators, The Recording Academy works to ensure that policymakers understand how their decisions in D.C., impact the lives of music makers across the country,” said Neda Azarfar, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Recording Academy. “This partnership comes at a crucial time for the music industry as we address key issues resulting from the fast pace at which both the creation and distribution of music are evolving. By tapping into Finn Partners’ expertise in grassroots activism, we further our commitment to our members — enabling all creators to become more effective as music advocates.”
Finn Partners helped The Recording Academy grow its annual Grammys In My District Day, which activated nearly 1650 music creators to have face-to-face conversations with congressmen regarding creators’ rights, copyright review, and the impact of current regulations on the music community.
Skyville Live Launches New Season With Little Big Town
The event will stream on SkyvilleLive.com at 7 p.m. CT.
“We’re about ready to light the fuse on this rocket,” says Wally Wilson, Creator and Executive Producer for Skyville Live. “We have an incredible season of shows planned. The first one out of the box celebrates the legacy of Gregg Allman, who will be joined on stage by one of the hottest groups in country music, Little Big Town, with the amazing Taj Mahal, and a band of the greatest musicians in the world.”
Skyville Live debuted in January, with performances from Gladys Knight, Martina McBride, and Estelle. In April, the show featured an evening of collaborations from Kris Kristofferson, Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell, and Brandy Clark.