Pictured (L-R): Kyle Lehning, Gary Houspian
Nashville producer
Kyle Lehning received the
Bob Sullivan Service Award for his long-standing commitment to connecting Music Row and
Legal Aid Society during this yesterday’s (10/29) annual Bob Sullivan Memorial Breakfast. The award honors those who have provided significant assistance to Legal Aid Society in promoting the services provided by the organization.
Lehning, producer for
Randy Travis, George Jones, Dan Seals, Restless Heart among others, has assisted the society since 2009.
“Kyle has worked vigorously behind the scenes to connect Nashville’s entertainment industry to the work we’re doing at Legal Aid Society,” said
Gary Housepian, Legal Aid Society’s executive director. “He is actually one of the reasons we started this annual breakfast and his efforts continue today. We are grateful to have such a passionate supporter and a true friend to assist us in providing more civil legal assistance to low-income Tennesseans.”
“Bob’s dedication to the work of Legal Aid Society was truly inspiring, and in his memory, I hope we can continue forging stronger ties between Music Row and Legal Aid Society,” said Lehning. “I don’t have a law degree and I never will, but I believe in the work Legal Aid Society does. It fights for justice for every person, but not only that, it fights for hope, and I think that’s something we can all stand behind.”
The award is named for the late Loeb & Loeb entertainment attorney who was a Legal Aid Society board member and long-time supporter of collaboration with Music Row before his untimely death in 2011.
The host committee for the breakfast included
Vic Alexander, Jeff Bradford, John Briggs, Ron Cox, Derek Crownover, Kevin Doherty, Tim DuBois, Tiffany Dunn, Peter Erikson, Chris Farren, Richard Green, Daniel Hill, Amy Kurland, Danielle Lares Bouharoun, Kyle Lehning, Sam Lipshie, Mike Milom, Ralph Murphy, Robert K. Oermann, Sherod Robertson, Cathy Sullivan and
Tim Warnock.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands is a non-profit law firm that offers free civil legal representation, educational programs and advice, advocating for fairness and justice under the law. It serves 48 counties from offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Gallatin, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge, and Tullahoma. Legal Aid Society is funded in part by United Way.
Pictured (L-R): Kyle Lehning, Patrick Clifford, Fred Mollin
Decosimo Merging With Elliot Davis
/by Sarah SkatesMichael Vaden
The combined firm, which will be known as Elliott Davis Decosimo, creates the region’s fifth largest accounting firm with total annual revenues of $108 million and more than 800 professionals and specialists in 17 offices across seven states – Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia – and the Cayman Islands. Shareholders of both firms approved the merger in a unanimous vote. Terms were not disclosed.
Rick Davis, Managing Shareholder of Elliott Davis, will lead the combined firm. Decosimo Managing Principal Nick Decosimo will serve on the Executive Committee, which will be comprised of representatives from both firms.
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Announces 2015 Induction Class
/by Troy_StephensonThe 2015 honorees include: Country duo Montgomery Gentry, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys, singer-songwriter Larry Cordle, artist management icon Clarence Spalding, country comedian, songwriter, musician and broadcaster Pete Stamper, Kentucky legend Doc Hopkins and pioneer R&B group The Moonglows. The 2015 induction class will join other Kentucky native music professionals to be honored for their contribution to music in the state of Kentucky and around the world.
Since its founding in 2002, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame has inducted over 40 of Kentucky’s most notable musicians including Dwight Yoakam, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Everly Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, John Conlee, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Florence Henderson, Patty Loveless and Steve Wariner.
For more information on the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, visit: www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com.
Still Working Music, BMG Chrysalis Nashville Sign Skip Black
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Front row, L-R): Alex Orbison, President of Still Working Music; Chelsea Kent, Creative Director of Still Working Music; Kos Weaver, EVP BMG Chrysalis Nashville; Skip Black; Tommy Lee James, CCO of Still Working Music; Sara Knabe, Sr. Creative Director BMG Chrysalis Nashville; Chris Oglesby, VP BMG Chrysalis Nashville; (Back row): Daniel Lee, Sr. Creative Director BMG Chrysalis Nashville; Kevin Lane, Creative Director BMG Chrysalis; Chuck Fleckenstein, GM and COO of Still Working Music
Still Working Music and BMG Chrysalis Nashville have partnered to sign songwriter Skip Black. Black has had cuts for Craig Morgan, Jana Kramer, Tyler Farr, Eric Paslay, and others. He also co-wrote the Top 20 hit “Amen” for Eden’s Edge.
“I’ve had my eyes and ears on Skip for years and couldn’t be happier to now have him join our wonderful and growing Still Working team of writers,” said Still Working President, Alex Orbison. “Skip is a plugged in and wise-beyond-his-years writer who was really already a part of our Still Working family having written often with so many others on our crew-I am delighted to now make this membership official. Welcome Skip and keep it coming!”
Still Working Music’s roster also includes Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, Red Bow artist/songwriter Chase Bryant, Ryan Lafferty, Matt Nolen and Derrick Southerland.
Global Music Rights Has Growing Roster, Negotiating Power
/by Sarah SkatesIrving Azoff
The new performing rights organization, Global Music Rights, is growing in prominence. It is part of Azoff MSG Entertainment, which is a partnership between Madison Square Garden Company and Irving Azoff’s Azoff Music Management.
Former ASCAP executive Randy Grimmett is on board with Global Music Rights and according to the New York Times, the new PRO has been recruiting superstar songwriters and now controls works by Shane McAnally, Pharrell Williams, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, members of Journey, Foreigner, Fleetwood Mac and Soundgarden, and the estates of Lennon and Ira Gershwin.
Global Music Rights would likely have more power than other PROs ASCAP and BMI when negotiating licenses on behalf of its members, due to the fact that it would not be subject to the same regulatory agreements that govern the more established organizations. These agreements, called consent decrees, have not been updated to take into account the digital music revolution, and therefore have led to low royalty rates for digital music performances such as streaming. According to the NYT, Global Music Rights is enticing rights holders with the promise of 30 percent higher royalties than they can get through ASCAP or BMI.
Among Global Music Rights’ negotiation advantages would be the ability to refuse permission to use its songs. ASCAP and BMI cannot refuse use because the consent decrees are designed to promote fair competition.
Meanwhile, ASCAP and BMI are fighting for changes or abolishment of the consent decrees. Read more about this in MusicRow’s new Publisher Issue.
Fellow PRO SESAC is a privately held company and therefore not subject to the consent decrees.
Producer Kyle Lehning Honored By Legal Aid Society
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Kyle Lehning, Gary Houspian
Nashville producer Kyle Lehning received the Bob Sullivan Service Award for his long-standing commitment to connecting Music Row and Legal Aid Society during this yesterday’s (10/29) annual Bob Sullivan Memorial Breakfast. The award honors those who have provided significant assistance to Legal Aid Society in promoting the services provided by the organization.
Lehning, producer for Randy Travis, George Jones, Dan Seals, Restless Heart among others, has assisted the society since 2009.
“Kyle has worked vigorously behind the scenes to connect Nashville’s entertainment industry to the work we’re doing at Legal Aid Society,” said Gary Housepian, Legal Aid Society’s executive director. “He is actually one of the reasons we started this annual breakfast and his efforts continue today. We are grateful to have such a passionate supporter and a true friend to assist us in providing more civil legal assistance to low-income Tennesseans.”
“Bob’s dedication to the work of Legal Aid Society was truly inspiring, and in his memory, I hope we can continue forging stronger ties between Music Row and Legal Aid Society,” said Lehning. “I don’t have a law degree and I never will, but I believe in the work Legal Aid Society does. It fights for justice for every person, but not only that, it fights for hope, and I think that’s something we can all stand behind.”
The award is named for the late Loeb & Loeb entertainment attorney who was a Legal Aid Society board member and long-time supporter of collaboration with Music Row before his untimely death in 2011.
The host committee for the breakfast included Vic Alexander, Jeff Bradford, John Briggs, Ron Cox, Derek Crownover, Kevin Doherty, Tim DuBois, Tiffany Dunn, Peter Erikson, Chris Farren, Richard Green, Daniel Hill, Amy Kurland, Danielle Lares Bouharoun, Kyle Lehning, Sam Lipshie, Mike Milom, Ralph Murphy, Robert K. Oermann, Sherod Robertson, Cathy Sullivan and Tim Warnock.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands is a non-profit law firm that offers free civil legal representation, educational programs and advice, advocating for fairness and justice under the law. It serves 48 counties from offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Gallatin, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge, and Tullahoma. Legal Aid Society is funded in part by United Way.
Pictured (L-R): Kyle Lehning, Patrick Clifford, Fred Mollin
Industry Pics: Mike Dungan, Tim Dubois, Tommy Roe, Bob Seger, Jason Aldean
/by Kelsey_GradySOURCE, an organization of women executives in Nashville’s music industry, held its monthly Members Luncheon at ASCAP on Oct. 23, 2014. Guest speakers were Universal Music Group CEO Mike Dungan and BE Music & Entertainment’s Tim DuBois.
Pictured (L-R): Mike Dungan (Universal Music Group), Denise Nichols (The Primacy Firm), Mindi McCormick (Sony Music), Tim DuBois (BE Music & Entertainment), Marty Craighead (Nashville Entrepreneurial Center), Susan Heard (Music Services). Photo: Denise Fussell
• • •
In a ceremony at the Nashville office of BMI, legendary singer-songwriter Tommy Roe was presented with certifications for his 1960s hits “Sheila” and “Dizzy” being played on the airwaves two million times – each.
“BMI’s David Preston told me that if you played the record every hour for twelve years continuously, it would reach two million,” Roe said. “When you say it like that, it’s pretty much amazing,” he admitted. “I’m glad that there’s people out there that enjoy it, and it makes them happy. That’s what it’s all about.”
(Pictured L-R): Mike Borchetta, Tommy Roe, David Preston
• • •
Bob Seger took the stage alongside Country entertainer Jason Aldean as the latest pairing for CMT’s legendary music series, CMT Crossroads. The duo shared stories and lyrics on each other’s hit songs at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tenn. CMT Crossroads: Bob Seger and Jason Aldean will premiere Friday, Nov. 28 at 10p.m. ET/PT on CMT.
Pictured (L-R): Tom Forrest, executive producer; Margaret Comeaux, CMT executive producer; Bob Seger; Bill Flanagan, CMT executive producer; Jason Aldean; Kathryn Russ, executive producer. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Sony/ATV Extends Relationship With Chris Young
/by Troy_Stephenson(L-R): Troy Tomlinson (Sony/ATV), Chris Young, Jess Rosen (Greenburg Traurig, LLP)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has extended its publishing relationship with RCA Records Nashville singer and songwriter Chris Young. Young has co-written four of his six No. 1 singles and recently announced he will be kicking off his A.M. World Tour in 2015, including shows in Australia, Ireland, Germany and the U.K.
Word Entertainment Appoints Lusk As Publicity Manager
/by Jessica NicholsonCaroline Lusk
Word Entertainment has named Caroline Lusk as Publicity Manager. Lusk will report to Wes Vause, Sr. VP, Publicity, Warner Music Nashville, and will be responsible for the six divisions of Word Entertainment, including recorded music, publishing, church resources, films, live events, and distribution.
Most recently, Lusk spent four years as the editor for CCM Magazine. For more than a decade, Lusk has been involved in the Christian music industry as a freelance writer and editorial assistant. She has written bios for artists including Laura Story, Natalie Grant, Jason Crabb, and others. She has also been an on-air personality for Today’s Christian Music Radio and has written film scripts for Storytelling Pictures, and served as lead writer for CCM Classic Radio.
Lusk relocated to Nashville while completing graduate studies at Vanderbilt University. She still lives in the area with her husband, Andy and their two children, Eli and Everly.
Word Label Group artists include Francesca Battistelli, for King & Country, Big Daddy Weave, Chris August, Love & The Outcome, and others.
Emily West Signs With Sony Music Masterworks' Portrait Imprint
/by Jessica NicholsonEmily West
Powerhouse vocalist and NBC’s America’s Got Talent Season 9 finalist Emily West has signed with Sony Music Masterworks’ Portrait imprint. West will release a two-track digital single on Dec. 2, including her rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier,” which stunned audiences during her performance of the song on the televised talent competition. The digital single will also include the Christmas classic “Santa Baby.”
West’s full-length debut album will be released in spring 2015, in a unique partnership between West, Pledge Music, and Sony. West recently completed a success online fundraiser to complete her upcoming album via Pledge Music. That album will be released on the Portrait imprint, though Pledge Music fans will received additional personalized bonus tracks and exclusive content.
“As America has already seen, Emily West is an exceptional talent with a bright career ahead of her,” says Chuck Mitchell, SVP, Sony Music Masterworks, U.S. “Her appearances on AGT have already defined her as an important new interpreter of great songs both new and classic, and she’s equally impressive on her own material. We’re delighted to be helping her launch this new phase of her recording career.”
West moved to Nashville at age 18 and was later signed with Capitol Nashville, where she released the singles “Rocks In Your Shoes” and “Blue Sky” (featuring Keith Urban). She later transitioned to New York City.
Sony Masterworks comprises Masterworks Broadway, Masterworks, OKeh, Portrait, RCA Red Seal and Sony Classical imprints.
AC Entertainment Adds Erin McAnally And Taylor Shomaker
/by Kelsey_GradyPictured (L-R): Erin McAnally, Taylor Shomaker
Concert promoters and festival producers AC Entertainment, known for the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, among its many projects, announced the addition of two new employees to its Nashville, Tenn., office. Erin McAnally joins the company as Nashville Marketing and Special Projects Director, and Taylor Shomaker returns to AC Entertainment as Director of Event Operations and Talent Buyer, building on his previous role with the company.
McAnally received her B.A. in English from Belmont University and went on to earn an Asia Pacific Leadership Program Fellowship from The East and West Center in Honolulu. She then returned to Nashville where she worked as a Production Coordinator at Tony Brown Enterprises from 2006 to 2009. She later went on to work freelance as Music Supervisor and Assistant to composer John Powell at Independently Thinking Music in Los Angeles. In 2012, Erin started as Executive and Event Director at Imogene and Willie and was quickly promoted to V.P. of Marketing, PR and Retail, coordinating events with companies such as GQ, Spotify and Warby Parker.
Shomaker began his seven-year career at AC Entertainment in 2007, with previous positions including Assistant to the COO, Event Operations Manager and Talent Buyer for country music bookings. He was also heavily involved in the company’s music festivals, including Bonnaroo, Forecastle Festival, Mountain Oasis, and Big Ears, as well as Mumford & Sons’ Gentleman of the Road stopover series. In his new role, Shomaker will direct the operations for many of the company’s top special events and concerts; buy talent for country music and Americana genres; and represent ACE at venues, concerts, and special events throughout Nashville and surrounding markets.
“We’re really thriving in Nashville’s high energy, creative environment. We’ve had a great year since officially establishing our Nashville office, and our opportunities continue to expand. We are happy to welcome a strong talent like Erin to the team and to have Taylor, who was with us for over seven years, return to join our Nashville team after a short hiatus.” said Ashley Capps, AC Entertainment Founder/CEO.