David Briggs. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Keyboardist David Briggs, who performed with a who’s-who of rock and country greats, has died at age 82.
A 60-year veteran of Music Row, Briggs was also a song publisher, studio owner, songwriter and arranger. He was a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
His career began in Florence, Alabama in the 1950s as a teenager who performed on local television and won boogie-woogie talent contests. Across the river was Muscle Shoals, which began to emerge as a music capital in the early 1960s. Songwriter Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery invited Briggs to recording sessions at FAME Studio, and the piano player soon became a key member of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He and Muscle Shoals bass player Norbert Putnam became lifelong friends and collaborators.
Briggs played on all of the early Muscle Shoals hits, including those of Arthur Alexander, Joe Tex, Jimmy Hughes and Al Green. He began to write songs during this era. Brenda Lee, Percy Sledge and Dan Penn were among those who recorded his early songwriting efforts.
Recording sessions in Alabama weren’t constant. He and many of the other Muscle Shoals players relocated to Nashville, where session musicians worked around the clock. David Briggs arrived in Music City in 1965. During his first year in Nashville, he played on 140 recording sessions. This soon accelerated into 400+ sessions a year.
His versatility was one reason for his success. Those sessions were for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, Kenny Rogers, Connie Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Loretta Lynn, The Pointer Sisters, Ronnie Milsap, B.B. King, Waylon Jennings, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Hank Williams Jr., Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, B.J. Thomas, Tony Joe White, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, The Monkees, Reba McEntire, John Prine, Dobie Gray, K.T. Oslin, Don McLean, Donovan, Billy Bob Thornton, Kenny Chesney, Nancy Sinatra, Charley Pride, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Rabbitt, Carl Perkins, Barbara Mandrell, Alice Cooper, George Harrison, Peter, Paul & Mary and many other music legends. He had more than 10,000 music credits on his resume.
During his journey to prominence as an “A Team” session musician, David Briggs also recorded solo albums and performed live, including as a member of the Nashville session supergroup Area Code 615 in 1969-71. In 1974, he was a member of The James Gang. The musician first backed Elvis Presley in 1966. Many recording sessions later, he performed in Presley’s TCB Band throughout 1976.
Briggs was also the music director for network and cable television specials. In addition to playing on records, he was a noted string arranger.
He branched out into other areas of the music business. In the late 1960s, Briggs partnered with Norbert Putnam to open Quadrafonic Sound. It became the premier studio in Nashville for visiting pop and rock musicians, including Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg and Jimmy Buffett. Briggs went on to create his own House of David recording studio nearby.
Also with Putnam, Briggs founded the publishing company Danor Music. The firm signed such Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members as Troy Seals and Will Jennings.
In 1999, David Briggs was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. 10 years later, he and his fellow Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section members entered the Musicians Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Nashville.
Younger brother John Briggs became an executive at ASCAP and U.S. Bank.
David Briggs died on Tuesday (April 22). He is survived by two sons, Darren and Gabriel. Funeral arrangements have not been posted.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Is ‘Philosophical, Moody & Super Compelling’
/by Robert K OermannCody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas
I’m not hearing a lot of playlist essentials among this week’s DISClaimer candidates.
The highlights of the listening session included Runaway June, Bryce Leatherwood, Hardy, Dierks Bentley and our excellent Disc of the Day award winner, Cody Johnson.
The DISCovery Award winner is the aptly named Pynk Beard.
HARDY / “Favorite Country Song”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Beau Bailey/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He hears everything around him, but nothing sounds as good as the sounds of nature back home. Written with finesse and sung with fire. Hardy stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday (April 29).
CHASE MATTHEW & LAUREN ALAINA / “Heart Half Empty”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Manns/Chase Matthew/Matt McVaney/Noah West/Shaylen; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two really tear it up on this power ballad. “With a glass half full, but a heart half empty,” alcohol is ravaging a relationship as he struggles to make things right. Nicely done.
PYNK BEARD / “I Lived”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jeff Gitelman; Producers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Pynk Beard; Label: Red Bull Records
– He’s a hit songwriter with a punk-pink beard, hence his billing. Fortunately, his music is as memorable as his image. The gospel-bred native of Birmingham expertly blends soul and country in this stirring meditation. There’s something about Cole’s confident, powerful, gripping delivery that makes me think he’s probably a really charismatic pulpit performer.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Well Well Whiskey”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jordan Reynolds/Seth Ennis; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– He stares down a bottle in this frothing, driving stomper. Rising from the boiling stew of sound are his growly vocal and a hair-raising Bryan Sutton guitar solo. Excitement in the grooves.
BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Shenandoah”
Writers: Bryce Leatherwood/Jeffrey East/Josh Kelley; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He brings a burnished baritone voice to this soaring, melodic country love ballad. Strings, steel, harmony vocalists and percussion bolster a brilliantly wistful performance. I’m in.
CODY JOHNSON / “The Fall”
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Philosophical, moody and super compelling. “The ride was worth the fall/The fall was worth the smile/Smiles were worth the tears…Life is worth the fall.” A superb song in the throat of a master stylist. Essential.
LANIE GARDNER / “Concrete Cowboy”
Writers: Chris Ganoudis/Katie Cecil/Lanie Gardner; Producers: Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– She has a cool, husky, drawled delivery that is perfect for this saga of a country gal whose heart is broken by a city boy. Smooth honey mixed with burning whiskey.
LITTLE FEAT / “Too High to Cut My Hair”
Writers: Fred Tackett/Scott Sharrard; Producers: Bill Payne, Scott Sharrard, Vance Powell; Label: Hot Tomato Productions
– I have always loved this band. Reunited and reinvigorated, their Nashville recorded comeback features blues-funk rhythms and stuttering horns. Plus a video shot at Eastside Bowl. Rock and Americana programmers take note.
KELSEY WALDON / “Commanche”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producers: Justin Francis, Kelsey Waldon; Label: Oh Boy Records
– The Kentucky singer-songwriter explores solitude and finds solace in her Jeep Commanche while guitars and fiddles sparkle around her.
RUNAWAY JUNE / “New Kind of Emotion”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Gorgeously produced. Flawless triplet harmonies seduce the ears as you enter this dreamy, swoon-worthy track. What a delicious dessert dish.
AVERY ANNA / “Danny Don’t”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Anna’s upcoming album is based on letters she’s received from fans who unburdened themselves of their problems. On this stripped-down acoustic ballad, she tells the tale of a child begging her dad not to be suicidal and to press ahead instead.
SAM BARBER / “Man of the Year”
Writer: Sam Barber; Producers: Joe Becker, Ryan Hewitt; Label: Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
– Cool and rootsy, with a deep-twang guitar and an echo on the chorus vocals. Kinda downbeat and doom-y, but undeniably compelling. This social-media star also has a duet out now with Avery Anna titled “Indigo.”
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/John Frank/Tom Pino; Producers: David Mescon, Tom Pino; Label: River House Artists
– A choppy groove, unison singing and a stinging electric guitar are the hallmarks of this bare-bones production. The twin-brother duo will drop its debut album, the 16-track Rhinestone Revolution, on June 6.
SOLID & IEBA Host Fourth Annual University Scholarship Competition
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): TC Courtney (SOLID), Lori Bowman (IEBA), Thomas Crabtree, Becky Parsons (SOLID), Jim Grenn, Madeline Edwards, Kayleigh Allen, Brian Wagner (IEBA) and Jason Conner (IEBA). Photo: Morgan Jerkins
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted its Fourth Annual Student Scholarship Competition on April 12-13.
Hosted by the International Entertainment Buyers Association and held at the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), this year’s competition featured guest artist Madeline Edwards. Spearheaded by SOLID Ambassadorship Chair Becky Parsons and Co-Chair TC Courtney, students from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University were challenged with creating a detailed marketing campaign tailored to Edwards’ upcoming album release. They then showcased these campaigns to Edwards and members of her team, and each student walked away with scholarship funds and a professional development toolkit.
“Getting to work with SOLID, IEBA, and the students in this competition was truly inspiring,” says Edwards. “These students brought so much creativity, intention, and thoughtfulness to the table. It’s exciting to see the next generation of music industry leaders rising up with so much passion and perspective.”
IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner, Director of Operations Jason Conner and Director of Events Lori Bowman educated students on the resources IEBA has to offer in the live entertainment space, and engaged in a networking lunch along with SOLID alumni.
“This competition is one of the most meaningful initiatives we offer,” says SOLID President Zach Green. “Watching these students gain confidence and apply what they’ve learned in such a real, impactful way speaks volumes about where our industry is headed.”
Dusty Miller Joins FirstBank As Sr. VP, Senior Relationship Manager
/by LB CantrellDusty Miller
Dusty Miller has joined FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, bringing with him over 25 years of financial services experience.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dusty to the team and tap into his expertise in the entertainment industry to better serve the unique needs of these clients across Middle Tennessee and beyond,” says Brad Peterson, SVP who oversees FirstBank’s Music and Entertainment Group. “In a city like Nashville, where music, entertainment and sports are at the heart of our culture, having someone who understands that world is essential.”
Miller joins FirstBank after a 13-year tenure as a wealth advisor with SunTrust Bank, and over the past year, he most recently served as President of his own wealth management firm, Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in business marketing and obtained his Certificate in Accountancy from Lipscomb University. Miller also holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses, along with a Tennessee Life & Health Insurance license.
“FirstBank’s sustained growth, both in assets and footprint, combined with its unwavering commitment to a local, personalized approach to banking is what attracted me to this role, and I’m committed to carrying that mission forward,” says Miller. “With a deep understanding of the financial goals and needs of entertainment and sports professionals, I’m here to be a strategic partner who can help them build wealth and further their legacy.”
ACM Awards Reveals Additional Performers
/by Madison HahnenThe Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the latest round of performers for its 60th annual ACM Awards, taking place May 8 in Frisco, Texas.
The new round of performers includes Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Clint Black, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Wynonna Judd. They join previously announced performers Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Lainey Wilson.
Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 60th annual ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on May 8 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT.
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor is Executive Producer and Showrunner, with Patrick Menton as Co-Executive Producer. Damon Whiteside serves as Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as Executive Producers for DCP. John Saade will also serve as Consulting Producer for Amazon MGM Studios.
Mark Chesnutt Assembles New Team Members
/by Lorie HollabaughMark Chesnutt. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott
Mark Chesnutt has signed with Conway Entertainment Group / Ontourage Management for management. He has also signed with Absolute Publicity for PR representation.
Nineties hitmaker Chesnutt earned 14 No. 1s and 23 top 10s with songs like “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” “Too Cold at Home,” “Brother Jukebox” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and sold more than 12 million albums. He was a CMA Horizon Award Winner, and also won CMA Vocal Event of the Year in 1993 for his participation on the legendary George Jones’ “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.” Billboard named him one of the most-played country artists of the decade.
“I was Mark’s first agent at Buddy Lee up until the time I left after 33 years,” says Conway Entertainment Group Ontourage Management President Tony Conway. “He’s one of the true great male vocalists of country music. After all he’s been through, we wanted to help him get back on the road and in the studio. We’re thrilled to be working with him on his new adventure in life.”
“I’m looking forward to working with the great Mark Chesnutt,” adds Don Murry Grubbs, president of Absolute Publicity. “The next chapter of his career will be a big one, and we can’t wait to help tell his story. It’s truly an honor to welcome him to our roster.”
Chesnutt is represented by the Nashville division of WME (responsible agent Risha Rodgers) for booking.
Music Row Musician & Mogul David Briggs Passes
/by Robert K OermannDavid Briggs. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Keyboardist David Briggs, who performed with a who’s-who of rock and country greats, has died at age 82.
A 60-year veteran of Music Row, Briggs was also a song publisher, studio owner, songwriter and arranger. He was a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
His career began in Florence, Alabama in the 1950s as a teenager who performed on local television and won boogie-woogie talent contests. Across the river was Muscle Shoals, which began to emerge as a music capital in the early 1960s. Songwriter Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery invited Briggs to recording sessions at FAME Studio, and the piano player soon became a key member of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He and Muscle Shoals bass player Norbert Putnam became lifelong friends and collaborators.
Briggs played on all of the early Muscle Shoals hits, including those of Arthur Alexander, Joe Tex, Jimmy Hughes and Al Green. He began to write songs during this era. Brenda Lee, Percy Sledge and Dan Penn were among those who recorded his early songwriting efforts.
Recording sessions in Alabama weren’t constant. He and many of the other Muscle Shoals players relocated to Nashville, where session musicians worked around the clock. David Briggs arrived in Music City in 1965. During his first year in Nashville, he played on 140 recording sessions. This soon accelerated into 400+ sessions a year.
His versatility was one reason for his success. Those sessions were for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, Kenny Rogers, Connie Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Loretta Lynn, The Pointer Sisters, Ronnie Milsap, B.B. King, Waylon Jennings, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Hank Williams Jr., Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, B.J. Thomas, Tony Joe White, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, The Monkees, Reba McEntire, John Prine, Dobie Gray, K.T. Oslin, Don McLean, Donovan, Billy Bob Thornton, Kenny Chesney, Nancy Sinatra, Charley Pride, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Rabbitt, Carl Perkins, Barbara Mandrell, Alice Cooper, George Harrison, Peter, Paul & Mary and many other music legends. He had more than 10,000 music credits on his resume.
During his journey to prominence as an “A Team” session musician, David Briggs also recorded solo albums and performed live, including as a member of the Nashville session supergroup Area Code 615 in 1969-71. In 1974, he was a member of The James Gang. The musician first backed Elvis Presley in 1966. Many recording sessions later, he performed in Presley’s TCB Band throughout 1976.
Briggs was also the music director for network and cable television specials. In addition to playing on records, he was a noted string arranger.
He branched out into other areas of the music business. In the late 1960s, Briggs partnered with Norbert Putnam to open Quadrafonic Sound. It became the premier studio in Nashville for visiting pop and rock musicians, including Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg and Jimmy Buffett. Briggs went on to create his own House of David recording studio nearby.
Also with Putnam, Briggs founded the publishing company Danor Music. The firm signed such Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members as Troy Seals and Will Jennings.
In 1999, David Briggs was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. 10 years later, he and his fellow Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section members entered the Musicians Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Nashville.
Younger brother John Briggs became an executive at ASCAP and U.S. Bank.
David Briggs died on Tuesday (April 22). He is survived by two sons, Darren and Gabriel. Funeral arrangements have not been posted.
Ethan Escue Signs Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music & Ignition Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BJ Hill (WCM), Chase Matthew, Ethan Escue, Lloyd Potts (Ignition) and Christie Walls (Ignition). Photo: Courtesy of Ignition Nashville
Singer-songwriter Ethan Escue has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Ignition Nashville.
A native of White House, Tennessee, Escue’s musical talent first caught the attention of artists like Hayden Coffman and Austin Williams while he was working at a car dealership. His songwriting quickly gained recognition, and he landed cuts including Williams’ latest single, “Between Us” and Coffman’s “Better Off.” Escue recently made the leap to pursue songwriting full time, and with over 100 million streams as a songwriter, has been steadily building his name on Music Row, collaborating with Chase Matthew and Brandt Carmichael, among others. He penned five tracks on Coffman’s Love And A Heartbreak album, including “Only Smoke When I Drink,” “Another Girl, Another Bar” and “Woke Up Drunk (Again).”
“Ethan paints stories in a way that’s both familiar and memorable,” says BJ Hill, SVP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s an incredible songwriter—and even more so, an excellent human being. We’re excited to support his growth alongside our amazing partners at Ignition Nashville.”
“It’s always a pleasure to work with someone as dedicated and talented as Ethan Escue,” says Christie Walls, Head of Publishing, Ignition Nashville. “Not only is he a phenomenal songwriter, but he’s also an incredible person outside the room. Ethan has a remarkable gift for top-lining and crafting unforgettable melodies and hooks that truly resonate. His work ethic, attitude, and creativity set him apart in every way.”
“Growing up just 25 minutes from Nashville, I always dreamed of writing songs on Music Row,” says Escue. “It was an even bigger dream of mine to be a part of such a staple in the scene like Warner Chappell. I’ve admired so many writers over the years from there and have always wanted to be a part of that creativity. I also couldn’t ask for a better group to partner with than the team at Ignition. They are some of the hardest-working people in Nashville and I know with them they are going to make even bigger waves in Nashville than they already have. Between Snap, Ken, Chase, Christie, BJ, Julie, and everyone else behind me, I know I’ve got champions in my corner to help me grow and succeed as a songwriter. I want to thank everyone at both Ignition and WCM for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work. It’s just now getting started.”
Milk & Honey Launches Publishing Arm, Signs Gabriella Scotto [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellGabriella Scotto. Photo: Lily Nelson
Milk & Honey Music + Sports has officially launched a new Nashville-based publishing division, with rising songwriter Gabriella Scotto as its first signing. The publishing venture, administered by Kobalt, marks the company’s first standalone entry into the publishing space after years of partnerships tied to its clients.
The new venture has been in the works for over a year, with the team taking time to find the right songwriter who could move seamlessly between Nashville and Los Angeles and understand the creative culture of both markets. Milk & Honey’s Nashville head Jeff Skaggs met Scotto years ago while she interned for him at Creative Nation, and brought her into the fold when the search began.
“When we set out down the publishing road it was important to find a writer who was someone we believed in from a creative perspective but also someone who could forge real relationships in the industry,” shares Milk & Honey’s GM & Partner Nic Warner. “Gabriella filled those roles perfectly and we’re all excited to continue to build upon what she started on her own!”
“We’ve been patiently waiting to find the right songwriter to get Milk & Honey Publishing off the ground with, and Gabriella is without a doubt that writer,” adds Skaggs. “Her talent is matched only by her drive, and we’re excited to work with her and watch her have hits across multiple genres.”
Scotto, a New York native, has spent the majority of her writing career in Nashville, building her skills as both a conceptual and lyric-driven songwriter. Her background in pop has opened the door to cross-genre opportunities, especially in the dance and LA pop scenes, where she’s developed a growing network of collaborators.
Her recent collaborators include Dylan Conrique, Anna Hamilton, Kyndal Inskeep, Bizzy, Georgia Webster, Sydney Cubit, Lauren Weintraub, Sam Backoff, KTLN, Zoe Clark, Sam Derosa, Hank Compton and more. Now spending time in the LA songwriter scene, she’s been working closely with Hoskins, Joe Reeves, Y2K, Mags Duvall, Sophie Cates, Jordan Riley, Lil Aaron, Seb Kole, Lauren LaRue and Nolan Lambroza, among others. She’s recently had cuts with BIZZY, Zoe Clark and Gary Robinson.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be the first signing on Milk & Honey Publishing,” says Scotto. “The relationship built with this team over the past year has made me so confident in this partnership, and truly excited for what the future holds. I’m humbled by the opportunity to be surrounded by some of the most talented and driven songwriters in the industry. I’m looking forward to the success in the years to come, and doing it with a team who will be in my corner every step of the way. With Jeff, Nic and Lucas [Keller, Founder and President of Milk & Honey Music + Sports] by my side, the sky is the limit!?”
Mary Chapin Carpenter To Share Her Story On New Album ‘Personal History,’ Due In June
/by Lorie HollabaughMary Chapin Carpenter’s new album Personal History is slated for release on June 6.
The eleven track collection, produced by Josh Kaufman and recorded live at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath, England, is more autobiographical for the singer than any project she’s released before.
“A novel that I’ve loved for years is My Name is Lucy Barton, written by Elizabeth Strout,” says Carpenter. “There’s this moment where the main character is taking a creative writing course, and her teacher says to her, ‘You will only have one story. You will write your one story in many ways.’ I remember reading that line and taking an audible breath. In that moment, I said out loud to no one, ‘Oh, that’s what the songs are.’”
On the heels of the album’s release, Carpenter will join forces with fellow Grammy-winning artist and songwriter Brandy Clark for a special tour this summer and fall. In addition to her work as a musician, last fall Carpenter unveiled her new podcast, Hope is a Muscle, which finds her in conversation with people from all walks of life including Joan Baez, Adriene Mishler, John Darnielle and U.S. CongressmanJamie Raskin. During its run, the podcast was in the top five music podcasts on both Apple and Spotify Platforms.
Personal History Track List:
1. “What Did You Miss”
2. “Paint + Turpentine”
3. “New Religion”
4. “Girl And Her Dog”
5. “The Saving Things”
6. “Hello My Name Is”
7. “Bitter Ender”
8. “The Night We Never Met”
9. “Home Is A Song” (feat. Anäis Mitchell)
10. “Say It Anyway”
11. “Coda”
JUST IN: Dawn Gates Exits UMG, Launches Seven Note Enterprises
/by LB CantrellDawn Gates
Industry veteran and longtime Universal Music Group Nashville SVP of Digital Business & Creative Development Dawn Gates has exited her role after nearly 20 years with the company to launch Seven Note Enterprises, a consulting and management firm.
The move comes at a time of both personal and professional evolution for Gates, who recently welcomed twins with her wife, Harper Grae, adding to their family of five.
“After 19 transformative years with Universal Music Group, I’m stepping away to write the next chapters of my career,” said Gates. “I’m deeply grateful to UMG—especially Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe—for the belief in my vision and the support in taking bold, often unconventional, risks. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most innovative and driven minds in music. However, the industry continues to shift and the way we develop artists, build stories, and connect with audiences is changing—and so am I. As I take some time to evaluate and determine my next long-term venture, I’m looking forward to the flexibility Seven Note provides, both with work and family.”
Gates has long been recognized as a trailblazer in digital business and creative development, having founded digital departments at three major labels and played a key role in building multiple divisions at UMG Nashville—including digital marketing, streaming, D2C, fan clubs and research & strategy.
Most recently at UMGN, she served as the primary liaison for global digital business, integration strategies and commercial growth while also overseeing the label’s content strategy, execution and syndication across marketing initiatives. In February 2024, she led the launch of Sing Me Back Home Productions, UMG Nashville’s production arm focused on film and TV projects. Known for harnessing emerging technologies to elevate campaigns, Gates has driven numerous groundbreaking collaborations over her 27-year career, helped grow the careers of hundreds of major label artists and paved the way for colleagues now in leadership roles across labels, distributors, management firms, DSPs and beyond.
Reach Gates at dawn@seven-note.com.