Ken Paulson
, president and chief executive officer of the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, has been named dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University. He will assume leadership of the college on July 1, and will continue to write, speak and consult with the First Amendment Center on free expression issues. He is also a columnist on
USA Today’s board of contributors.
Paulson led the First Amendment Center, an arm of the Freedom Forum, from 1997 to 2004, and again starting in 2010. He served as president of the Newseum, the interactive museum of news and journalism opened by the Freedom Forum in Washington, D.C., from 2009 to 2010.
Paulson was editor-in-chief of
USA Today from 2004 to 2009, and helped found the venerable paper in 1982 before moving on to manage newsrooms across the country.
Paulson is active in the Nashville music community, serving as vice chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a member of the Music City Music Council, and a Leadership Music board and executive committee member.
Paulson’s career includes hosting the Emmy-honored PBS television program
Speaking Freely, and authoring “Freedom Sings,” a multimedia stage show that tours college campuses. He is also founder of 1 for All, an unprecedented national campaign on behalf of the First Amendment.
MTSU boasts the fifth-largest mass-communication college in the nation and is the only one that features departments of recording industry, journalism and electronic media communication. It also is home to the Center for Popular Music, which maintains a large research library and archive.
Paulson’s honors include the American Press Institute Lifetime Service Award and being named a fellow of the Society of Professional Journalists, the organization’s highest honor.
Paulson is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He has served as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt Law School.
At MTSU, he replaces dean
Roy Moore, who will remain with the college as a professor.
The Hard Rock Celebrates Willie Nelson with Artist Spotlight Series
/by Eric T. ParkerThe campaign will launch June 6 with a performance from the country legend at the chain’s New York restaurant. In addition, limited-edition merchandise includes a men’s t-shirt ($26), a limited edition collector pin ($12), bandanna ($10) as well as an online exclusive pin ($14).
A portion of the retail price from the program will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, which advocates for creating a better world through sustainable, community-based biodiesel and the Animal Welfare Institute dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people and seeking better treatment of animals everywhere.
“Willie Nelson is an American treasure and one of the most prolific, inspiring and enduring musicians of our time,” said Annie Balliro, Sr. Director of Brand Philanthropy, Hard Rock International. “We could not be more proud to partner with Willie for these important causes on this significant and happy day, his 80th Birthday.”
Since its founding in 1971, the Artist Spotlight program features the work of noted artists and performers and contributes to global and humanitarian causes worldwide.
Unique giveaways and contests are expected between April 29 and June 5.
Lady Antebellum Plans Media Appearances For 'Golden' Release
/by Jessica NicholsonOn May 8, Lady Antebellum will appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and at 30 Rock, with interviews and performances on May 8 and May 9.
The media blitz will continue on May 13 with a visit to Chelsea Lately and a performance on NBC’s The Voice on May 14, before the trio continues to Toronto for additional media appearances and events.
Music City Roots Offers Compilation Albums
/by Sarah SkatesThe albums, called GrassRoots, SongRoots, TwangRoots and SoulRoots, were recorded during the last year or so at the popular performance series which is held every Wednesday night at the Loveless Barn, and broadcast via radio and web.
Included are live tracks by Darrell Scott, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Tim O’Brien, Gretchen Peters, Ben Sollee, Alejandro Escovedo, The SteelDrivers, The Wood Brothers and numerous others.
Those who purchase the full albums will receive song-by-song notes by Music City Roots journalist and producer Craig Havighurst, accompanied by striking images by show photographer Anthony Scarlati.
The albums are available now at iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores.
Spin Doctors Music Group Adds Director of Promotion
/by Jessica NicholsonFitchpatrick begins her new responsibilities today (April 29) and can be reached at (615) 329-3375 or Rosey@spindoctorsnashville.com.
Industry Ink (4-29-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonGreen Hills Music Group’s Woody Bomar
Green Hills Music Group’s Woody Bomar will host a one-day music business seminar, “The Business of Songwriting (Taking Your Music to the Masses)” on May 18. The class will cover topics aimed at helping songwriters navigate the music industry. Topics will include copyright basics, income sources, networking, publishing deals and song critiques.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Actor’s School in Franklin, Tenn. For directions and registration, visit greenhillsmusicgroup.com.
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Tyler Waugh
Streamsound Records has announced the addition of Tyler Waugh to the label’s promotion team. Waugh will start the position immediately and can be reached at tyler@streamsound.com or 615-870-2040.
Before joining Streamsound, Waugh held positions at Arista Nashville, RCA/Arista/J Records, Roadrunner Records and BMG Distribution/LA.
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ASCAP presented the ASCAP Music Lounge at the Nashville Film Festival recently, hosting eight bands over two days at The Basement. Artists and bands including Escondido, The Weeks, Conner Youngblood, Elliot Root, Megan McCormick, Clear Plastic Masks, The Wild Feathers and Jill Andrews performed.
Pictured (L-R): The Weeks, Conner Youngblood, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP’s Jesse Willoughby, Escondido’s Jessica Maros and Tyler James, Elliot Root and band
Pictured (L-R): The Wild Feathers, Megan McCormick, Jill Andrews, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP’s Jesse Willoughby, Clear Plastic Masks
Jason Aldean Files For Divorce
/by Jessica NicholsonThe couple has been married for 12 years. Aldean and Jessica are parents to two daughters, Keeley, 10, and Kendyl, 5.
“I can confirm that Jason and his wife are having problems, but there is nothing more to share with the press at this time,” Aldean’s rep told PEOPLE at the time. “It’s a private family matter, and we hope everyone will respect that he would like to keep it that way.”
MusicRowPics: Rachel Farley Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaThe Georgia native played her songs “Jet Black Angel,” “I Thought I Told You To Go,” and her single, “It Ain’t Easy.” To her writing credit, she either wrote or co-wrote all the tracks off her upcoming album.
Farley, who recently made her Grand Ol’ Opry debut, has also been busy giving the boys a run for their money, as she’s been out on tour with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.
Ambitious since a young age, Farley shared how when she was younger, she scheduled a gig six months out, thinking during that period of time she’d learn how to play guitar. “It didn’t turn out that way,” she laughed. “They scheduled me for a two-hour slot. I didn’t know enough songs to fill two hours, so I just played the same songs twice! My mom and my music teacher were the only people who stayed for the whole thing.”
Those days are long gone though and country music fans are certainly in for a treat. For more information on Farley, click here.
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Ken Paulson Named MTSU Mass Comm Dean
/by Sarah SkatesKen Paulson
Ken Paulson, president and chief executive officer of the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, has been named dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University. He will assume leadership of the college on July 1, and will continue to write, speak and consult with the First Amendment Center on free expression issues. He is also a columnist on USA Today’s board of contributors.
Paulson led the First Amendment Center, an arm of the Freedom Forum, from 1997 to 2004, and again starting in 2010. He served as president of the Newseum, the interactive museum of news and journalism opened by the Freedom Forum in Washington, D.C., from 2009 to 2010.
Paulson was editor-in-chief of USA Today from 2004 to 2009, and helped found the venerable paper in 1982 before moving on to manage newsrooms across the country.
Paulson is active in the Nashville music community, serving as vice chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a member of the Music City Music Council, and a Leadership Music board and executive committee member.
Paulson’s career includes hosting the Emmy-honored PBS television program Speaking Freely, and authoring “Freedom Sings,” a multimedia stage show that tours college campuses. He is also founder of 1 for All, an unprecedented national campaign on behalf of the First Amendment.
MTSU boasts the fifth-largest mass-communication college in the nation and is the only one that features departments of recording industry, journalism and electronic media communication. It also is home to the Center for Popular Music, which maintains a large research library and archive.
Paulson’s honors include the American Press Institute Lifetime Service Award and being named a fellow of the Society of Professional Journalists, the organization’s highest honor.
Paulson is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He has served as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt Law School.
At MTSU, he replaces dean Roy Moore, who will remain with the college as a professor.
Alan Jackson Victim of Facebook Hoax
/by Jessica NicholsonA Facebook page was set up under Jackson’s name recently, with a fake story involving the entertainer’s daughter Alexandra.
Jackson’s publicist has confirmed the story is false. A screenshot of the post is below.
Alan Jackson‘s official Facebook page has nearly 2 million followers. Garth Brooks, Reba, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift are a few of the other artists who have dealt with various internet hoaxes.
Artist Updates (4-29-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
Young will also give Talladega fans a free Saturday night Infield concert, held at the Talladega Boulevard.
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Newcomer Greg Bates will launch Kentucky’s Derby weekend, performing at Louisville’s Fest-de-Ville Derby Eve Jam. The Derby Eve Jam will take place on Friday (May 3) beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Ky.