Eddie DeGarmo
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and the newly formed Capitol Music Group today (Jan. 7) announced the launch of
Capitol CMG Publishing. The company combines two of the industry leaders in Christian music,
EMI CMG Publishing and
Brentwood Benson Music Publishing. Eddie DeGarmo will serve as President of the Brentwood, Tenn. operation.
The announcement was made by
Steve Barnett, Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group;
Bill Hearn, President/CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group; and
Evan Lamberg, President of UMPG North America.
DeGarmo, who previously served as Pres. of EMI CMG Publishing, will co-report to Hearn and Lamberg.
Dale Mathews, President of Brentwood Benson, will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.
Employees from both EMI CMG Publishing and Brentwood Benson will be part of the new organization going forward.
“The launch of Capitol CMG Publishing brings together two very creative and resourceful companies, all to the benefit our songwriters,” stated Hearn. “We are determined to expand the marketplace even further for Christian and Gospel music.”
“Bill Hearn and Eddie DeGarmo are a powerful one-two business-creative punch who I have known and worked with a very long time,” commented Lamberg. “They are the right visionaries and leaders to take this new phase of the combined EMI CMG Publishing and Brentwood Benson Music Publishing into the future. I would also personally like to thank Dale Mathews for his years of esteemed service. He is an incredibly classy executive who I know will flourish in his future endeavors.”
“Merging Brentwood Benson’s historic legacy, current hits and impressive roster of writers with EMI CMG Publishing’s cutting-edge collection of catalogs and writers would be a dream come true for any music publisher,” said DeGarmo. “I’m honored to be asked to lead and serve this phenomenal group of writers and team of professionals. I’m also very excited about the future of our choral division as it carries on the Brentwood Benson heritage.”
Capitol CMG Publishing’s roster includes some of the industry’s greatest songwriters, including
TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Chris Tomlin,
Casting Crowns,
Third Day,
Jeremy Camp,
David Crowder,
Matt Redman, Joy Williams, Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, Aaron Lindsey, Bebo Norman, Tim Hughes, Jars of Clay, Brenton Brown and
Leeland. The company will also encompass many of the world’s most prominent Christian music catalogs, such as
sixsteps, Thankyou Music, Hillsong, Maranatha! Music,
Emack Music (the publishing catalog of Christian record company
Gotee Records)
, the
Lorenz Creative Services catalogs
, Reunion Music (whose catalog includes the
Eric Clapton hit “Change The World”) and the
Sparrow catalogs (containing numerous legendary gospel and Christian evergreens). Songs from these historic catalogs have been recorded by music’s legends including Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Amy Grant, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson.
Capitol CMG Publishing will continue to be a leader in the core areas of the business, including Contemporary Christian Music, Praise and Worship Music, Gospel Music, and Print Music Publications.
DeGarmo was one of the leading pioneers of contemporary Christian music as part of rock duo
DeGarmo & Key. Throughout his 17 years with D&K and successful solo venture, DeGarmo sold millions of albums and garnered numerous Grammy and Dove nominations. He went on to co-found ForeFront Records, where he developed gold and multi-platinum selling Grammy winning artists such as
dc Talk,
Stacie Orrico, Audio Adrenaline and
Rebecca St. James. He eventually sold the label to EMI and focused on music publishing, later returning to EMI as President of EMI CMG Publishing. Under Mr. DeGarmo’s leadership, EMI CMG Publishing has been named Christian Music Publisher of the Year every year since 2004 by
Billboard magazine and ASCAP. In 2004 and again in 2012, EMI CMG Publishing attained that honor with
Billboard, ASCAP and BMI.
Upcoming Music Releases
/by Eric T. Parker• • •
• • •
Industry Ink (1/8/13)
/by Caitlin RantalaTopics covered will include copyright basics, income sources, networking your way in, publishing deals, dealing with success, song critiques and Q&A. Get full details at www.GreenHillsMusicGroup.com.
• • •
Photo (L–R): Michael Burcham, President & CEO of the Entrepreneur Center; Brian O’Neil, SOLID Vice President; Sarah McGrady, SOLID President
SOLID held their annual New Member Retreat Saturday at Belmont University. This is the biggest SOLID class in history of the organization with a total of 156 current members. President & CEO of Nashville’s Entrepreneur Center Michael Burcham was the guest speaker.
• • •
T.J. Martell Taps Nashville Artists for PSA Campaign
/by Jessica NicholsonPremiere Networks has signed on as part of the campaign. The network will air public service spots across its programming. Artists who have recorded public service spots include Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Kelly Clarkson, The Band Perry, Reba, Eric Church and Zac Brown Band.
“We are proud to be associated with the T.J. Martell Foundation and are happy to support this campaign by airing their public service spots during our programming,” said Julie Talbott, President of Content and Affiliate Services for National Media Groups, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “Our goal is to encourage other companies in the media business to join us in helping the Foundation gain national awareness and raise much needed funds for this worthy cause.”
Companies in the media business can aid the campaign by adding the “Music’s Promise for a Cure” banner ad to their websites (with a link back to the Foundation), or provide space for the full page ad in their publications. Radio can add the 30-second spots to their on-air rotation. In return for any ad contributions, the Foundation will recognize the donors on the Foundation’s website, www.tjmartell.org.
For those interested in making a contribution, please contact Kate Fitzpatrick at Kfitzpatrick@tjmartell.org.
Nashville Steel Guitar Player Releases Book
/by Jessica NicholsonIn the book, Davis recalls stories of working with The Carter Family, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, along with record label personalities and fans.
Davis began his career playing on the Grand Ole Opry as a member of Pee Wee King’s Golden West Cowboys. Davis is a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He later became a producer and moved to Mobile, Ala., where he hosted the show Alabama Jubilee, which ran on WKRG.
For more information, visit amazon.com.
Zavitson Music Group Hires VP Creative
/by Sarah SkatesEric Hurt
Zavitson Music Group (ZMG) Pres. Russ Zavitson today (Jan. 8) announced the addition of Eric Hurt as Vice President of Creative/A&R, a newly created position. Hurt will be responsible for exploiting the catalog of the five-year-old publishing company as well as expanding exposure in film and TV, and fostering pop, rock and Christian market placements, artist development, and management opportunities. Hurt is the former creative director for Universal Music Group’s Brentwood Benson Publishing.
“Eric’s track record is impressive for someone so young,” said Zavitson. “He has a strong sense for where the new model of the music business will play out and has the passion and business acumen to ensure that Zavitson Music Group will emerge as a major player.”
Hurt’s music industry career began at ForeFront Records in Franklin, followed by time at Joe Scaife Productions, and Still Working Music. He also currently manages MODOC and co-manages PawnShop kings with Trisha McClanahan.
ZMG’s writer roster includes Walker Hayes (Capitol Records), John Ramey of the duo Martin/Ramey (Curb), Tony Haselden, Liz Hengber and Jeffrey East. The publishing company has had recent cuts by Thompson Square, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Reba McEntire, Point of Grace and Selah.
Hurt can be reached at eric@zmgllc.com or 615-321-2212.
Exclusive: Capitol CMG Publishing Launches
/by Sarah SkatesEddie DeGarmo
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and the newly formed Capitol Music Group today (Jan. 7) announced the launch of Capitol CMG Publishing. The company combines two of the industry leaders in Christian music, EMI CMG Publishing and Brentwood Benson Music Publishing. Eddie DeGarmo will serve as President of the Brentwood, Tenn. operation.
The announcement was made by Steve Barnett, Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group; Bill Hearn, President/CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group; and Evan Lamberg, President of UMPG North America.
DeGarmo, who previously served as Pres. of EMI CMG Publishing, will co-report to Hearn and Lamberg. Dale Mathews, President of Brentwood Benson, will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.
Employees from both EMI CMG Publishing and Brentwood Benson will be part of the new organization going forward.
“The launch of Capitol CMG Publishing brings together two very creative and resourceful companies, all to the benefit our songwriters,” stated Hearn. “We are determined to expand the marketplace even further for Christian and Gospel music.”
“Bill Hearn and Eddie DeGarmo are a powerful one-two business-creative punch who I have known and worked with a very long time,” commented Lamberg. “They are the right visionaries and leaders to take this new phase of the combined EMI CMG Publishing and Brentwood Benson Music Publishing into the future. I would also personally like to thank Dale Mathews for his years of esteemed service. He is an incredibly classy executive who I know will flourish in his future endeavors.”
“Merging Brentwood Benson’s historic legacy, current hits and impressive roster of writers with EMI CMG Publishing’s cutting-edge collection of catalogs and writers would be a dream come true for any music publisher,” said DeGarmo. “I’m honored to be asked to lead and serve this phenomenal group of writers and team of professionals. I’m also very excited about the future of our choral division as it carries on the Brentwood Benson heritage.”
Capitol CMG Publishing’s roster includes some of the industry’s greatest songwriters, including TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder, Matt Redman, Joy Williams, Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, Aaron Lindsey, Bebo Norman, Tim Hughes, Jars of Clay, Brenton Brown and Leeland. The company will also encompass many of the world’s most prominent Christian music catalogs, such as sixsteps, Thankyou Music, Hillsong, Maranatha! Music, Emack Music (the publishing catalog of Christian record company Gotee Records), the Lorenz Creative Services catalogs, Reunion Music (whose catalog includes the Eric Clapton hit “Change The World”) and the Sparrow catalogs (containing numerous legendary gospel and Christian evergreens). Songs from these historic catalogs have been recorded by music’s legends including Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Amy Grant, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson.
Capitol CMG Publishing will continue to be a leader in the core areas of the business, including Contemporary Christian Music, Praise and Worship Music, Gospel Music, and Print Music Publications.
DeGarmo was one of the leading pioneers of contemporary Christian music as part of rock duo DeGarmo & Key. Throughout his 17 years with D&K and successful solo venture, DeGarmo sold millions of albums and garnered numerous Grammy and Dove nominations. He went on to co-found ForeFront Records, where he developed gold and multi-platinum selling Grammy winning artists such as dc Talk, Stacie Orrico, Audio Adrenaline and Rebecca St. James. He eventually sold the label to EMI and focused on music publishing, later returning to EMI as President of EMI CMG Publishing. Under Mr. DeGarmo’s leadership, EMI CMG Publishing has been named Christian Music Publisher of the Year every year since 2004 by Billboard magazine and ASCAP. In 2004 and again in 2012, EMI CMG Publishing attained that honor with Billboard, ASCAP and BMI.
Jewel To Host Texaco Country Showdown Next Week
/by Sarah SkatesJewel will host and perform.
Texaco Country Showdown, America’s largest country music talent search and country radio promotion, will return to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, January 17. Jewel will host and perform at the one-hour television taping where five National Finalists will compete for $100,000 and the title “Best New Act in Country Music.”
The judging panel will include Pete Fisher, VP, GM of the Grand Ole Opry; Lisa Ramsey-Perkins, Sr. Dir. of A&R for Sony Music Nashville; John Ozier, VP of A&R for Curb Records; Rod Essig, VP of Creative Artists Agency Nashville; and Victoria Shaw, Emmy Award-winning songwriter and producer. Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie McCoy will lead the house band.
Free tickets to the January 17 television taping are available at the Ryman box office or by calling (615) 889-3060. The show begins at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. For more information, visit www.texacocountryshowdown.com. The show will air in the United States in March and April 2013. Check local listings for broadcast dates and times. In addition, it will air on the Armed Forces Network in April 2013.
National Finalists
Northeast—Kate and Corey (Kate Shaffer and Corey Coleman), sponsored by WQRS/Olean, New York
Midwest—The Brothers Roberson, (Rhett and Brendan), sponsored by KCLQ/Lebanon, MO
Southeast—Deidre Thornell, sponsored by KPXI/Henderson, TX
Southwest—Kassie and Ben (Wilson), sponsored by WKUL/Cullman, AL
West—Poor Man’s Poison (members Ryan Hakker, Dustin Medeiros, Mike Jacobs, Tommy McCarthy), sponsored by KHTS/Santa Clarita, CA
Grammy Awards Launch #TheWorldIsListening Campaign
/by Eric T. ParkerThe campaign, designed by The Recording Academy and six-year ad agency partner TBWA\Chiat\Day, is built around a website hosting music from emerging artists. The initiative also has print and TV commercials from artists Rihanna, the Kills, Kishi Bashi and Dam-Funk.
“This year’s campaign highlights the raw emotion and desire of the artist’s journey, and is amplified via social media in order to draw more music fans into an engaged music conversation,” said Evan Greene, Chief Marketing Officer of The Recording Academy.
All campaign materials feature the hashtag #TheWorldIsListening, a first for the organization.
The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS, Feb. 10, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
BBR Music Group Taps Two
/by Caitlin RantalaSteve Mekler
The BBR Music Group has hired Steve Mekler as Digital Marketing Manager for its Consumer & Marketing Department, and added Kevin Grace as Digital Media Coordinator for BBR Management.
In his new role, Mekler will be responsible for managing the social media strategy for all BBR artist and label accounts. He will creatively contribute, manage and execute digital marketing campaigns, as well as evaluate and analyze digital metrics for market research. As a recent graduate of Belmont University, Mekler spent the last eight months as the radio promotion and new media intern for BBR Music Group. Previously, he served as a marketing intern for Capitol Records Nashville.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have Steve joining our Consumer & Marketing Department. He has undoubtedly proven himself to be an incredible asset to the team, and I look forward to seeing the results of the work he will be doing firsthand,” says BBR Music Group VP New Media Lynette Garbonola.
Kevin Grace
“I cannot express enough how honored I am to be a part of this team as we enter what I feel will be a banner year for BBR Music Group. I had the privilege of starting at BBR as an intern and to this day continue learning from an incredible team of friends and mentors. I’m absolutely excited to continue attaining knowledge, while shouldering my experiences to the future opportunities here at BBR Music Group,” says Mekler.
In his new role, Grace will coordinate the digital presence and content for all BBR Management clients including Thompson Square, Parmalee, Kristy Lee Cook and Lindsay Ell. He is a graduate of MTSU and most recently served as an intern for Red Light Management. He also previously interned for manager Dave Love.
“Kevin’s energy and enthusiasm is a great fit with BBR Management,” said Stephen Linn, SVP, BBR Management. “Our artists do a great job staying connected with their fans and with Kevin’s help we’re excited about the new ideas and content fans will see from them.”
“I’m very excited to be joining the BBR Music Group family, and I’m looking forward to working with an already dynamic digital team,” says Grace.
Mekler and Grace’s positions are both effective immediately. Steve Mekler may be reached at steve@brokenbowrecords.com. Kevin Grace may be reached at kevin@bbrmgmt.com.
Lifenotes (1/7/2012)
/by Eric T. ParkerP.R. Battle
Singer/songwriter Paul Robert (P.R.) Battle passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 63 in Atlanta, GA. Born in Nashville, he began work in the ’70s, writing more than 200 songs published by Sony/ATV-Tree, the Universal Music Publishing Group, Irving Music, and others, according to his obituary. His own “Radio Loves You” was released on A&M Records. In lieu of flowers, his loved ones request contributions to the American Lung Association. A memorial service will be held Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Visitation will precede at 10:30.
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Muriel Luteran
The mother of Sony/ATV Vice President of Creative Tom Luteran died on Dec. 18. Muriel Luteran was 89 year old and was buried Dec. 22 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Chester First Aid Squad (300 Main St., Chester, NJ 07930).
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Sammy Johns
Singer/songwriter Sammy Johns died at the age of 66 on Jan. 4 at North Carolina’s Gaston Memorial Hospital. He wrote and recorded the ’75 hit “Chevy Vann,” and has writing credits on “Common Man” (John Conlee), “America” (Waylon Jennings), and “Desperado Love” (Conway Twitty). The funeral will be held at McLean’s Funeral Home in Belmont, NC on Wednesday (Jan. 9) at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.