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.
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.
• • •
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).
• • •
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.
ASCAP Announces Creative Team, Appoints Director of Strategic Services
/by Sherod RobertsonLeAnn Phelan and Michael Martin
ASCAP adds Nashville music industry veteran Kele Currier as Director of Strategic Services. Currier’s appointment coincides with the elevation of Michael Martin and LeAnn Phelan to oversee ASCAP’s Nashville operations and lead the creative team of Mike Sistad, Ryan Beuschel, Robert Filhart, Evyn Mustoe and Anna Maki. Although Martin and Phelan have been working in this capacity for some time, this is the first official announcement of their expanded leadership roles.
“Michael and LeAnn have consistently proven their excellence as a creative resource to the Nashville community and their commitment to delivering exceptional service to ASCAP’s members,” says ASCAP Executive VP of Membership, Randy Grimmett. “We are excited to welcome Kele Currier, whose expertise in royalty collection and copyright administration will only enhance the outstanding level of service our Nashville team endeavors to provide.”
Kele Currier
Currier’s 19 years of industry experience includes copyright administration, licensing, and royalty collections for catalog acquisitions and administration clients. She joined Toronto-based ole as Director of Administration in 2010 and established the company’s first Nashville-based administration presence. Prior to joining ole, the Belmont graduate was recruited by ASCAP hit songwriter Craig Wiseman to help start his publishing administration company, Big Loud Bucks. Her business experience also includes copyright administration and licensing positions with several well-established local publishers, as well as, a four-year stint as audit manager for Integrated Copyright Group.
Currier is a board member of the Copyright Society of the South, and a member of SOURCE, and the CMA.
Top Country Tours of 2012
/by Sarah SkatesBrothers of the Sun
Eight country stars ranked on the Top 50 Worldwide Tours list, recently released by Pollstar and based on gross box office receipts for 2012. Leading the country set by a longshot is the Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney Brothers of the Sun package, which brought in 96.5 million to rank No. 7 on the overall list.
Madonna scored the No. 1 slot with a gross of $296.1 million, followed by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at No. 2 ($210.2 million), and Roger Waters at No. 3 ($186.4 million).
Combined gross receipts, ticket sales and ticket prices for the chart were slightly down from 2011, and way off from 2009’s robust touring year. Details here and complete Top 50 chart here.
Top Grossing Country tours
No. 7 Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney, 96.5 million
No. 24 Jason Aldean, 40 million
No. 28 Brad Paisley, 36.8 million
No. 32 Lady Antebellum, 35.7 million
No. 42 Zac Brown Band, 31.3 million
No. 43 Eric Church, 31.2 million
No. 47 Carrie Underwood, 29.2 million
No. 48 Rascal Flatts, 29.1 million
News Updates (1/7/13)
/by Sarah Skates• Sony Music and BMG could be back in bed. The New York Post reports the companies have re-teamed for an approximately $500 million bid for Universal Music Group’s Parlophone records, home to Kylie Minogue and The Pet Shop Boys. Parlophone is among the assets being divulged to satisfy antitrust regulators as part of Universal’s acquisition of EMI.
• Nashville Symphony has announced Monique Lhuillier as the featured designer for the Symphony Spring Fashion Show, taking place April 9, 2013, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Television personality Allison DeMarcus will host. Proceeds will assist the Nashville Symphony in reaching more than 250,000 children and adults through free music education programs and community concerts. A performer has not been announced, but past entertainers include Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town.
• Infinity Cat Records, the label owned by songwriter Robert Ellis Orrall and sons Jamin and Jake, plans to open a retail storefront this year.
• iHeartRadio’s latest offering allows users to create stations based on moods and activities. The “Perfect For” tool selects music that is “perfect for” cleaning, studying, working out, driving, etc.
Americana's Top Albums of the Year
/by MichelleThe Americana Music Association has announced its year-end Top 10 & Top 100 Albums of the Year. The Top 100 albums are based on those records reported to the Americana Airplay Chart during the period of November 15, 2011 through November 17, 2012.
JD McPherson’s album ranked No. 1 most played album for 2012 on the Americana Airplay chart.
This year’s Top Ten most played albums include:
1) JD McPherson, Signs And Signifiers/Rounder
2) Darrell Scott, Long Ride Home/Full Light
3) Rodney Crowell, KIN: Songs By Mary Karr & Rodney Crowell/Vanguard
4) Justin Townes Earle, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way… /Bloodshot
5) Little Willies, For The Good Times/Milking Bull/EMI
6) Willie Nelson, Heroes/Legacy
7) Lyle Lovett, Release Me/Lost Highway
8) Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Grifter’s Hymnal/Bordello Records
9) Old Crow Medicine Show, Carry Me Back/ATO
10) Ryan Adams, Ashes & Fire / PAX-AM/Capitol
For the list of Top 100 albums visit americanamusic.org and click the link in the right column of the homepage.
Facelift Expected for Bridgestone Arena
/by Eric T. ParkerThe city’s investment is expected to take advantage of new foot traffic and parking spaces from the adjacent Music City Center when it opens this May.
Plans from the mayor’s office include updates to the 16-year-old arena exterior, replacing existing concrete structures with glass, and adding retail and restaurants along Demonbreun and Fifth Avenue.
“It’s like any building,” notes Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling of the arena in a report from The Tennessean. “You have to spend some money on it. You don’t want a building to look old and outdated when you have a billion dollars being spent right across the street and catty-corner to it.”
The news outlet additionally reports the arena’s original architectural firm, Kansas City-based Populous Inc., is in the process of designing the updates.
Plans are not expected to remove arena rehearsal space at Fifth and Demonbreun.
Changes will also come to the arena’s opposite side when the Metro Police Central Precinct vacates for a new building on Korean Veterans’ Boulevard. The opened space will allow for expansion initiatives inside the arena. Officials are reportedly working to establish private investment for the development.
The newly filed spending plan will first be voted on Jan. 15 by the council, after which the Metro Nashville Sports Authority would have to sign off on the arena changes.
This news comes on the heels of a collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and players, which is expected to end the hockey lockout.