
(L-R): Ellen Porter, Craig Owens, and Lillian Williams
Respected business management firm O’Neil Hagaman today announced the promotion of three senior professionals to Principal. Receiving new titles are Craig Owens, previously Consulting Manager; Ellen Porter, previously Business Manager; and Lillian Williams, previously Business Manager.
“Craig, Ellen and Lillian are dedicated, veteran employees of O’Neil Hagaman who have helped build our reputation for exceptional, comprehensive service to the entertainment industry over the years,” said co-founder Kerry P. O’Neil. “We are pleased to elevate them to the well-deserved designation of Principal and know they will provide our clients with unparalleled service in this capacity.”
“Craig has run our Special Projects department for over five years and proved his leadership in keeping our firm at the cutting edge of technology and intellectual property issues,” added O’Neil. Owens has been with O’Neil Hagaman for more than 15 years and is a CPA and has been published in MusicRow magazine. As Principal, he will handle royalty tracking, compliance examinations, intellectual property valuations and investment analysis.
“Ellen is an invaluable talent that understands the essence of our clients, their families, and the complexity of building successful careers,” said co-founder Al Hagaman. “She has worked tirelessly to help our clients meet and exceed their goals.” Porter has been with O’Neil Hagaman for 28 years. As a Principal she will focus on financial management through financial accounting, contractual evaluation, negotiation and monitoring, and risk management. She is an alumna of Leadership Music, a member of the CMA and ACM, and has been published in MusicRow.
“Lillian has developed into a very tenacious and thoughtful business manager who represents her clients and our firm with integrity and it is an honor to be able to recognize her for her exceptional work with our clients,” said co-founder Cheryl Harris. Williams has been with O’Neil Hagaman for more than 20 years and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Specifically, she will focus on financial accounting, contractual evaluation, negotiation and monitoring and risk management. She is an alumna of Leadership Music, a member of CMA and GMA, and has been published in MusicRow.
Industry Updates (3/20/12)
/by Freeman• • •
• • •
Judy Seale, President of Judy Seale International and Stars For Stripes, was honored with the Tennessee Marine 2012 Leadership Award at the Operation Yellow Ribbon event at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on March 6, 2012. The annual event honoring the US military and their families was hosted by Charlie Daniels and featured guests Darryl Worley and Gary Sinise.
“Rarely am I speechless, but receiving this honor was a very emotional moment in my life,” said Seale. “This is equivalent to a Grammy or an Oscar for me in my career. To be presented this award by my heroes–the U.S. Marines–and experience the moment with Charlie Daniels, Gary Sinise and Darryl Worley was overwhelming. There are so many others who share my passion and support of the military who should be receiving this recognition as well.”
(L-R): Darryl Worley; Charlie Daniels; Judy Seale; Major Harry Thompson, US Marine Corps – Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Nashville; and Gary Sinise.
O’Neil Hagaman Names Three Principals
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Ellen Porter, Craig Owens, and Lillian Williams
Respected business management firm O’Neil Hagaman today announced the promotion of three senior professionals to Principal. Receiving new titles are Craig Owens, previously Consulting Manager; Ellen Porter, previously Business Manager; and Lillian Williams, previously Business Manager.
“Craig, Ellen and Lillian are dedicated, veteran employees of O’Neil Hagaman who have helped build our reputation for exceptional, comprehensive service to the entertainment industry over the years,” said co-founder Kerry P. O’Neil. “We are pleased to elevate them to the well-deserved designation of Principal and know they will provide our clients with unparalleled service in this capacity.”
“Craig has run our Special Projects department for over five years and proved his leadership in keeping our firm at the cutting edge of technology and intellectual property issues,” added O’Neil. Owens has been with O’Neil Hagaman for more than 15 years and is a CPA and has been published in MusicRow magazine. As Principal, he will handle royalty tracking, compliance examinations, intellectual property valuations and investment analysis.
“Ellen is an invaluable talent that understands the essence of our clients, their families, and the complexity of building successful careers,” said co-founder Al Hagaman. “She has worked tirelessly to help our clients meet and exceed their goals.” Porter has been with O’Neil Hagaman for 28 years. As a Principal she will focus on financial management through financial accounting, contractual evaluation, negotiation and monitoring, and risk management. She is an alumna of Leadership Music, a member of the CMA and ACM, and has been published in MusicRow.
“Lillian has developed into a very tenacious and thoughtful business manager who represents her clients and our firm with integrity and it is an honor to be able to recognize her for her exceptional work with our clients,” said co-founder Cheryl Harris. Williams has been with O’Neil Hagaman for more than 20 years and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Specifically, she will focus on financial accounting, contractual evaluation, negotiation and monitoring and risk management. She is an alumna of Leadership Music, a member of CMA and GMA, and has been published in MusicRow.
ACM Fan Voting Opens Today
/by Eric T. ParkerThe New Artist of the Year award, with nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and Scotty McCreery, closes at 8:00 PM ET/ 5:00 PM PT on April 1st.
Entertainer of the Year voting will remain open through the third hour of the ACM Awards Show for nominees Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift.
Preceding the awards, fans can catch an original 5-webisode series, Road To The ACM Awards, featuring New Artist of the Year nominees Gilbert, Hayes and McCreery. Additionally, GAC will premiere its ACM New Artist of the Year special with interviews and exclusive performances from the nominees tonight at 9 pm ET.
ABC’s “GCB” to Feature Music from Chenoweth, JaneDear girls and More
/by Caitlin RantalaGCB star Kristin Chenoweth contributes three tracks to the compilation, including a duet with costar Miriam Shor on the classic “This Little Light of Mine.” Other contributing artists include country superstar John Rich (of Big & Rich), country duo the JaneDear girls and singer-actress Emily West (Body of Proof). Damien Horne, Joanna Cotten, Don Derby, Jaime Hanna, Bum Steers, and Dean Alexander round out the roster of artists.
Fans can click on www.abcmusiclounge.com or visit iTunes each week to purchase the featured song. the JaneDear girls’ “Good Girls Gone Bad,” Chenoweth’s “Blessed Be the Ties That Bind” and West’s “Cross My Heart” are all available now.
Additionally, Chenoweth’s version of Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take The Wheel” was a recently hot topic for bloggers everywhere after Chenoweth debuted her version on GCB. Due to fan reaction, Warner Music Nashville has made the track available on iTunes. Also available on iTunes this week is Joanna Cotten’s “If I’m Gonna Be Bad.”
GCB airs Sundays at 9 pm CT on ABC.
Frasher Opens Gunslinger Entertainment With First Client
/by FreemanBryan Frasher
Former BNA Records VP Promotion Bryan Frasher has announced the launch of Gunslinger Entertainment, LLC, a music entertainment and management company. The company’s first client is BNA Records artist Casey James.
It’s a busy time for the pair, as James’ single “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” is climbing charts and his self-titled debut album hits stores tomorrow (March 20). “We hit the ground running after the first of the year and things have been moving at the speed of light ever since,” says Frasher.
To support his album release this week, James will perform on Ellen on Wednesday, March 21, as well as the fourth hour of the Today Show on Thursday, March 22.
Frasher got his start in the music business as a tour manager and musician for Tanya Tucker, and also held similar positions with Lee Roy Parnell and Chely Wright. Later he got into the radio promotion business, first with Warner Bros. Records, followed by Arista and BNA.
Reach him at bryan@gunslingerentertainment.com.
Digitalmusic.org Brings Music Start Up Academy to Nashville
/by FreemanSession offerings include Label and Publishing Basics for Entrepreneurs, Music Industry Content Acquisition and Business Development, and a Flo{thinkery} presentation by Mark Montgomery, among others. The aim of the Academy is to encourage the creation of music startups by helping newcomers understand how the industry operates.
“The future of the music business is dependent upon technology innovation, but there are very few opportunities that provide the fundamentals of the industry for these entrepreneurs,” said Bill Wilson, VP, Digital Strategy & Business Development, NARM/digitalmusic.org. “Here in Nashville, it is our goal to build a bridge between these groups so more great new music-focused start-ups get to market quickly and achieve success.”
AIMP Nashville Names Board Members
/by Sarah SkatesOfficers are: President Kevin Lamb (Peer Music), Vice President Dianna Maher (Moraine Music), Secretary Jewel Coburn (Ten Ten Music), and Treasurer Eli Ball (Lyric Financial).
Board members at large are: John Allen (BMG/Chrysalis), Ross Asher (Razor & Tie), Walter Campbell (Big Garage Music), Tim Fink (SESAC), Michael Martin (ASCAP), Jill Napier (Napier Consulting), Kerry O’Neil (Big Yellow Dog Music), David Preston (BMI), and Randy Wachtler (615 Music).
The organization will host its inaugural meeting on March 26 at Cabana. The event is sold out and will feature a panel discussion by Keith Stegall, John Strohm, David Macias, Frank Liddell and Chris DuBois with moderator John Allen.
Another panel discussion is set for June 16 and will focus on film/TV music supervision.
Members of the music community can join AIMP by visiting www.aimp.org and clicking on Nashville Chapter.
AIMP is a non-profit organization providing education and information on current topics, trends and practices in the music publishing industry. Formed in 1977 by a group of Los Angeles music publishers, the AIMP has chapters in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville, that host regular panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities and special events.
MusicRowPics: Rising Women on the Row
/by Caitlin RantalaOn Friday (3/16), MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row event, sponsored by City National Bank, honored five women from different segments of Nashville’s music industry: The Greenroom owner Mary Hilliard Harrington, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Loeb & Loeb’s Denise Stevens, Sony Music Nashville’s Heather McBee, and Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace.
The sold-out breakfast event was created to recognize women who are becoming visionary leaders in Nashville’s music industry through their dedication, innovation, and contributions. MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson said, “I knew I wanted to join my staff and do something special to salute and honor the women on Music Row who are making a difference.” Kay West, journalist and women’s advocate, served as the guest speaker.
[slide]
The 1861 Project Offers Companion Concert and Documentary
/by Freeman“The 1861 Project Live is a natural extension and a direct result of the success we’ve had with the CD,” says Project producer/songwriter Thomm Jutz. “In the live setting, people have been connecting with these songs and these stories in a way that is immediate and really gratifying.”
Joining Jutz for performances of these songs are some of Nashville’s finest including bassist Mark Fain (Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton) and multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses (Ricky Skaggs, Dan Tyminski Band), along with drummer Lynn Williams (Delbert McClinton, Lee Roy Parnell, John Hiatt). Singers performing songs from the CD include Irene Kelley (“Horse Without A Rider”), Stan Webb (“That’s Me”), J.T. Brown (“Freedom Train”), and The Melby Sisters (“The South’s On Fire”).
Belmont University To Honor Mike Curb
/by Eric T. ParkerMike Curb
Belmont University’s College of Entertainment and Music Business will salute its benefactor and namesake Mike Curb during the annual Best of the Best showcase on April 14.
The event will honor Curb with the 2012 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence, for his nearly five decades of success as a songwriter, producer and record company owner. In addition to his musical accomplishments, he serves as the chair of his Mike Curb Family Foundation which has made contributions to the greater Nashville community including The Curb Pediatric Center at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Curb Theater at the downtown library, the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, and the Nashville Symphony. It was through the foundation Curb backed the construction of the Curb Event Center and contributed to Belmont’s studio facilities, including Historic RCA Studio B and the newly renovated Quonset Hut.
Belmont’s free Best of the Best showcase features compilations of student winners from the yearly Showcase Series, including Urban/Pop (Tre Houston), Christian (Haley Hamilton), Country (Tristen Smith), and Rock (Christopher Wild). Winners from the ASCAP Writers Night series will also perform.