Garth Brooks To Songwriters Hall of Fame Tonight

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Garth Brooks will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame tonight (6/16) during a ceremony in New York City. Trisha Yearwood and Dwight Yoakam are among the celebrities who will present or perform as part of the 42nd annual event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Others joining the hallowed hall include Nashvillian Leon Russell, John Bettis, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly, and Allen Toussaint.
Also set to appear are Chrissie Hynde, Jimmy Jam, Billy Joel, Sam Moore and Boz Scaggs.
More here.

Musician Tony Lopacinski Passes

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Tony Lopacinski


Local musician Tony Lopacinski passed away on Wednesday, June 15. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family after a 15-month battle with cancer.
The Virginia native moved to Nashville in 2005 after a successful career on the road as Train’s touring guitarist. Since coming to Music City, he worked as Josh Gracin’s bandleader and teamed with the artist and Bobby Pinson to co-write the Gracin hit “We Weren’t Crazy.” Lopacinski also played with Shelly Fairchild, Julie Roberts and others. Recently he had been focused on his band Tailgate South.
Lopacinski was a lifelong musician who loved Kiss, The Beatles, The Eagles, Boston, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Fleetwood Mac and Aerosmith. His band Earth to Andy was signed to Giant/Warner Bros. in 1998 and toured with many of the ‘90s biggest acts including Stone Temple Pilots, Live, Three Doors Down, and The Foo Fighters. During his time with superstar rock band Train, he toured worldwide, and played on the 2004 live album Alive At Last.
He is survived by wife Sarah and two children.
A service will be held Sunday, June 19 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 and 4:00-5:00 p.m.
A memorial service will also be held at Massanutten Presbyterian Church in Penn Laird, Virginia at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27. There will be visitation with family from 2:00-3:00 and from 4:00-5:00. Interment in Virginia will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to one of the following charities:
• First Presbyterian Church Franklin, 101 Legends Club Lane, Franklin, TN 37069
• Massanutten Presbyterian Church, 50 Indian Trail Road, Penn Laird, Virginia 22846
• Gift Processing Office, Medical Oncology Research Fund for Dr. Jordan Berlin (in memory of Tony Lopacinski)
PMB 407727, 2301 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37240-7727
Visit his Caringbridge site.

Tony, wife Sarah, and their children

OMG Signs Burns & Poe

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(L-R) Keith Burns, Tony Conway and Michelle Poe.



 
Burns & Poe, MusicRow magazine’s Independent Artist of the Year have signed a management agreement with Ontourage Management Group (OMG), founded by Tony Conway. OMG will be responsible for day to day activity plus sponsorships, appearances and recording plans.
Keith Burns and Michelle Poe debuted as a duo in 2009 and during that time have had marketing relatinships with companies such as Taylor Guitars, Peavey Bass and Dan Post Boots.
The duo’s current single, “Second Chance” is currently climbing MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart, and getting video airplay on a variety of web outlets including GAC.com and CMT.com.
Ontourage Management founder Tony Conway opened this management company in 2009 after a 33-year tenure as President and co-owner of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc.

Nashville Entertainment: Film Festival Fundraiser; Visitors Get Live Music App

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Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) is offering Tennesseans a unique opportunity to support the Festival and get a chance to win a Nissan LEAF™ or a Nissan of your choice worth up to $40,000. NaFF is raffling off the car by selling only 2,000 tickets at $100 apiece. The Deadline to enter is July 10 or when the limit of 2,000 tickets has been sold, whichever comes first. All raffle ticket purchases include a complimentary one-year NaFF Film Fan membership valued at $45. Tickets may be purchased online at http://nashvillefilmfestival.org. There is no limit to the number of tickets a contestant may purchase. Anyone is eligible to enter, but only Tennessee residents can enter online. The drawing will be held July 12 at the Regal Green Hills Cinema.
>>>The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a free Nashville Live Music app which allows users to search for music by area of town or venue name. There will also be a map function that will show you where the venues are as well as an augmented reality feature that locates the live music venue options located nearest to you. The app’s calendar, powered by NowPlayingNashville.com, will search live music events up to 14 days out.
The app will include a music player that allows you to listen to and download featured songs. It also includes a rotating ‘featured events’ section that highlights big music events taking place in the city and a store to purchase Music City merchandise.
The Live Music Guide app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 4.3 or later. It will be available on Android later this summer. According to Butch Spyridon, President of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, “We want to make it easy for visitors to find and consume the music. With 120 venues, you don’t have to be a music insider to know all the best places to hear Nashville’s amazing live music.”
The Live Music Guide app is being launched in conjunction with an expanded live music venue program through a partnership with Miller Lite. The program includes the addition of over 100 live music venue signs being placed in front of venues as well as a live music brochure and map.
 

Warner Chapppell Signs Artist/Actress

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Global music publisher Warner/Chappell Music has signed a co-publishing agreement with singer, songwriter and actress Jana Kramer. Kramer recently signed with Elektra Nashville for her upcoming major label country debut. The actress, who plays Alex Dupre on One Tree Hill sold over 40,000 copies  of her song “I Won’t Give Up,” in one week after it was featured on an episode of the show. For more info and music visit www.janakramer.com

(L-R) Kye Fleming; Alicia Pruitt, Sr. Director A&R Warner/Chappell Nashville; Paula Kay Hornick, Paula Kay Artist Management; Jana Kramer; Phil May, VP & General Manager, Warner/Chappell Nashville; Steve Markland, VP A&R Warner/Chappell Nashville; and BJ Hill, Sr. Director A&R, Warner/Chappell Nashville)


 

Industry Ink: Black River Ups Dawn Delvo

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Dawn Delvo


Black River Entertainment General Manager Greg McCarn announced today (6/15) the promotion of Dawn Delvo to Manager, Marketing & Publicity. She will handle the company’s public relations duties, in addition to her current new media responsibilities.
In addition, Black River Entertainment has engaged Monarch Publicity, headed by principals Cindy Heath and Heather Conley, as marketing and PR consultants.
Black River is home to Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West and Jeff Bates. The company also operates the newly renovated Sound Stage recording studios, Black River Publishing, and Black River Management.
Contact:
 
Dawn Delvo at (615) 780-3076 or dawn@blackriverent.com
Cindy Heath at (615) 429-2203 or cindy.heath@monarchpublicity.com
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Warner Music Nashville is gearing up for the next Pickin’ On The Patio, set for Thurs., June 23 at 5:30 p.m. with Jason Jones, Hunter Hayes and Brett Eldredge. The season’s first party featured Mandy Barnett performing selections from her new album Sweet Dreams. Pickin’ On The Patio will be held the fourth Thursday of every month through September on the WMN Patio.

Pictured at Pickin' on the Patio (L-R): Warner Music Nashville Sr VP Brand Management and Sales Peter Strickland, Mandy Barnett, and Warner Music Nashville President and CEO John Esposito.


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Web radio station Pandora Media, Inc. today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of approximately 14.7 million shares of common stock at a price to the public of $16.00 per share. A total of approximately 6.0 million shares are being offered by Pandora, and a total of approximately 8.7 million shares are being offered by selling stockholders.
• • • •
Entertainment attorney Richard Busch of the law firm King & Ballow, who recently represented Eminem and F.B.T. Productions in a landmark Supreme Court decision regarding digital download royalties, will lead a webinar on Friday, June 17, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. He will discuss this case and, more specifically, the court’s interpretation of record contract language; what this means for artists; and unresolved issues in digital music. The webinar will cost $99, and registration can be completed here.
• • • •
Congratulations to Big Machine Label Group’s Accounting Manager Ashley Jeanette and her husband Ryan on the birth of their first child, Harper Jane Jeanette. She was born June 4, weighing 6lbs. 15 oz. and 19 1/2 in. long. Ashley will return to the office at the end of July. Send well wishes to ashley.jeanette@bigmachinemail.com.
• • • •
Songwriter Robyn Ludwick is following in the footsteps of her big brothers, hit Texas songwriters Bruce and Charlie Robison. Her latest release is Out of These Blues, and includes guests Gurf Morlix, Slaid Cleaves and more. Her 2005 debut For So Long was named a top 10 album of the year by the Austin Chronicle. She is currently on tour in the Netherlands, before returning to the US for dates in Texas.

Albums From Jake Owen and Randy Montana On The Way

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Jake Owen (R) performs with Keith Urban during CMA Music Fest 2011.


Jake Owen will release his third studio album Barefoot Blue Jean Night (RCA) on August 30.
“It is kind of ironic that my new album is being released on August 30, two days after I turn 30 and this is my third record,” says Owen. “This album is a big step for me and my career and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
The 11-track album splits production between the team of Joey Moi and Rodney Clawson, as well as Tony Brown. The title track and first single is quickly climbing the charts and has sold over 200k digital units.
Owen will join the US leg of Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 World Tour starting this weekend (6/16) in Biloxi, MS. Owen joined Urban onstage during CMA Music Fest 2011 to duet on Owen’s hit “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.”
• •
Mercury Nashville will release the self-titled debut of Randy Montana on July 26 to all digital retailers. The album was produced by Jay Joyce (Eric Church) and includes singles “Ain’t Much Left Of Lovin’ You” and “1,000 Faces,” which is currently a free download on the iTunes country page. Emmylou Harris provides guest vocals on a track called “Last Horse.”
Montana has spent much of the last year touring on the road with superstars like Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Sugarland. This summer he will join Taylor Swift for select dates of her Speak Now tour.

Legacyworks Reunites Songs With Heirs

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Legacyworks LLC reports it has successfully reclaimed deceased songwriter Tommy Durden’s ownership of “Heartbreak Hotel” and in the next few months it will be returned to the writer’s heirs. Copyright grant termination was filed by Legacyworks in 2005 on behalf of Durden’s daughter. Later this year the company will also see songwriter Richard Dehr’s copyright interest for “Memories Are Made of This” returned to his children. Legacyworks also recently returned worldwide copyright ownership for two songs recorded by Elvis Presley to songwriter Beverly Ross and her co-writers.
“Copyright grant termination is here, it’s a new reality, and the increased royalty stream is going to be very rewarding to the beneficiaries for decades to come,” states Lewis Anderson of Legacyworks, also a well known songwriter. “These heirs have elected to set up their own publishing companies and use major publishers for administration.”
Legacyworks was formed in 2004 to provide services in catalog research and professional songwriter advocacy.

Signings, Events And Certs.

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>>>The May 2011 RIAA Gold and Platinum Report brought some good news for Nashville. The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” single got a 2X Platinum award. Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me…” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name” also both turned Platinum. Gold singles were also handed out for Jason Aldean, “The Truth,” ZBB “Colder Weather,” Brad Paisley “Waitin’ On A Woman” and Taylor Swift’s “Mean.” Among awards for albums, Gold certifications went to ZBB Pass The Jar and Eric Church Carolina.

Avenue Bank President/CEO Ron Samuels


>>>Avenue Bank, which opened in 2007, has re-elected three founding board members—David B. Ingram, Kenneth J. Robold (Exec.VP/GM Universal Music Nashville) and Ron Samuels who serves as the Chairman, President and CEO of the bank. Other re-elected Board members with include Joe Galante and Steve Moore (CEO, CMA).
>>>The Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy will host In The Mix: Nashville Rap on June 23 at 6 pm. The event, to be held at Hard Rock Cafe, will highlight four local rap artists to perform and be featured on a panel moderated by Shannon Sanders. Panel discussions will include the DIY model that many artists are now adopting. Performers and panelists include Haystak, JellyRoll, Paper and Young Rell. Academy members free, non-members $20. RSVP required at rsvp_nashville@grammy.com.
>>>This Music has signed Deric Ruttan, co-writer of songs such as “What Was I Thinking,” and “Guys Like Me.”
 

Big Gifts For Good Causes

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ACM, Swift Support St. Jude
ACM Lifting Lives® partnered with Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, to donate $50,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Erin Spahn, Executive Director ACM Lifting Lives, was on hand at Swift’s sold-out stadium show Saturday (6/11) at Detroit’s Ford Field, where she presented Swift with a $25,000 check for St. Jude, Swift’s chosen philanthropy. Swift also came prepared with her own personal check to St. Jude for $25,000, to bring the evening’s total to $50,000. Swift has donated more than $1 million to charity in the past year alone, including more than $750,000 raised for victims of the recent tornados in the Southeast and $500,000 last year to Nashville flood relief efforts.

Erin Spahn (L), Executive Director ACM Lifting Lives, and ACM Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift (R) present checks totaling $50,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.


Darryl Worley and Friends In-The-Round
Darryl Worley is hosting a series of songwriters-in-the-round events to benefit his namesake charitable foundation. In May he played in Memphis with Brett Jones, Ira Dean and Bernie Nelson, raising more than $33,000. Next, Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Jackson will host Worley, Steve Leslie, Jim “Moose” Brown and Wynn Varble on Tuesday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m.

(L-R): Brett Jones, Darryl Worley, Ira Dean, and Bernie Nelson


MCTI Makes Big Donation To Children’s Hospital
The 38th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational 2011 proudly donated more than $73,000 to the Center for Child Development at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The MCTI planning committee and friends.


GRAMMY in the Schools Supports Music Education
Nashville’s Glencliff High School hosted music industry execs for GRAMMY Career Day on May 19. The school also received a check for $5,500 and a GRAMMY Signature Schools Enterprise Award, recognizing outstanding music programs in learning institutions that are economically under-served. Both of these GRAMMY in the Schools® programs are offered with generous support from the Ford Motor Company Fund and others.

(L-R): George J. Flanigen IV (Chair of the Board of The Recording Academy® and Board member of the GRAMMY Foundation®), Vicki Mack-Lataillade (co-founder of Central South Distribution), Allen Brown (Sony Music Nashville), Shannon Sanders (two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer), Shawn McSpadden (executive manager Red Light Management) and David R. Sears (Senior Director, GRAMMY Foundation) at GRAMMY Career Day. Photo: Tony R. Phipps/WireImage.com