[Press Release] Fletcher Foster, former Senior Vice President/General Manager of Universal Records South, has joined Red Light Management. In addition to his role as a manager, Foster will be a key part of the senior management team at RLM working directly with Coran Capshaw.
“His substantial expertise and creative vision make Fletcher an ideal fit with our Nashville team and Red Light’s roster,” said Capshaw, founder and owner of Red Light Management.
“Red Light has always been an innovative management company, which could not be more relevant now during these changing times in the music business,” said Foster. “I look forward to working with Coran, and bringing my passion and experience to the dynamic team at Red Light.”
At Universal Records South, Foster oversaw all day-to-day operations of the label, including human resources, marketing, promotion, creative services, sales, new media and publicity. He also signed and developed numerous artists who charted Top 10 hits during his tenure at the label, including 2009 CMA “New Artist” nominee Randy Houser, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols and Eli Young Band.
Foster served as Senior VP, Marketing at Capitol Records in Nashville from 2000 to 2006, where his innovative campaign for Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” led to a double Platinum certification for the album Songs About Me. He also spearheaded campaigns for Dierks Bentley, who went on to win ACM, CMT and CMA awards for Best New Artist, Cyndi Thomson, Kenny Rogers, Keith Urban and many other acts. In stints at Arista Records in Nashville and Los Angeles, Foster worked with artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Aretha Franklin and Barry Manilow and served as executive producer of the GRAMMY®-nominated Happy Texas soundtrack. As Vice President, Television & Multimedia Marketing at MCA Records, Foster helped launch the alternative rock band Live with Throwing Copper, now 8X Platinum. He began his career as Director, Publicity at CBS/Sony Records in Nashville.
A graduate of Nashville’s Belmont University, he has served on the Board of Governors for NARAS’ Nashville Chapter since 2003. He is on the Board of Directors of ACM Lifting Lives, Academy of Country Music, MusiCares, Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and Gilda’s Club.
Red Light Management was founded in 1991 by Coran Capshaw at the beginning of his 19-year role as the personal manager of Dave Matthews Band. Capshaw also personally manages Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Phish. Sister company Starr Hill Presents promotes live music on a regional and national level, and together with its partners, produces large-scale music festivals including the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival which Capshaw co-founded and co-owns. He also created Musictoday, a leading e-commerce and ticketing company serving top clients in music and sports. Capshaw sold Musictoday to Live Nation in 2007.
Hall of Fame Opens Elvis Exhibit, Considers Expansion
/by Sarah SkatesIncorporating documents and artifacts from the Museum’s collection, the exhibit examines Presley’s continuing global appeal and the enduring support of his fans more than thirty years after Presley’s passing. Items to be displayed include a Munsingwear bathrobe and a Lord Nelson wristwatch owned by the King himself. Also featured are collectible items bearing Presley’s likeness, including a bronze bust designed by Armand LaMontagne, a Christmas ornament, a bottle of “Always Elvis” white wine, a porcelain music box and more.
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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is looking into a expansion which would connect it with the new Nashville convention center currently in the works. The Tennessean reports that there are ongoing discussions about connecting the Hall to the proposed Music City Center, which would allow the museum to display more of its collection and possibly attract more visitors.
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Individual balcony seats for the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s All for the Hall Los Angeles fundraiser, taking place Thursday, September 23, at Club Nokia, will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 6. Tickets to the benefit concert, featuring performances by Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris and Kris Kristofferson, superstar Taylor Swift, and a very special fourth chair that must remain anonymous, are available for $250 and $150 (reserved seats in VIP section of the balcony with access to the VIP lounge) and $115 (reserved seats in the balcony). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the STAPLES Center Box Office or at the Club Nokia box office. A limited number of VIP tables are still available for purchase at $5,000 and $10,000 levels.
To purchase tickets or tables or for more information, contact Holly Lane at hlane@countrymusichalloffame.org or telephone (615) 416-2035 or (800) 852-6437.
Blackberry Smoke
/by ProgrammerPlaylistBamaJam/Nine North
With influences that run the gamut from country to bluegrass to metal to gospel and southern rock, Blackberry Smoke is more than the sum of its diverse parts. The band’s current single “Good One Comin’ On” is already making an impact at country radio.
“None of us have ever said, ‘Let’s be a southern rock band or a bluegrass band or a country band’,” explains frontman Charlie Starr. “We all love the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Stones and the Faces and Hank Williams and Bill Monroe. It’s not about what kind of music it is, as long as it’s good and it’s honest.”
The group, comprised of Starr, sibling rhythm section Richard and Brit Turner (bass and drums, respectively) and guitarist Paul Jackson, formed in 2000 and quickly established itself as a hard-working touring outfit on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. The band has shared the stage with artists such as ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry, The Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band and Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Acclaimed producer Dann Huff (Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts) and Justin Niebank were tapped to produce the band’s second album Little Piece of Dixie, which is available now. The album contains songs written by the band as well as some of Nashville’s finest, including Lee Roy Parnell, David Lee Murphy, Gary Nicholson, Craig Wiseman, Randy Houser and Rob Hatch.
At the end of the day, Blackberry Smoke just wants to do what it has done for the last decade. “There ain’t nothing more fulfilling than making music people like,” says Paul. “The only way for us to promote our records was to tour year-round, 150 dates a year.”
“Performing is never a waste of time, even if there’s 20 people and the bartender there,” agrees Charlie.
http://www.blackberrysmoke.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke
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Nashville Well Represented Among VMA Noms
/by Sarah SkatesParamore on the set of their nominated video "Ignorance."
Nashville natives turned pop stars Kesha and Hayley Williams each scored four MTV Video Music Award nominations today (8/3). Taylor Swift also made an appearance on the list with her video “Fifteen” earning a nod for Best Female Video. The show airs Sun., Sept. 12.
Williams’ song “Airplanes” with rapper B.o.B. picked up three nominations and she also received a nod with longtime band Paramore for their video “Ignorance,” which is up for Best Rock Video.
Hip-hop popster Kesha raked in three noms for her debut hit “Tik Tok” and another one for her collaboration with 3OH!3, “My First Kiss.”
Lady Gaga set a record for the most nominations in a single year, bringing in 13 nods, far and away ahead of the second most nominated star Eminem, who will vie for eight trophies.
Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote through Sept. 12.
Soul Singer Bobby Hebb Passes
/by Sarah SkatesBobby Hebb, the Nashville singer who wrote and performed the soul-pop smash “Sunny,” died today (8/3) in Music City. He played a pivotal role in Nashville’s soul scene, but his roots can be traced to the country community, including his start on the Grand Ole Opry.
Born July 26, 1938, Hebb was raised by blind parents in his childhood home near what is today Music Row. Early in life he learned to perform, sing, tap dance, and play the spoons, often as a street musician. Eventually he landed an appearance on famed producer Owen Bradley’s local television show, which caught the attention of Roy Acuff, who in turn invited Hebb to join the Opry’s band. At the time, from about 1950-55, he was the show’s only African-American.
Bobby Hebb with the Beatles.
In 1960 Hebb recorded his own version of Acuff’s hit “Night Train To Memphis.” In 1966 his song “Sunny” earned him international prominence and a slot opening for the Beatles. The tune went on to become one of the most-played songs of the 20th century (No. 25 on BMI’s list) and was recorded by Frank Sinatra, Cher, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and countless others.
True to his Nashville heritage, Hebb followed his hit “Sunny” with a soul-stacked version of country standard “A Satisfied Mind.” Among other hits he wrote was “A Natural Man,” recorded by Lou Rawls.
Success came full circle for Hebb when he was one of the most prominently featured artists in the 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition Night Train To Nashville, and on the accompanying Grammy-winning album.
A funeral service has not been announced but arrangements are being handled by Terrell Broady Funeral Home, 3855 Clarksville Pike.
Marshall Chapman Offers New Book, Music This Fall
/by Sarah SkatesHer latest book, They Came To Nashville, includes her remembrances and interviews with 15 musical luminaries, ranging from icons Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson, to newer faces like Miranda Lambert. Also included in the discussion about moving to Nashville are interviews with Bobby Braddock, Mary Gauthier, Gary Nicholson, Emmylou Harris, Terri Clark, Rodney Crowell, Don Henry, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Hiatt, Eddie Angel, Ashley Cleveland, and Bobby Bare. Read an excerpt here.
Marshall Chapman and Gwyneth Paltrow at the wrap party for "Country Strong."
Among other exciting news on the horizon for Chapman is her role as Gwyneth Paltrow’s character’s road manager in the upcoming film Country Strong. Also, Chapman and fellow hitmaker Matraca Berg composed music for the play Good Ol Girls, which just ended a successful New York run and will be going on the road.
Chapman’s songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Wynonna, Olivia Newton-John and many more.
Baker To Lead Ent. Law For Bone McAllester Norton
/by Sarah SkatesRobert Baker
Longtime Music Row attorney Robert L. Baker has joined Bone McAllester Norton PLLC and will lead the firm’s new Entertainment Law Group, Chairman Charles W. Bone announced today (8/3).
As a previous founding member of Baker & Kelley, Robert Baker has experience in entertainment and intellectual property, where he represented artists, songwriters, producers (music, film and television), publishers, managers, labels and entertainment industry executives.
“We are delighted to have Rob’s leadership in this new area of legal practice for our firm,” says Charles Bone. “Nashville is known for its music and as a major part of the industry across all genres. In recent years, the film industry has really started evolving in the city, as well. Add to this the exploding field of digital content, and it becomes clear that there is a need for Rob’s knowledge and expertise in this area. We’re glad to have him on our team.”
“I am truly excited to bring my practice to Bone McAllester Norton,” Baker said. “I have known many of the lawyers there for years and look forward to expanding on the synergies that made this move not only possible, but smart.”
Baker, a Nashville native, is a member of the American, Tennessee and Nashville bar associations. He serves on the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries. He is the immediate past President of the Young Lawyers Division of the Nashville Bar Association.
Bone McAllester Norton PLLC has 31 lawyers with offices in Nashville and in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Among its clients are Fisk University, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Nashville Superspeedway, a number of Nashville banks, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and Norfolk Southern Railway Corp.
Registration, Submissions Open For SXSW 2011
/by Sarah SkatesDaytime events at the Austin Convention Center will flow into the world-renowned music festival, which is scheduled to showcase over 1900 acts on stages throughout downtown Austin. Registration for SXSW Music allows access to all daytime events including the keynote address, panels, interviews, workshops, mentor sessions, peer meetings, the trade show, official SXSW day parties, and priority access into all SXSW nighttime showcases.
SXSW Music is now accepting showcase applications for acts to perform at the 2011 music festival at Sonicbids.com. All applications must be submitted no later than November 5, 2010.
HoriPro Marks 20 Years On Music Row
/by Sarah SkatesHoriPro executives Butch Baker, Kaz Hori, Ronnie Gant, and Bob Beckham.
HoriPro Entertainment Group celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of its Music Row office with a party July 19 at Nashville’s Bound’ry Restaurant. The music publishing company has had offices in Tokyo, Japan for 50 years and then 20 years ago Kaz Hori and his family opened a Nashville branch with Bob Beckham.
Kaz Hori and his international HoriPro team, represented by staff members from the Tokyo, Los Angeles and Nashville offices.
Leadership Music Gala Attracts Star Performers, Honorees
/by Sarah SkatesLeadership Music Dale Franklin Award winners (L-R): Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson
Leadership Music has recruited a stellar list of performers to give musical tributes to honorees Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson at its annual awards gala on Sun., Aug. 29.
Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, Billy Swan and Lee Ann Womack will perform that evening at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel, and Vince Gill is sure to charm as master of ceremonies of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award dinner. More performers and special guests will be announced soon.
The event will celebrate the honorees’ legendary careers, which intertwined through veteran label executive and producer Foster’s Monument Records. These distinct trailblazers helped define—and redefine—the Music Row business model, elevate the Nashville songwriting medium, and push the boundaries of country music, all while maintaining maverick authenticity.
Reservations to attend the invitation-only fundraiser must be made by Tuesday, August 10. There are several seating options: Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner seating and program acknowledgment, are $500 each. Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron Tickets, for the cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni. Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499. For more information, contact the Leadership Music office at LM@leadershipmusic.org. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, an educational 501(c)(3) organization.
Honorary Chairs for the 2010 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner are Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young.
The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 “to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example.” Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen, Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks (2009).
Fletcher Foster Joins Red Light Management
/by admin“His substantial expertise and creative vision make Fletcher an ideal fit with our Nashville team and Red Light’s roster,” said Capshaw, founder and owner of Red Light Management.
“Red Light has always been an innovative management company, which could not be more relevant now during these changing times in the music business,” said Foster. “I look forward to working with Coran, and bringing my passion and experience to the dynamic team at Red Light.”
At Universal Records South, Foster oversaw all day-to-day operations of the label, including human resources, marketing, promotion, creative services, sales, new media and publicity. He also signed and developed numerous artists who charted Top 10 hits during his tenure at the label, including 2009 CMA “New Artist” nominee Randy Houser, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols and Eli Young Band.
Foster served as Senior VP, Marketing at Capitol Records in Nashville from 2000 to 2006, where his innovative campaign for Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” led to a double Platinum certification for the album Songs About Me. He also spearheaded campaigns for Dierks Bentley, who went on to win ACM, CMT and CMA awards for Best New Artist, Cyndi Thomson, Kenny Rogers, Keith Urban and many other acts. In stints at Arista Records in Nashville and Los Angeles, Foster worked with artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Aretha Franklin and Barry Manilow and served as executive producer of the GRAMMY®-nominated Happy Texas soundtrack. As Vice President, Television & Multimedia Marketing at MCA Records, Foster helped launch the alternative rock band Live with Throwing Copper, now 8X Platinum. He began his career as Director, Publicity at CBS/Sony Records in Nashville.
A graduate of Nashville’s Belmont University, he has served on the Board of Governors for NARAS’ Nashville Chapter since 2003. He is on the Board of Directors of ACM Lifting Lives, Academy of Country Music, MusiCares, Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and Gilda’s Club.
Red Light Management was founded in 1991 by Coran Capshaw at the beginning of his 19-year role as the personal manager of Dave Matthews Band. Capshaw also personally manages Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Phish. Sister company Starr Hill Presents promotes live music on a regional and national level, and together with its partners, produces large-scale music festivals including the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival which Capshaw co-founded and co-owns. He also created Musictoday, a leading e-commerce and ticketing company serving top clients in music and sports. Capshaw sold Musictoday to Live Nation in 2007.