Musicians On Call Welcomes First Chief Development Officer

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Belinda Dinwiddie Havron

Musicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, has added Belinda Dinwiddie Havron as its first Chief Development Officer.

With 37 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, Havron has raised millions of dollars for philanthropic causes, from operational funding to planned gifts, including raising $60 million in capital and special project funding. In her previous role with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, she worked with families and corporations to create charitable funds raising millions of dollars for community nonprofits, endowments and planned gifts.

At MOC, Havron will direct all fundraising initiatives, overseeing revenue from individuals, corporate partners, events, grants and other revenue streams.

“Belinda has been a treasured member of the Musicians On Call community for many years, and we could not be more thrilled to have her join our mission in this new and critical role,” says Pete Griffin, MOC President & CEO. “Her incomparable reputation in Nashville and decades of experience helping charities grow and thrive will be invaluable as we build the future of our organization. I know with her leadership we will see great success in expanding our programs to new communities.”

Righteous Brother Bill Medley Takes Country Turn On New LP ‘Straight From The Heart’

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Bill Medley

Bill Medley of the Grammy-winning duo The Righteous Brothers will release his first new album in over a decade, Straight From The Heart, on Feb. 14.

Produced by Fred Mollin, the 12-track collection will shine a new light on Medley’s unmistakable baritone as he covers country ballads alongside some of the industry’s biggest stars including Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin. In celebration of the album announcement, Medley released a second single from the album, “(Since You’ve) Gone [ft. Keb’ Mo’],” a rendition of the 1950’s classic which was originally recorded by country singer Ferlin Husky, and went on to become a 10-week chart-topper and Husky’s second career No. 1. The single follows the previously released “These Days (ft. Vince Gill)” from the new project.

“I’ve always had a deep love and appreciation for country music and at its core, a pure country ballad is the blues,” says Medley. “Straight From The Heart allowed me to pay tribute to the incredible country singers and writers that I admire, and at the same time, honor who I am in my soul. Working alongside artists like Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Michael McDonald and Shawn Colvin on this album was truly magical.”

YouTube video

After his trip to Nashville with Kenny Rogers in 1978, Medley began a lifetime of relationships and experiences with the country music community, including earning an ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in 1985. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer went on to open for Loretta Lynn, toured with Alabama and spent time with iconic artists like Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Kris Kristofferson, among many others.

Straight From The Heart Track List:
1. “Crying Time” (ft. Michael McDonald)
2. “The Dance”
3. “Please Help I’m Falling”
4. “Sunday Morning Coming Down”
5. “(Since You’ve) Gone” [ft. Keb’ Mo’]
6. “Lay Down Beside Me”
7. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (ft. Shawn Colvin)
8. “Whenever You Come Around”
9. “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
10. “Sweet Music Man”
11. “These Days” (ft. Vince Gill)
12. “Let It Be Me”

Megan Moroney Takes Georgia Theatre Stage For Spotify Champions Event

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Megan Moroney during Spotify Champions event. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell/Oust for Spotify

Megan Moroney took the Georgia Theatre stage in Athens, Georgia on Friday (Nov. 15) ahead of the University of Georgia-University of Tennessee, Knoxville football game for a Spotify Champions event.

Lily Rose & Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Moses Robinson/Getty Images for Spotify

“Being in Athens the weekend of the Georgia-Tennessee game at the Georgia Theatre is something that I will never forget,” she shared. “Thank you Spotify, and thank you to my fans for showing up for me! I love y’all and I loved tonight!”

Hosted by Lily Rose, the function also featured a performance by Mackenzie Carpenter and sets from DJ Sir Foster as well as a Spotify Champions-branded jersey customization station. Moroney, Rose and Carpenter led the crowd in the “Calling the Dawgs” chant, with groups like the UGA Spike Squad pumping everyone up from the stands. Additionally, each student in attendance was gifted a free month of Spotify Premium for Students.

“There’s a special energy that you find in football stadiums and concert halls—people of all backgrounds coming together for a shared experience,” expressed Rose. “It was truly an honor to kick off this big rivalry weekend with Spotify, and the energy at the Georgia Theatre was electric.”

“Georgia and Tennessee are known for their deep roots in Southern music and passionate football fans, and this past weekend in Athens with Spotify was proof of both! The energy here was incredible,” said Carpenter. “There was definitely a rivalry in the air, but music always unites us, and I loved sharing mine with y’all.”

Megan Moroney & Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell/Oust for Spotify

Nicole Rhodes Promoted At Big Yellow Dog Music

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Nicole Rhodes

Nicole Rhodes has been promoted to Senior Director, Sync at Big Yellow Dog Music.

The Belmont University graduate started with Big Yellow Dog Music as an intern in 2018 before joining the team full-time in 2019. Rising from Director, Sync to Senior Director, in her new role she will focus on continuing the success of the company’s writers/artists, creating new relationships across all mediums of sync and finding new talents for the roster.

During her time at Big Yellow Dog, Rhodes has secured placements for the Sync team including HBO MAX promos, Walmart campaigns, Grey’s Anatomy, All American, the film Didi and the main title theme for Netflix’s The Perfect Couple.

“Nicole has a passion for songs that she knows can be synced, while delivering quality at the same time,” says Big Yellow Dog co-owner and CEO Carla Wallace. “When we had the opportunity to work with Sue Jacobs for the Netflix series Perfect Couple, she delivered the hit Meghan Trainor song ‘Criminals’ for the main title theme. We all work together as a team at Big Yellow Dog Music but knowing the value of the catalog and keeping your eye on the gems is a talent. We are excited to continue our journey with Nicole!”

SESAC Celebrates Community & Creativity At 2024 Nashville Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Sam Kling, Scott Jungmichel, Jaron Boyer, Shannan Hatch, ET Brown and Lydia Cahill pose as Boyer accepts the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

It’s officially Awards Week in Music City. First on the agenda was the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards, thrown at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sunday night (Nov. 17).

More than 400 songwriters and publishers socialized in the Museum’s beautiful event hall, which overlooks the Nashville skyline. The performing rights organization spared no expense decorating the space, arranging moody purple lighting and a gorgeous stage area with the SESAC logo prominently displayed. Guitar art by Nashville artist Rob Hendon decorated the hall, and elegant florals punctuated the room.

Megan Moroney poses at 2024 SESAC Nashville Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

In addition to the red carpet, there was a fun, collage-style photo booth for attendees to enjoy. It had clippings of SESAC affiliates’ hits of the past year, lyrics and photos. To snack on were offerings of Philly cheesesteak bites, tater tos, cheddar rolls, sandwich sliders, a roast-flavored dish with vegetables and mashed potatoes, a mac and cheese stand, fresh charcuterie and more, and the drinks were flowing. It was a celebration to get the week started.

SESAC Chief Creative Officer Sam Kling welcomed the crowd, sharing the company’s gratitude for their affiliates. He then turned it over to SVP, Head of Nashville Creative Shannan Hatch to host the evening. Hatch recognized some of the accomplishments that SESAC affiliates had achieved over the past year, such as Victoria Shaw going into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and various songwriters being nominated for ACM, CMA and other awards.

Senior Director of Creative Services, ET Brown, appeared to recognize winners in the Americana genre, including Sierra Ferrell, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, Rachael Price, Seth Avett, Scott Avett and Bob Crawford.

Soon after, Brown’s fellow Senior Director of Creative Services Lydia Cahill joined them on stage to start presenting the country awards to the PRO’s top performers. Each songwriter and publisher announced joined the executives on stage while their song played over the speakers and their peers hooped and hollered for them. The songs that were awarded are listed below.

Megan Moroney served as one of the night’s performers, enchanting the crowd with her new single “Am I Okay?” She was also the recipient of the SESAC Spotlight Award in recognition of her recent achievements, including critical acclaim of her latest album, a new headlining tour to begin in 2025, three CMA Award nominations and more.

“A lot of dreams have come true the past few years, and I’ve gotten to do some fun and exciting things, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than writing songs,” Moroney said. “I love songwriting so much and I love my songwriting friends. It fills my soul.”

Song of the Year co-writers Jared Keim, Warren Zeiders and Ryan Beaver pose at 2024 SESAC Nashville Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

Warren Zeiders performed his smash hit “Pretty Little Poison” alongside co-writers Jared Keim and Ryan Beaver. The song was then named SESAC’s Song of the Year.

The SESAC Songwriter of the Year went to Jaron Boyer, who co-wrote hits “Let Your Boys Be Country” recorded by Jason Aldean and “Mind On You” performed by George Birge. To honor this achievement, Gibson created a custom guitar, and Jostens provided a one-of-a-kind ring for Boyer.

“I almost retired from songwriting a couple years ago and some good friends helped me not quit,” Boyer said, naming some peers and publishers that helped him along the way. “I first need to thank Jesus Christ. None of us would be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Warner Chappell Music took home the title of Publisher of the Year, after winning multiple awards throughout the night.

Full List of Honorees:

“Pretty Little Poison”
Written by Jared Keim
Published by Warner Chappell Music, Twelve6 Sequoia
Recorded by Warren Zeiders

“We Don’t Fight Anymore”
Written by Pete Good
Published by Warner Chappell Music, King Pen Songs, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton

“Mind On You”
Written by Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler
Published by Marlowe Sinclaire Songs, MTNoize, peertunes LTD, Melodies of CTM Outlander
Recorded by George Birge

“Tucson Too Late”
Written by Josh Jenkins
Published by Follow Me Where I Go, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by Jordan Davis

“Let Your Boys Be Country”
Written by Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer
Published by Allison Veltz Sensations, Marlowe Sinclaire Songs, Hipgnosis Tunes, peertunes LTD, Songs of Porterfied Music
Recorded by Jason Aldean

“Love You Again”
Written by Casey Brown
Published by Track & Feels, Warner Chappell Music, Tape Room Tunes
Recorded by Chase Matthew

“Creek Will Rise”
Written by Chris LaCorte
Published by Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by Conner Smith

“I’m Not Pretty”
Written by Megan Moroney
Published by Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Megan Moroney

“Indifferent”
Written by Megan Moroney
Published by Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Megan Moroney

“Can’t Have Mine”
Written by Matt Alderman
Published by Aldysongs, Curb Congregation Songs
Recorded by Dylan Scott

“Glory Days”
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by M & M College Fund, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Gabby Barrett

“Wine Into Whiskey”
Written by Justin Ebach
Published El Chapo Music
Recorded by Tucker Wetmore

“Heartless Year”
Written by Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist
Published by Three Pisces Music, Vitrolacaster Music
Recorded by The Band of Heathens

“Fox Hunt”
Written by Sierra Ferrell
Published by Abel Elba, Pulse Worldwide
Recorded by Sierra Ferrell

“Good Together”
Written by Rachael Price
Published Warner Chappell Music, 17 Lake Street Music
Recorded by Lake Street Dive

“Love Of A Girl”
Written by Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by The Avett Brothers

“American Dreaming”
Written by Sierra Ferrell
Published by Abel Elba, Pulse Worldwide
Recorded by Sierra Ferrell

“Orion’s Belt”
Written by Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by The Avett Brothers

Tracy Lawrence Unveils Mission:Possible Benefit Concert Lineup

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Country music star Tracy Lawrence has revealed the lineup for his 19th annual Mission:Possible benefit concert, taking place Nov. 26 at Category 10 in Nashville.

Jamey Johnson and Meghan Patrick will take the stage alongside Lawrence with special guest Halfway To Hazard also set to join the evening.

Last year’s concert raised over $250,000, marking the largest amount ever raised through the annual show. The concert follows Lawrence’s annual Turkey Fry, held at the Nashville Fairgrounds. This year’s Thanksgiving tradition is aiming to exceed last year’s record of 1,400 turkeys fried.

Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible initiative has fried over 10,000 turkeys, served more than 86,000 meals to the homeless throughout Middle Tennessee, donated over $1 million to the Nashville Rescue Mission and raised more than $2.5 million to advocate for those in need and expand its reach to aligned causes.

Last week, Lawrence revealed his new all-natural injectable marinade, now available for purchase on his website, with a portion of proceeds supporting Mission:Possible. The marinade will be sold at both the turkey fry and the benefit concert.

Tickets are still available for the 19th annual Mission:Possible benefit concert.

Joe Nichols Forms Nonprofit To Combat Warfighter Suicide In Special Ops Community

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Joe and Heather Nichols

 

Joe Nichols and wife Heather Nichols, alongside their friend and business executive Andy Wirth, have established The Impossible Foundation nonprofit, with the goal of combatting the accelerating rates of suicide within the special operations community.

Within the U.S. military since 2001, suicide has claimed over 140,000 warfighters’ lives, 20 times the number of fatalities associated with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This alarming statistic compelled the three to establish The Impossible Foundation, which is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana.

The Impossible Foundation will raise funds for organizations that have high-impact programs that reduce and reverse the accelerating rates of warfighter suicide, focusing on active duty and retired warfighters that have been and are part of the special operations community, including USSOCOM and other government organizations that have an adjacency to our country’s special warfare activities.

“Our deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness for all who have served and are serving our great country, coupled with our unfaltering patriotism, brought about the drive to stand up The Impossible Foundation,” Joe shares.. “Nearly 25 years after it commenced, our newsfeeds don’t contain much on the Global War on Terror. In fact, they’ve largely gone quiet and, not surprisingly, many consider the battles over…they’re most certainly not.”

“Not only does the global war on terror remain a kinetic and lethal environment for our country’s warriors, but some warfighters have returned home with their own fight…battles of a different kind,” says Wirth, Co-Founder and Board Chairman. “Too many times, those warfighters see their battles as unwinnable, and the challenges seem to be impossible to overcome. Tragically, some chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The loss of a warfighter to suicide is rarely reported by the news…in turn, we rarely hear about that heart rendering event. Truly, when a warfighter takes their own life, it’s a heartbreaking result from a personal battle and while unknown and unheard to most, it generates a deafening echo for eternity.”

The inspiration for the organization’s name is derived from Joe’s first hit, “The Impossible,” which speaks to circumstances which are seemingly impossible to overcome, but with faith and belief in the impossible, one can prevail.

The Foundation is interested in securing direct support by way of donations which can be made through its website: theimpossiblefoundation.org.  The Impossible Foundation also seeks to engage companies and individuals that have interest in the Founders Legion, which involves material and direct financial support and includes participation in the organization’s advisory council. Those interested in being a major part of The Impossible Foundation through the Founders Legion are encouraged to contact Wirth at awirth@theimpossiblefoundation.org.

IEBA Executive Director, Pam Matthews, To Retire

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Pam Matthews. Photo: Courtesy of IEBA

Pam Matthews, Executive Director of IEBA, will retire in early 2025 after 45 years in the music industry.

Since 2013, Matthews has been at the helm of IEBA, the premier nonprofit trade organization for live entertainment professionals involved in buying, booking and selling talent. IEBA hosts an annual conference in Nashville, fostering connections among industry members. In 2017, the organization launched its Educational Outreach Fund, providing up to 50 scholarships annually to students enrolled in music business programs across North America.

“Pam Matthews has been a transformative leader, guiding IEBA through unprecedented growth and setting a standard for industry trade organizations,” says IEBA’s Immediate Past Chairman Eric Bresler. “These growth years are part of her legacy, and she should be enormously proud of that. We look forward to building on the strong base she and her team have built for IEBA’s future.”

“Congratulations, Pam, on your successful tenure as Executive Director of IEBA. Your undeniable history of success and dedication has inspired many and has left an indelible mark on our industry,” adds Barry Jeffrey, President of IEBA Educational Outreach Fund board. “As you embark on this new chapter of retirement, may it be filled with joy, adventure, and the fulfillment of all your dreams. Here’s to new beginnings!”

“Thank you to Eric, Barry and IEBA’s board of directors for their leadership and support throughout my time with the organization,” Matthews shares. “The IEBA staff and our board are some of the finest folks I’ve had the privilege of working with over my many years in this business.”

Matthews began her career as a teenager, working in the box office at Mid-South Coliseum and as a runner for Mid-South Concerts. In the ’80s, she spent time on the accounting teams for KISS and Ozzy Osbourne.

Matthews was part of the Pace Concerts team that designed, constructed and managed Starwood Amphitheatre, where she spent four seasons. She then went on to spend 12 years with The Judds and Wynonna, serving her last years as Vice President/Treasurer of their corporations. Her work with the two includes five Grammy wins, their 1991 farewell tour, the launch of Wynonna’s solo career and their 1999/2000 reunion tour.

In 2000, Gaylord Entertainment appointed Matthews as General Manager of the historic Ryman Auditorium. During her eight-year tenure, the venue received its National Historic Landmark status and became one of the top-grossing theaters in the world.

Commonly included on top industry executive lists, Matthews has served on the board of directors of Nashville Downtown Partnership, Opry Trust Fund, Americana Music Association, Music City Music Council and Leadership Music, where she is in her 21st year as a member of the Live Music Day committee.

IEBA’s Executive Committee will begin the search for Matthews’s replacement immediately. Please direct all inquiries to info@ieba.org.

BREAKING: Taylor Lindsey Promoted To Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO

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Taylor Lindsey. Photo: Emily Dorio

Taylor Lindsey has been promoted to Chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville, beginning in January. She steps into the role that Randy Goodman will exit at the end of the year to retire. Ken Robold has also been elevated to President and COO of Sony Music Nashville.

Lindsey will oversee Sony Music Nashville as well as Christian music company Provident Entertainment. She will report to Chairman of Sony Music Group, Rob Stringer.

“I’m very grateful to step into this role,” Lindsey says. “Along with Ken and the incredible SMN team, we are committed to fostering collaboration with our artists, creators and fans, and will create a vibrant community that not only honors our rich heritage in storytelling but also redefines the sound of country music for generations.”

Lindsey rises from her most recent position as Sr. Vice President of A&R, where she has worked closely with Old Dominion, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and more. Prior to joining the label in 2013, Lindsey spent time in A&R at BMG Publishing. She has been featured on Billboard’s Women in Music and Country Power Players lists and was part of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row Class of 2024 and Leadership Music Class of 2019.

“I am very excited that we can promote a creative talent from within the company to this top position,” shares Stringer. “I have witnessed Taylor become an all-round executive from an A&R background and she is ideally suited to plot the future for our Nashville team in a chapter where country music is clearly evolving and thriving as a key musical genre. I am also so pleased that simultaneously to Taylor’s appointment Ken will be in an important wider role helping her build a new era for Sony Music Nashville.”

Robold joined Sony Music Nashville in 2015 after a stint as President of Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists and 22 years at Universal Music Group. He is a past Chairman of the ACM Board of Directors and President of the Board of Directors for Leadership Music and currently holds board positions for the CMA and RIAA.

Now, all major labels in Nashville have female leadership, with Cindy Mabe helming UMG Nashville and Cris Lacy present as the Co-Chair/Co-President of Warner Music Nashville.

Presenters Revealed For 58th Annual CMA Awards

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Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch and Jordan Davis are among the artists who have been tapped as presenters for the upcoming 58th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 20.

Also handing out awards during country’s biggest night will be Clint Black, Katharine McPhee, The Oak Ridge Boys, Carly Pearce, Nate Smith, Mark Collie and Mitchell Tenpenny, as well as Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, Dodger Freddie Freeman, tractor and farming enthusiast Jackson Laux, creator of “Sundae Conversation” and shorter in person Caleb Pressley, and actors Jeff Bridges, Don Johnson, Taylor Frankie Paul, Daniel Sunjata and Billy Bob Thornton.

Previously-announced artists set to perform include Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, Molly Tuttle, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.

Hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson, the awards will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville from 7-10 p.m. CT on ABC and will be available next day on Hulu.