Butch Waugh
[Press Release] NASHVILLE, TN – To earn the right to be called a “music man” or a “record man” has always been a proud distinction in the business of music, and in a 37-year career, Sony Music Nashville Executive Vice President Butch Waugh has earned that privilege and much more. Now, after devoting the past 27 years to the artists and music of what is today the Sony Music Entertainment family, Waugh has announced that he will be retiring, effective December 31.
Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante has worked with him for nearly three decades, from Waugh’s earliest days in RCA promotion in Atlanta, on to New York, and every day in Nashville for the past dozen years. With the retirement of his longtime colleague and friend, Galante offered, “Butch’s contributions and leadership have left an indelible mark on our artists’ careers and our team. His passion touched everything in the company. His humorous phrases should be trademarked and will continue to be used every day. There are no words that could explain how much I will miss him on a day-to-day basis.”
Following Waugh’s retirement, label group Marketing VP Tom Baldrica and Promotion VP Skip Bishop will report directly to Galante. Paul Barnabee, Senior VP, Sales & Operations, currently reports to Galante and will continue to oversee Sales & Operations, including Finance and Digital Business.
In roles that have spanned pop, urban, and country, Waugh has been instrumental in the careers of countless artists and projects, from his involvement in the landmark Frampton Comes Alive! and the 11-times Platinum Dirty Dancing soundtrack to the early development of the Dave Matthews Band and the multi-Platinum success and superstar emergence of such artists as Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood.
Waugh’s career began at London Records in 1972, which led to sales for Together Distributing (A&M/Motown) before Waugh moved into radio promotion, first with A&M in 1978 and subsequently with Capitol Records. He joined RCA Records in 1982 and was brought to New York in 1987, where he ultimately served as Senior Vice President, Promotion, before advancing to Senior Vice President of the label.
In 1997, Waugh relocated from New York to Nashville, with wife Belinda and daughter Drew, as he shifted full-force into country music as Senior Vice President/General Manager of what was then the RCA Label Group/Nashville and is currently Sony Music Nashville. In 2001, his accomplishments earned him his current title of Executive Vice President, a first-time appointment in the history of the Nashville operation. The year of his appointment also coincided with the first of seven country label of the year honors in the past eight years for the label group’s Arista Nashville, which has remained #1 for the past three years in a row. In 2002, the label group was named top country label (reflecting year-end sales and airplay as charted by Billboard), marking the first of six wins in seven years, including the past three years consecutively.
With the announcement of his retirement, Waugh offered the following reflection on his career and the people who’ve shared this journey with him.
“I have been in the music industry for four decades, and every day has been better than the day before. I never wanted to do anything else with my life except be surrounded by music. I thank God I have been allowed to be a part of this amazing business. Three things I know made a difference in my life: I listen to the people I worked with, I show up every day with a positive attitude, and I have a wife Belinda and family that support and believed in me.
“I have been blessed to work for and with such creative, passionate, driven, visionary people. Not sure why so many people chose to be a part of my life and take a huge interest in my career but they did. I was given the gift and honor to work with Joe Galante for almost thirty years, and I could not ask for a better friend and teacher. I could not have found my path without the help and guidance of Barry Jones, Harry Clark, Ole Bear Davenport, Carole Davenport, Terry Lawson, John Young, Herb Alpert, Jerry Moss, Harold Childs, Heavy Lenny, Al Cafaro, Don Toole, Ron Howie, Bruce Wendell, Dave Fitch, Steve Meyer, Eddie Mascolo, Randy Goodman, Skip Bishop, Bruce Stevens, Barry Weiss, Charlie Minor, Hugh Surratt, Ron Fair, Jim McKeon, Bobby Kraig, Tyler Waugh, Bonnie Goldner, Dave Novik, Skip Miller, Strauss Zelnick, Cheri Martin, Steve Rifkin, Clint Higham, Bobby Poe, Dave Loncao, Bob Romeo, Clarence Spalding, Brian Philips, Coran Capshaw, all the wonderful people here at Sony Music Nashville, and Bob Buziak and Rick Dobbis for believing in me and changing my life by bringing me to N.Y. where I spent eleven fantastic years.
“I want to thank everyone who served on any and all of my staffs over the years as we strategized and worked together to overcome obstacles, ignored walls, invented new tactics, and accomplished incredible feats. I have to thank so many artists who I worked with and who have made me a better executive and person: Bob Seger, Styx, Supertramp, The Beach Boys, Commodores, Rick James, Lita Ford, ZZ Top, Natalie Cole, Hall & Oates, Pablo Cruise, LTD, Gino Vannelli, Dr. Hook, Moody Blues, Peter Frampton, Al Green, The Knack, Anne Murray, The Captain & Tennille, The Carpenters, Chuck Mangione, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Carole King, April Wine, The Tubes, Rick Springfield, SWV, The Wu-Tang Clan, The Verve Pipe, Carrie Underwood, Ronnie and Kix, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, and of course, two of the most gifted and talented people I have ever encountered: Dave Matthews and Kenny Chesney.
“There are so many others who have had a positive impact on my my life and my family’s lives, and I want to thank you all. Not only have I been blessed to have these people in my life, but the music industry was built on the backs of these people and many like them. I look forward to new amazing music, new artist breakthroughs, many more innovations to come as our industry has always led the way and pushed the limits but I am not certain the music industry will ever experience the same energy, growth, excitement, competitiveness, friendships, and celebrations I have enjoyed the past four decades.”
Friends and colleagues will be able to stay in touch with Waugh at butch.waugh@gmail.com.
Hall of Fame To Salute Bill Anderson
/by MichelleBill Anderson
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor Hall inductee Bill Anderson on December 12 as part of its quarterly programming series Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters. The 1:30 p.m. program, which will be held in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is included with admission and free to members.
The event will include an interview with Anderson by Museum Editor Michael Gray and a brief performance. The program will also be streamed live in its entirety at the Hall’s recently revamped www.countrymusichalloffame.org.
In addition to his accolades as a recording artist, actor, game show host, author and entertainer, Bill Anderson is one of the most successful songwriters in country music history with hits spanning over five decades. Anderson wrote many of his own hits and wrote or co-wrote the country classics “City Lights” (Ray Price), “The Tip of My Fingers” (Eddy Arnold, Roy Clark, Steve Wariner) and “When Two Worlds Collide” (Roger Miller, Jim Reeves). His more recent hits include “A Lot of Things Different” (Kenny Chesney), “Give It Away” (George Strait) and “Whiskey Lullaby” (Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley).
Anderson has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and has earned CMA’s Song of the Year Award twice: in 2005 for “Whiskey Lullaby”; and in 2007 for “Give It Away.”
The Poets and Prophets series honors songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music history. Previous honorees include Matraca Berg, Bobby Braddock, Jerry Chesnut, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, John D. Loudermilk, Bob McDill, Curly Putman, Whitey Shafer, Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman.
Lance Smith And CMT Part Ways
/by Sarah Skates“He leaves Top 20 at the height of its biggest ratings streak ever,” says CMT Pres. Brian Philips, “and his shoes will be hard to fill.”
“I’ll continue to pursue a place in front of a mic or camera, but it will be under a different set of lights,” explains Smith. “Once upon a time, before my decade long stint as a host, I was an actor and it’s time to wear that hat once again. ”
He is currently working on an independent film being shot in the Nashville area, and will continue his hosting career while he pursues acting.
Smith and Big Kenny on a recent episode of "CMT Top 20 Countdown." Photo: Ben Wilder
Smith continues, “I will forever be grateful for every chance and opportunity given to me by CMT and Country Music. There’s not a better fan base in the world. But most of all I will miss the crews—my friends behind the scenes. It’s the show behind the curtain that I was most fortunate to see.”
“Growing up before our viewers’ eyes, Lance has developed remarkable versatility — sly humor, perfect timing, strong relationships with our stars, and the ability to gracefully handle everything we’ve thrown at him,” adds Philips. “We applaud his ambition, and look forward to the next great phase of Lance’s career. His extended family at CMT and MTV Networks thank him for his terrific run.”
Smith is represented by longtime manager Ken Madson of Full Scope Entertainment who can be reached by calling 615-329-4762 or via email at kenmadson@gmail.com.
Griggs Suffer Devastating House Fire
/by Sarah SkatesCountry singer Andy Griggs and his family lost their home in a devastating fire this past Saturday. Thankfully, they all escaped without harm, but sadly, the house is being called a total loss.
AMA Photos, Swift Big Winner
/by Sarah SkatesFavorite country male winner Keith Urban performed at the AMA's.
Swift accepting Artist of the Year via satellite.
Taylor Swift was the top winner at last night’s American Music Awards, receiving five trophies at the all-genre fan-voted show. Country as a whole was well-represented at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, snagging several awards as well as performances by Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood. Gloriana lovers voted via text to give them the T-Mobile “Breakthrough Artist” Award. Other winners from the Country front included Favorite Male Artist Urban and Favorite Band, Duo or Group Rascal Flatts.
Swift, who was in London accepted via video, taking home the biggest prize, Artist of the Year. She won all but one category for which she was nominated: Favorite Female Artist (Pop/Rock), Favorite Female Artist (Country), Favorite Album (Country), and Favorite Artist (Adult Contemporary).
Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson presenting.
Other Nashvillians making appearances were Jason Aldean, Reba, Zac Brown Band and Nicole Kidman.
The night marked Whitney Houston’s return to stage singing “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” And Adam Lambert, in his first live television appearance since American Idol, closed the show with a risque performance that has fans and media buzzing.
All photos courtesy of ABC/Craig Sjodin.
Gloriana was voted Best New Artist.
Underwood performed her newest hit "Cowboy Casanova."
Miss Doris Kidnapping Monopolizing News
/by adminYes, the ransom was $5,000,000. But Monopoly money is unacceptable! We want cash! We want portraits of your presidents!! We want greenbacks!! Bucks!! Let’s try this again! Thanksgiving Day. Brown paper bag. Loading dock of old Sony Records building.
Remember. Aspirin bottles.
=============================
With the request of a $5,000,000 ransom authorities are now taking a closer look at last weekend’s abduction of ASCAP’s Ms. Doris.
Members of the Nashville CSI were at ASCAP earlier today looking for further evidence.
ASCAP’s Connie Bradley had been vacationing in Florida. Yesterday’s ransom note took matters to an unexpected level. Bradley could not be reached for comment but we are told she is returning to Nashville, cutting her trip short to oversee recovery efforts and possible negotiations with the kidnappers.
ASCAP lobby with crime scene tape showing where Miss Doris was abducted.
Adam Fisher
/by ProgrammerPlaylist—Robert K. Oermann, MusicRow
Reared in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Adam Fisher was first exposed to music via his gospel singing parents. Now a Nashville resident, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter’s sound reflects back to the country outlaw heyday of Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. His single “Cotton Town” is being released to radio by Lofton Creek Records and recently was given a DisCovery Award by renowned music critic Robert K. Oermann.
While performing in Memphis a few years ago, Fisher was approached by singer/songwriter Stella Parton and jumped at the opportunity to travel to Nashville for his first album. “I never thought I wanted to be a writer,” says Fisher. “But after moving here and working with Stella, I’ve realized how important it is to me as an artist and how much I enjoy writing.”
After finding and writing songs for his first CD at the age of 21, Fisher has come a long way from the small town bars of North Carolina to the bright lights of Music City. Today Adam continues to write and connect with the city’s successful songwriters for his upcoming Lofton Creek debut.
“With no risk, there is no reward,” adds Fisher. “I love playing music and there is no way I could do anything else. When this ride is said and done, I don’t want to be remembered as a singer, but as a good man. I want my music to last beyond the performance and continue to have an impact after I’m gone.”
http://www.adamfisherlive.com
City Paper: Judge Dismisses All Charges Against John Rich
/by contributorJohn Rich
General Sessions Judge Aaron Holt has dismissed the harassment and assault charges filed against country singer John Rich.
“I’m relived the story is now out there accurately. It’s a good feeling,” Rich said after Friday’s hearing.
CLICK HERE to read more…
Upcoming Releases from Gokey and Tomlinson
/by MichelleTrent Tomlinson
Trent Tomlinson is set to release a three song digital exclusive EP, A Guy Like Me, on Nov. 23 at all online music stores. The project features previously unreleased tracks “That’s How It Still Ought To Be” and “Henry Cartwright’s Produce Stand,” plus Tomlinson’s single, “Angels Like Her.”
•••••
American Idol Season Eight finalist and 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville
recording artist Danny Gokey will be sending his debut single, “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me” to country radio soon. Gokey also appeared earlier this week on the KTLA Morning News for an acoustic sneak preview performance of the song. The digital single will be available Dec. 22, and the full album is set for arrival early next year.
Country at Sunday’s American Music Awards
/by Sarah SkatesGloriana--It's not too late to vote Country for Breakthrough Artist.
Fans will see a lot of country faces on Sunday’s (11/22) 2009 American Music Awards, taking place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. The show starts at 7 PM/CT on ABC with Taylor Swift leading the nominations with six nods. Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban scored performance slots on the show.
Swift is up for Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist (in both Pop/Rock and Country) and Favorite Album (in both Pop/Rock and Country). Other notable Nashvillians in the lead are rockers Kings of Leon with three nominations, including one for Artist of the Year. Rascal Flatts and Zac Brown Band are nominated for Favorite Country Album, and Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group. Getting one nomination apiece were Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Urban, Reba McEntire, Underwood, Sugarland, and Gloriana.
Gloriana is up for the T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award, which is the only award where fans can text in their votes and continue to vote during the show here. For the third year in a row, winners will be determined by online fan voting, which closed on Friday Nov. 13. An abbreviated list of the nominees is below. Get the full list here.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kings of Leon , Taylor Swift , Lady Gaga, Eminem , Michael Jackson
POP/ROCK–Favorite Female Artist Beyonce , Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift
POP/ROCK–Favorite Album Fame Lady Gaga, Number Ones Michael Jackson, Fearless Taylor Swift
COUNTRY–Favorite Male Artist Jason Aldean , Darius Rucker , Keith Urban
COUNTRY–Favorite Female Artist Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood
COUNTRY–Favorite Band, Duo or Group Rascal Flatts , Sugarland, Zac Brown Band
COUNTRY–Favorite Album Unstoppable Rascal Flatts, Fearless Taylor Swift, Foundation Zac Brown Band
SOUNDTRACKS–Favorite Album Hannah Montana: The Movie , Hannah Montana 3, Twilight Soundtrack
ADULT CONTEMPORARY–Favorite Artist Daughtry , Jason Mraz , Taylor Swift
CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL–Favorite Artist Jeremy Camp, Brandon Heath , Mary Mary
Sony’s Waugh Announces Retirement
/by Sarah SkatesButch Waugh
[Press Release] NASHVILLE, TN – To earn the right to be called a “music man” or a “record man” has always been a proud distinction in the business of music, and in a 37-year career, Sony Music Nashville Executive Vice President Butch Waugh has earned that privilege and much more. Now, after devoting the past 27 years to the artists and music of what is today the Sony Music Entertainment family, Waugh has announced that he will be retiring, effective December 31.
Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante has worked with him for nearly three decades, from Waugh’s earliest days in RCA promotion in Atlanta, on to New York, and every day in Nashville for the past dozen years. With the retirement of his longtime colleague and friend, Galante offered, “Butch’s contributions and leadership have left an indelible mark on our artists’ careers and our team. His passion touched everything in the company. His humorous phrases should be trademarked and will continue to be used every day. There are no words that could explain how much I will miss him on a day-to-day basis.”
Following Waugh’s retirement, label group Marketing VP Tom Baldrica and Promotion VP Skip Bishop will report directly to Galante. Paul Barnabee, Senior VP, Sales & Operations, currently reports to Galante and will continue to oversee Sales & Operations, including Finance and Digital Business.
In roles that have spanned pop, urban, and country, Waugh has been instrumental in the careers of countless artists and projects, from his involvement in the landmark Frampton Comes Alive! and the 11-times Platinum Dirty Dancing soundtrack to the early development of the Dave Matthews Band and the multi-Platinum success and superstar emergence of such artists as Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood.
Waugh’s career began at London Records in 1972, which led to sales for Together Distributing (A&M/Motown) before Waugh moved into radio promotion, first with A&M in 1978 and subsequently with Capitol Records. He joined RCA Records in 1982 and was brought to New York in 1987, where he ultimately served as Senior Vice President, Promotion, before advancing to Senior Vice President of the label.
In 1997, Waugh relocated from New York to Nashville, with wife Belinda and daughter Drew, as he shifted full-force into country music as Senior Vice President/General Manager of what was then the RCA Label Group/Nashville and is currently Sony Music Nashville. In 2001, his accomplishments earned him his current title of Executive Vice President, a first-time appointment in the history of the Nashville operation. The year of his appointment also coincided with the first of seven country label of the year honors in the past eight years for the label group’s Arista Nashville, which has remained #1 for the past three years in a row. In 2002, the label group was named top country label (reflecting year-end sales and airplay as charted by Billboard), marking the first of six wins in seven years, including the past three years consecutively.
With the announcement of his retirement, Waugh offered the following reflection on his career and the people who’ve shared this journey with him.
“I have been in the music industry for four decades, and every day has been better than the day before. I never wanted to do anything else with my life except be surrounded by music. I thank God I have been allowed to be a part of this amazing business. Three things I know made a difference in my life: I listen to the people I worked with, I show up every day with a positive attitude, and I have a wife Belinda and family that support and believed in me.
“I have been blessed to work for and with such creative, passionate, driven, visionary people. Not sure why so many people chose to be a part of my life and take a huge interest in my career but they did. I was given the gift and honor to work with Joe Galante for almost thirty years, and I could not ask for a better friend and teacher. I could not have found my path without the help and guidance of Barry Jones, Harry Clark, Ole Bear Davenport, Carole Davenport, Terry Lawson, John Young, Herb Alpert, Jerry Moss, Harold Childs, Heavy Lenny, Al Cafaro, Don Toole, Ron Howie, Bruce Wendell, Dave Fitch, Steve Meyer, Eddie Mascolo, Randy Goodman, Skip Bishop, Bruce Stevens, Barry Weiss, Charlie Minor, Hugh Surratt, Ron Fair, Jim McKeon, Bobby Kraig, Tyler Waugh, Bonnie Goldner, Dave Novik, Skip Miller, Strauss Zelnick, Cheri Martin, Steve Rifkin, Clint Higham, Bobby Poe, Dave Loncao, Bob Romeo, Clarence Spalding, Brian Philips, Coran Capshaw, all the wonderful people here at Sony Music Nashville, and Bob Buziak and Rick Dobbis for believing in me and changing my life by bringing me to N.Y. where I spent eleven fantastic years.
“I want to thank everyone who served on any and all of my staffs over the years as we strategized and worked together to overcome obstacles, ignored walls, invented new tactics, and accomplished incredible feats. I have to thank so many artists who I worked with and who have made me a better executive and person: Bob Seger, Styx, Supertramp, The Beach Boys, Commodores, Rick James, Lita Ford, ZZ Top, Natalie Cole, Hall & Oates, Pablo Cruise, LTD, Gino Vannelli, Dr. Hook, Moody Blues, Peter Frampton, Al Green, The Knack, Anne Murray, The Captain & Tennille, The Carpenters, Chuck Mangione, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Carole King, April Wine, The Tubes, Rick Springfield, SWV, The Wu-Tang Clan, The Verve Pipe, Carrie Underwood, Ronnie and Kix, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, and of course, two of the most gifted and talented people I have ever encountered: Dave Matthews and Kenny Chesney.
“There are so many others who have had a positive impact on my my life and my family’s lives, and I want to thank you all. Not only have I been blessed to have these people in my life, but the music industry was built on the backs of these people and many like them. I look forward to new amazing music, new artist breakthroughs, many more innovations to come as our industry has always led the way and pushed the limits but I am not certain the music industry will ever experience the same energy, growth, excitement, competitiveness, friendships, and celebrations I have enjoyed the past four decades.”
Friends and colleagues will be able to stay in touch with Waugh at butch.waugh@gmail.com.