Warner Music Group Corp. is expanding its Nashville operations with the formation of Warner Music Nashville, which will include Warner Bros. Nashville, Word Entertainment, and the re-launched Atlantic Nashville label. The story was first reported by MusicRow on Aug. 21, via a subscriber-only Breaking News Bulletin.
The division will be led by music industry veteran, John Esposito, who has served since 2002 as President, and then President and Chief Executive Officer of WMG’s sales and marketing division, WEA Corp. Effective immediately, Esposito will assume the newly created position of President, Warner Music Nashville and will be based in Nashville. As a result, Bill Bennett, EVP and General Manager of Warner Bros. Nashville will leave the company to pursue new opportunities. During his tenure, Bennett was instrumental in numerous successes at Warner Bros. Nashville, including multi-Platinum artists Big & Rich and Blake Shelton, as well as emerging stars The Wreckers, Gloriana and James Otto, among many others. Mark Bright will continue to lead Word Entertainment as President and CEO. Mike Jbara, WEA’s EVP and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Esposito.
Esposito said, “This is a dream come true for me. I have long been involved with and have loved the artistry, creativity and wonderful vibe of Nashville. I look forward to enhancing Warner Music’s business there by building upon Warner Bros.’ and Word’s great accomplishments while also working to establish Atlantic as a powerful and artist-friendly destination in the Nashville community.”
In making the announcement, Lyor Cohen, WMG’s Vice Chairman and Chairman and CEO, Recorded Music – Americas and the UK said, “Nashville is a critical music community, both creatively and economically. Warner Bros. Records Nashville under the leadership of Bill Bennett has done an excellent job representing WMG in this vibrant music capital. With the creation of Warner Music Nashville, we will build upon the outstanding work of Bill and his team and create even more A&R, marketing and promotional firepower.”
“I am very proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the years, especially the fantastic success we’ve seen from our multi-Platinum artists such as Faith Hill, Michelle Branch, and Big & Rich, as well as the outstanding results we are seeing from developing artists such as Gloriana, James Otto and Word’s Francesca Battistelli,” said Warner Bros. Records’ Chairman and CEO, Tom Whalley. “To now be given an even greater mandate from WMG and the dedicated efforts of a talented executive such as Espo is a terrific opportunity for our team in Nashville to focus on expanding WMG’s presence in the Country and Christian genres. Bill is a terrific executive who’s leaving at the top of his game and I want to personally thank him for his excellent work leading Warner Bros. Nashville to its best performance in many years.”
Atlantic Records’ Chairman and CEO, Craig Kallman said, “The past year has seen Atlantic Records return to the country world for the first time in nearly a decade…The phenomenal success of the Zac Brown Band has proved that our instincts and our timing were right and, along with upcoming artists like Jesse Lee and the Invite, they are taking us down the country path again.”
As President and CEO of WEA, Esposito was responsible for WEA Corp.’s sales, distribution and marketing activities as well as the global management and distribution of WMG’s digital assets. In addition, Esposito was responsible for the Digital Sales and Marketing group, which manages the mobile and online business for WMG’s U.S. labels. Esposito also oversaw WMG’s independent Alternative Distribution Alliance.
Esposito joined WMG from The Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) where he was General Manager/Executive Vice President. Prior to IDJ, Esposito held a variety of executive positions at PolyGram, Inc., as well as chief operating officer of music and movies at The Wiz retail chain, and Regional Vice President of Mitsubishi Electronics America. He is an active environmentalist and serves on the Board of Directors for the TJ Martell Foundation.
Tech Trail: Apple, Twitter, And Rock Band
/by Sarah SkatesLove And Theft’s Brian Bandas, Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles are active Twitter users and recently drew on the social networking site to connect with their fans on the release of their debut album, World Wide Open.
Last Tuesday, Love And Theft, or @LNTweet as they are known to their Twitter followers, Tweeted that they would be stopping at a Nashville area Best Buy store to purchase the first copy of their CD. They were happily greeted by a large gathering of fans who showed up at the store to pick up the record and get it signed by the band.
Love And Theft at Best Buy, Photo: Aaron Crisler
You can see all the latest Tweets from your favorite artists like Love And Theft on MusicRow’s Artist Twitter Talk page here.
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Theories abound about Apple’s big announcements coming Wednesday, Sept. 9 in San Francisco. The iPod will be the focus, but details aren’t confirmed. It is likely a new version of the iPod will be introduced, including a camera, as well as the next-generation iPhones, which will include video recording capabilities. Many experts also say the iPhone may soon be available through carriers other than AT&T.
Other rumors on AppleInsider.com suggest the introduction of iTunes 9, which might have social networking features and support the Blu-ray format.
The Web site reports, “The Sept. 9 date has also fueled rumors that The Beatles’ discography could finally make its long-awaited appearance on iTunes. That Wednesday is the same day the band is re-releasing its entire catalog, as well as the game The Beatles: Rock Band.”
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Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games are launching “Rock Band Bar Nights,” which will provide tools for U.S. bar owners to host their own Rock Band Nights. It’s like karaoke on steroids.
Warner Music Group Expands Nashville Operations
/by Sarah SkatesThe division will be led by music industry veteran, John Esposito, who has served since 2002 as President, and then President and Chief Executive Officer of WMG’s sales and marketing division, WEA Corp. Effective immediately, Esposito will assume the newly created position of President, Warner Music Nashville and will be based in Nashville. As a result, Bill Bennett, EVP and General Manager of Warner Bros. Nashville will leave the company to pursue new opportunities. During his tenure, Bennett was instrumental in numerous successes at Warner Bros. Nashville, including multi-Platinum artists Big & Rich and Blake Shelton, as well as emerging stars The Wreckers, Gloriana and James Otto, among many others. Mark Bright will continue to lead Word Entertainment as President and CEO. Mike Jbara, WEA’s EVP and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Esposito.
Esposito said, “This is a dream come true for me. I have long been involved with and have loved the artistry, creativity and wonderful vibe of Nashville. I look forward to enhancing Warner Music’s business there by building upon Warner Bros.’ and Word’s great accomplishments while also working to establish Atlantic as a powerful and artist-friendly destination in the Nashville community.”
In making the announcement, Lyor Cohen, WMG’s Vice Chairman and Chairman and CEO, Recorded Music – Americas and the UK said, “Nashville is a critical music community, both creatively and economically. Warner Bros. Records Nashville under the leadership of Bill Bennett has done an excellent job representing WMG in this vibrant music capital. With the creation of Warner Music Nashville, we will build upon the outstanding work of Bill and his team and create even more A&R, marketing and promotional firepower.”
“I am very proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the years, especially the fantastic success we’ve seen from our multi-Platinum artists such as Faith Hill, Michelle Branch, and Big & Rich, as well as the outstanding results we are seeing from developing artists such as Gloriana, James Otto and Word’s Francesca Battistelli,” said Warner Bros. Records’ Chairman and CEO, Tom Whalley. “To now be given an even greater mandate from WMG and the dedicated efforts of a talented executive such as Espo is a terrific opportunity for our team in Nashville to focus on expanding WMG’s presence in the Country and Christian genres. Bill is a terrific executive who’s leaving at the top of his game and I want to personally thank him for his excellent work leading Warner Bros. Nashville to its best performance in many years.”
Atlantic Records’ Chairman and CEO, Craig Kallman said, “The past year has seen Atlantic Records return to the country world for the first time in nearly a decade…The phenomenal success of the Zac Brown Band has proved that our instincts and our timing were right and, along with upcoming artists like Jesse Lee and the Invite, they are taking us down the country path again.”
As President and CEO of WEA, Esposito was responsible for WEA Corp.’s sales, distribution and marketing activities as well as the global management and distribution of WMG’s digital assets. In addition, Esposito was responsible for the Digital Sales and Marketing group, which manages the mobile and online business for WMG’s U.S. labels. Esposito also oversaw WMG’s independent Alternative Distribution Alliance.
Esposito joined WMG from The Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) where he was General Manager/Executive Vice President. Prior to IDJ, Esposito held a variety of executive positions at PolyGram, Inc., as well as chief operating officer of music and movies at The Wiz retail chain, and Regional Vice President of Mitsubishi Electronics America. He is an active environmentalist and serves on the Board of Directors for the TJ Martell Foundation.
Songwriters Hall Names New Class
/by Sarah SkatesKye Fleming
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) is pleased to announce this year’s inductees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame: from the Songwriter category, prolific writers Kye Fleming and Mark D. Sanders; and from the Songwriter/Artist category, late Country music icon Tammy Wynette.
The three new inductees will be welcomed into the elite songwriting fraternity by their peers at the 39th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, presented by AT&T, on Sunday, October 18, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Mark D. Sanders
“Kye, Mark and Tammy have made many poignant and enduring contributions to the music world and certainly deserve to take their places among their gifted peers,” said Roger Murrah, Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It’s an honor for us to recognize them for their outstanding accomplishments.”
Tammy Wynette
Fleming’s songwriter credits include hits such as “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (Barbara Mandrell) and “Smoky Mountain Rain” (Ronnie Milsap). Sanders’ resume is known for “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) and “It Matters To Me” (Faith Hill). Wynette popularized many of her own compositions, including the standard “Stand By Your Man” and “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own.”
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. NaSHOF’s sister organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), also presents its annual awards for the year’s best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by its professional songwriters division. Tickets for the event are $200 each. A limited number of seats are available to the public this year and may be purchased by contacting event director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwriters.com or 615-256-3354.
George Strait’s Video Premieres on CMT
/by Sarah SkatesCMT presents the exclusive world premiere of George Strait’s top 5 hit, “Living For The Night” available now on CMT.com and CMT Mobile. “Living For the Night” will have its broadcast premiere Monday, August 31 at 6:00 a.m., ET/PT on CMT and will be in Hot Shot rotation.
CMT will extend its promotion of Strait’s new video across all of the network’s multiple platforms, including CMT.com, CMT Radio Networks, CMT Mobile, and the digital 24-hour music channel CMT Pure, among others.
More CMT Music
More CMT Music Videos
Artist News Notes
/by Sarah SkatesDo you look like Tanya Tucker?
Saguaro Road Records is inviting Tanya Tucker look-a-likes to email their photos to tanyacontest@gmail.com by Sept. 20, along with name and contact information. Three finalists who most resemble the singer will be selected and fans will vote for the grand prize winner, who will be announced in late September. The winner will receive an autograph from Tucker, a copy of her new CD, My Turn, a Saguaro Road Records flash drive and will also be showcased on www.saguaroroad.com.
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Brad Paisley’s music video for his current hit, “Welcome to the Future,” will be used in ABC’s coverage of the 2009 Little League World Series of Baseball this coming weekend. The video—originally filmed in New York City; Washington, DC; Los Angeles; Tokyo and Kumamoto Japan—is being customized into three special versions for the Little League games.
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Toby Keith is opening another of his I Love This Bar & Grills in WinStar World Casino, about an hour outside Dallas/Ft. Worth. The restaurant/bar/venue is under construction and is scheduled to be finished in mid December 2009.
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Nashville based Blue Steel Records is releasing the debut single from Anna Garrott via CDX Vol. 482. “What A Way To Go,” goes for adds Sept. 8.
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The R.O.P.E. Awards (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) will be Oct. 8 at the Shriner’s Almeda Temple. Awards will be handed out, there will be dinner, and a performance including Jett Williams giving a tribute to Don Helms and Hank Williams. Tickets are $45 each or $1000 per table for a party of 10. Call 615-860-9257 for reservations and details.
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Jody Kristofferson, son of legendary songwriter, actor and activist Kris Kristofferson, made his pro-wrestling debut on Aug. 15. The 24-year-old started wrestling competitively at the age of seven in his home state of Hawaii. He is signed with northern California’s All Pro Wrestling and made his professional debut with the stage name “Big Country” Jody Kristofferson in Hayward, California.
Radney Foster, BBR, Steve Wariner and JabbRRR
/by Sarah SkatesTomorrow Radney Foster will release of his album Revival on a custom Interactive Flash Drive. It contains the album, five new bonus tracks, exclusive photos, and the feature-length (90-minute) documentary Behind the Confessions which Foster produced with his wife Cyndi and film maker Jeff Horny. The interactive flash drive, designed to look and act like an actual VIP pass, will also provide fans access to pre-show meet-and-greets and other special events that Foster has in the works. The new format will also enable Foster to send exclusive digital content updates directly to VIP IFD holders throughout the tour providing fans with a new level of interaction. The company behind the technology is Gigmark Interactive Media of Knoxville, TN.
Behind The Confessions will be screened during the Americana Music Festival at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater on Thursday, Sept. 17 at noon.
Video of “A Little Revival.”
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Broken Bow Records Southeast Manager Nancy Johnson is departing the label to be a full-time mother to her 3-year-old son, Benjamin. Her last day will be Sept. 3. Carson James, SVP of Promotion for Broken Bow Records, has announced Clay Henderson as her replacement. “We are sad to see Nancy leave, but still very happy and supportive of her decision. She will be greatly missed on the BBR team,” says James. Prior experience for Henderson includes working the Southeast region for Universal South, Midas Records and most recently 1720 Entertainment. He starts tomorrow and will report directly to VP of Promotion Lee Adams. Based out of Nashville, Henderson can be reached at 615-244-8600 and clay@brokenbowrecords.com.
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Steve Wariner’s SelecTone Records has reached an agreement with Allegro Media Group, one of the largest independent distributors of music in North America, to distribute his upcoming album, My Tribute to Chet Atkins. The 11-song tribute to Wariner’s friend, mentor, and former boss, first made available this summer as a Limited Edition release through Wariner’s Web site, will be available through brick-and-mortar and online retailers on Nov. 10. Allegro will also distribute the SelecTone back-catalog.
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JabbRRR is a new social network platform exclusively for country music makers and fans. It offers member profiles, news, gossip, photos and more.
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Updated: All For The Hall With Urban And Friends
/by Sarah SkatesMore details of the event were revealed this morning (8/31) at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Museum Board President Vince Gill, created and has led the institution’s All for the Hall fundraising initiative since 2005. (L-R) Capital Nashville's John Grady, Keith Urban, Mayor Karl Dean, Vince Gill and CMHF Exec. Dir. Kyle Young. Photo: Donn Jones
Keith Urban rocked the Sommet Center Saturday night (8/29) with Sugarland, and announced onstage a special concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. On Oct. 13 he will return to Nashville’s arena along with Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town for an All For The Hall benefit. Additional special guests are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are a very affordable $25, or extravagant VIP packages are also available.
Produced by AEG Live, We’re All for the Hall will open with a one-hour set by Urban and his band. Then, Gill will join Urban and an all-star band of maestros to bring out special guests for a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime evening of music, friendship and camaraderie.
Presale tickets are already available with the keyword “Benefit” via Ticketmaster. General ticket sales open up on Wednesday at 10 AM.
Check out the VIP packages:
“Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Me?” Package $5000
– Invitation for two to an intimate dinner in the Country Music Hall of Fame Rotunda the evening of Monday, October 12, hosted by Keith Urban’s producer Dann Huff and co-songwriter Monty Powell closing the evening with a Blackbird Studio excursion
– Two VIP Premium Floor Concert Seats
– Invitation for two to a Post-Concert Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attended by Keith Urban and special guests
– One Keith Urban autographed Gibson Acoustic guitar
– One complete Keith Urban catalog on CD including: Keith Urban, Golden Road, Be Here, Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing, Greatest Hits: 19 Kids, and Defying Gravity
– One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith Urban
“Sweet Thing” Package $2000
– Two Premium Up-Front Floor Concert Seats
– Invitation for two to a Post-Concert Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attended by Keith Urban and special guests
– One complete Keith Urban catalog on CD including: Keith Urban; Golden Road; Be Here; Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing; Greatest Hits: 19 Kids; and Defying Gravity
– One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith
“Days Go By” Package $1,000 for two tickets
– Two Quality Up-Front Floor Concert Seats
– Invitation for two to a Post-Concert Party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum attended by Keith Urban and special guests
– One complete Keith Urban catalog on CD including: Keith Urban; Golden Road; Be Here; Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing; Greatest Hits: 19 Kids; and Defying Gravity
– One commemorative Hatch Show Print event poster autographed by Keith
Dave Ramsey To Give CRS Keynote
/by Sarah Skates“Following in the footsteps of last year’s success with marketing expert Seth Godin, we are extremely pleased to welcome Dave Ramsey,” says CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon. “His insight and expertise in the field of finance is something that all of our attendees will benefit from, particularly in this economic transition.”
Ramsey’s latest best-selling book is titled The Total Money Makeover, and has sold more than 1 million copies. His nationally syndicated radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show,” is heard by nearly 4.5 million listeners each week on more than 450 radio stations in the United States.
“Dave Ramsey is a perfect addition to the agenda for CRS 41. He can certainly teach us all a thing or two about successful marketing and finance and how to parlay your expertise into multiple, profitable but compatible businesses. I have no doubt Dave will set the tone for another successful CRS,” says CRB President Becky Brenner.
Early bird and installment plan registration for CRS 41 is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487.
CMA Music Festival To Rock ABC Tonight
/by Sarah SkatesThe fifth annual ABC special is executive-produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson.
Underwood’s “Play On” Coming In Nov.
/by Sarah SkatesPlay On draws its title from the name of a song featured on the new album, but it also describes the enthusiasm of the fans who love her music. Since the release of her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005, Underwood has amassed sales of more than 10 million albums with Some Hearts and 2007’s Carnival Ride.
Underwood is a four-time GRAMMY Award winner, ACM Entertainer of the Year, and the reigning, three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner.