Pat Collins
SESAC Pres. & COO Pat Collins has been elected president of the board of directors of Leadership Music. Since joining the board in 2006, Collins has served as President-Elect and on the Executive Committee.
Collins came to SESAC in 1995 after a 21-year career at ASCAP, where he held various positions in the licensing division, ultimately being named Director of General Licensing and National Sales. At SESAC, Collins served as Senior Vice President of Licensing for several years before being named President & COO.
Recognized as one of the leading performing rights experts in the United States, Collins has appeared before various sub-committees of the United States Congress on legislative matters impacting copyrights. He also has given testimony before numerous state legislatures on matters of copyright and has appeared as both guest and moderator on panels focusing on performing rights in the U.S.
Additional Officers include President Elect – Jamie Cheek, Business Manager/Partner, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.; Secretary – Beverly Keel, Professor of Recording Industry at MTSU; and Treasurer – Tim Wipperman; President and CEO, Wipperman Music Group.
Other members of the Executive Committee are songwriter J. Fred Knobloch, producer Garth Fundis, SunTrust VP Lori Badgett, former CMA Exec. Dir. Ed Benson, and NSAI/Bluebird Cafe Dir. of Development/Manager Erika Wollam-Nichols.
New board members elected to two-year terms include John Beiter, Attorney, Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes, PLLC; Linda Bloss-Baum, VP Public Policy & Government Relations, Warner Music Group; Mark Bright, President & CEO, Word Entertainment; Vincent Candilora, Sr. VP/Director of Licensing, ASCAP; Jay Frank, Sr. VP Music Strategy, CMT; Bill Lee, Sr. VP Licensing Operations, SESAC; Bruce Phillips, Managing Partner, Lyon & Phillips, PLLC; Thom Schuyler, Songwriter and former board member; Larry Stessel, President, Trillium Entertainment; John Styll, President & CEO, Gospel Music Association; Bethel “Bo” Thomas, VP for University Advancement, Belmont University; Stacy Widelitz, President, Stacy Widelitz Music, Inc.
Board members serving through June 30, 2010 include Drew Alexander, Director of Publishing, Curb Music Group; Mitch Bainwol, Chairman & CEO, RIAA; Tom Baldrica, VP Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; Fred Buc, GM, Tuned In Broadcasting/WRLT-FM, Lightning 100; Jamie Cheek; Pat Collins; Garth Fundis; John Grady, President Nashville Operations, Borman Entertainment; Jeff Gregg, Agent, Creative Artists Agency; Kerry Hansen, CEO/Personal Manager, Big Enterprises; Liz Kiley, VP Broadcast Affiliations & Operations, MTV tr3s; Pam Matthews, Owner, DuVoyant Music; Mark Montgomery, Entrepreneur, hellomarko.com = ideas and execution; Robert K. Oermann, Owner, R.K.O. Media Products; and Randy Wachtler, President, 615 Music Companies.
Board members re-elected to serve through June 30, 2011 include Lori Badgett; Ed Benson; Caroline Davis, Communications Consultant; Beverly Keel; Dave Pomeroy, Bassist/Writer/Producer, Earwave Music Group and President, AFM; Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Tim Wipperman; and Erika Wollam-Nichols.
Leadership Music’s executive director, Kira Florita, continues to serve as an ex-officio member of the board. Wayne Halper, Esq., Bruce Phillips of Lyon & Phillips, PLLC, and Robert Sullivan of Loeb & Loeb, LLP serve as the not-for-profit educational organization’s legal counsel.
For a complete list of the Board of Directors, visit www.leadershipmusic.org.
Bill Gentry
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“I Want What You Want”
“I’ve never made a record like this before,” says Fundis. “It’s special because of Bill’s energy and his understanding of who he is as an artist. We set the bar high and didn’t compromise. I’m very proud of this record.”
The dream of being a country singer is rooted in Gentry’s past. He grew up on a cattle farm in Carrollton, Georgia, not far from Alan Jackson’s hometown. After starting his band, he built a devoted following audience the old-fashioned way by honing his live show. Over the last decade, he has performed for more than a million fans.
“Right now is when country music should be most alive,” Gentry says. “Country has always been about the common man, and we’re all struggling right now. I want my music to speak to them, in a way that embraces the roots and values of America.”
Bill plans a heavy schedule of concerts across the country over the next year, so check his website for his itinerary and news updates.
www.billgentrynation.com
Julia Burton
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Party Down”
Emerald River/Nine North
Burton’s drive to entertain stems from early in her childhood. “I would sit at my toy piano and say ‘daddy come listen to me sing my song’—it was ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,’” says Burton, “and then Momma would catch me on top of the coffee table with a candlestick in my hand belting out Hank Williams Jr’s ‘All My Rowdy Friends.’ It’s all I’ve ever thought about and dreamed.”
When she moved to Nashville, she was given the opportunity to play the back room of the legendary Tootsies Orchid Lounge. There she performed three nights a week for four hours to a rowdy country crowd, growing as an entertainer and artist. “Performing at Tootsie’s gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people who love country music,” reflects Burton. “What an amazing place, what great fans. It’s an experience that I will remember for a lifetime.”
Burton has since shared the stage with artists as diverse as Kool and the Gang, Wynonna, The Commodores, and Jo Dee Messina. She is also a National Spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
http://www.myspace.com/juliabburton
Nailing Down A Great Debut
/by Sarah SkatesMCA Nashville’s release I’m About To Come Alive by David Nail garners this year’s third highest new artist debut on the country charts. Alive also sits in the Top 20 on the Top 200, and single “Red Light” is Top 40 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart after only eight weeks.
Nail met country legends George Jones and Gene Watson this week as they shared the stage for a taping of the Crook & Chase television show at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The episode, with interviews and performances, premieres Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 PM/CT on RFD-TV (Comcast ch. 136 in Nashville, Dish Network ch. 231, DIRECTV ch. 345). Re-airs are scheduled for Sept. 4 at 10 AM/CT and Sept. 5 at 6 PM/CT.
(L to R) "Crook & Chase's" Lorianne Crook, David Nail, Gene Watson, George Jones and "Crook & Chase's" Charlie Chase. Photo Credit: Sandra Petrucci/Jim Owens Entertainment
Leadership Music Elects Board, President Pat Collins
/by Sarah SkatesPat Collins
SESAC Pres. & COO Pat Collins has been elected president of the board of directors of Leadership Music. Since joining the board in 2006, Collins has served as President-Elect and on the Executive Committee.
Collins came to SESAC in 1995 after a 21-year career at ASCAP, where he held various positions in the licensing division, ultimately being named Director of General Licensing and National Sales. At SESAC, Collins served as Senior Vice President of Licensing for several years before being named President & COO.
Recognized as one of the leading performing rights experts in the United States, Collins has appeared before various sub-committees of the United States Congress on legislative matters impacting copyrights. He also has given testimony before numerous state legislatures on matters of copyright and has appeared as both guest and moderator on panels focusing on performing rights in the U.S.
Additional Officers include President Elect – Jamie Cheek, Business Manager/Partner, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.; Secretary – Beverly Keel, Professor of Recording Industry at MTSU; and Treasurer – Tim Wipperman; President and CEO, Wipperman Music Group.
Other members of the Executive Committee are songwriter J. Fred Knobloch, producer Garth Fundis, SunTrust VP Lori Badgett, former CMA Exec. Dir. Ed Benson, and NSAI/Bluebird Cafe Dir. of Development/Manager Erika Wollam-Nichols.
New board members elected to two-year terms include John Beiter, Attorney, Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes, PLLC; Linda Bloss-Baum, VP Public Policy & Government Relations, Warner Music Group; Mark Bright, President & CEO, Word Entertainment; Vincent Candilora, Sr. VP/Director of Licensing, ASCAP; Jay Frank, Sr. VP Music Strategy, CMT; Bill Lee, Sr. VP Licensing Operations, SESAC; Bruce Phillips, Managing Partner, Lyon & Phillips, PLLC; Thom Schuyler, Songwriter and former board member; Larry Stessel, President, Trillium Entertainment; John Styll, President & CEO, Gospel Music Association; Bethel “Bo” Thomas, VP for University Advancement, Belmont University; Stacy Widelitz, President, Stacy Widelitz Music, Inc.
Board members serving through June 30, 2010 include Drew Alexander, Director of Publishing, Curb Music Group; Mitch Bainwol, Chairman & CEO, RIAA; Tom Baldrica, VP Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; Fred Buc, GM, Tuned In Broadcasting/WRLT-FM, Lightning 100; Jamie Cheek; Pat Collins; Garth Fundis; John Grady, President Nashville Operations, Borman Entertainment; Jeff Gregg, Agent, Creative Artists Agency; Kerry Hansen, CEO/Personal Manager, Big Enterprises; Liz Kiley, VP Broadcast Affiliations & Operations, MTV tr3s; Pam Matthews, Owner, DuVoyant Music; Mark Montgomery, Entrepreneur, hellomarko.com = ideas and execution; Robert K. Oermann, Owner, R.K.O. Media Products; and Randy Wachtler, President, 615 Music Companies.
Board members re-elected to serve through June 30, 2011 include Lori Badgett; Ed Benson; Caroline Davis, Communications Consultant; Beverly Keel; Dave Pomeroy, Bassist/Writer/Producer, Earwave Music Group and President, AFM; Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Tim Wipperman; and Erika Wollam-Nichols.
Leadership Music’s executive director, Kira Florita, continues to serve as an ex-officio member of the board. Wayne Halper, Esq., Bruce Phillips of Lyon & Phillips, PLLC, and Robert Sullivan of Loeb & Loeb, LLP serve as the not-for-profit educational organization’s legal counsel.
For a complete list of the Board of Directors, visit www.leadershipmusic.org.
Artist News: Young, Ingram, Ducas
/by Sarah SkatesPictured at Michigan International Speedway: NASCAR driver Kurt Busch and Young
NASCAR fan and RCA Nashville hitmaker Chris Young was at the Michigan International Speedway recently to kick off the excitement with a national anthem performance prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400. Young’s new album, The Man I Want to Be, featuring his hit, “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” is set for a Sept. 1 release.
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Self-proclaimed barbeque expert Jack Ingram is partnering with KC Masterpiece® Barbecue Sauces and Marinades in a campaign to encourage grilling throughout Fall football season. The campaign includes “Eat and Greets” with Ingram at select tour dates beginning in September, where contest winners will be invited to a backstage barbeque before each show. Ingram will make public appearances on behalf of the brand and participate in additional media-driven programs in key markets. The passionate griller will also share a few of his personal barbecue recipes using KC Masterpiece with his fans. ”I will literally spend an entire weekend in my backyard working on the perfect brisket…it’s what we do in Texas…we barbeque, drink beer and talk smack about football,” says Ingram. “The KC Masterpiece relationship is perfect because it’s a brand that you would already find in my fridge any day of the week.” Ingram’s new album is called Big Dreams & High Hopes, including hit lead single “Barefoot and Crazy.”
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BMI singer-songwriter George Ducas was the featured performer at the New Mexico Broadcasters Association’s (NMBA) Excellence in Broadcasting Awards Gala held August 14 in Albuquerque. Ducas, who penned the Sara Evans number one smash “Real Fine Place to Start,” and hits for Garth Brooks, George Jones, the Eli Young Band, Radney Foster, and others, entertained the packed house with songs from his diverse catalogue, including his own top ten record “Lipstick Promises.”
(L-R): BMI’s Dan Spears, NMBA Chairman and VP/GM of Pecos Valley Broadcasting Gene Dow, Ducas, Citadel Communications-Albuquerque VP/GM and NMBA Chairman Elect Milt McConnell.
CMA Nominations Coming Sept. 9
/by Sarah SkatesIn addition to the nominee announcements, Chuck Wicks will announce the finalists for the 2009 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large, and major markets) as well as the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year live on Premiere Radio Networks from their New York studios.
Benefit Concerts, Comedy, Golf And More
/by Sarah SkatesNatalie Hemby plays the Miller Harris benefit tonight at the Bluebird.
Go to the Bluebird tonight (8/27) and support the Miller Harris Foundation’s Asthma Camp for Kids. Carey Barlowe, Nathalie Hemby, Josh Hoge and Stephen Lee Olsen play at 6 PM; the 9 PM show features Sherrie Austin, Jeff Bates and Stephen Dale Jones. www.bluebirdcafe.com
The Miller Harris Golf Tournament will be Monday, September 14 at Temple Hills Golf Club. Register to play, volunteer or become an official sponsor of the 10th anniversary event. Details at www.millerharrisfoundation.com or by calling (615) 584-7848. The tournament includes a chance to win a Porsche, custom motorcycle, and more.
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Duet Dreams Come True: A Benefit For The ALS Association will be held tonight (8/27) from 6-9pm at 3rd & Lindsley. It is a night of duet performances, duet karaoke, songs from Doyle and Debbie, ’80s duets by members of Guilty Pleasures and one lucky attendee will get to perform a duet with Linda Davis. ALS is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Local event planner Kathleen Chandler Wright, whose father was diagnosed with ALS, spearheaded the event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.3rdandlindsley.com, 1-866-468-3401 or at the door. Details and an online auction with autographed items from Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Peter Frampton, and more at www.duetdreamscometrue.org.
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Three country performers are gathering this weekend at the Nashville Palace to raise money for the United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF). Keni Thomas, Ty Herndon and Jamie O’Neal will perform Saturday, August 29 at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the organization established to aid Special Forces widows with support, bereavement and future planning. Tickets are $10 at the door.
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Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but International Man of Comedy Tom Rhodes along with Beth Donahue, Brian Bates and Shawn Tidwell invite you to get Tickled Pink. The show hits the Belcourt Theatre on Friday, September 18, at 7:30 pm. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Greater Nashville Affiliate. Sponsored by the Moosehead and Alice Crafts, CPA, LLC, tickets are on sale now for $25 at www.belcourt.org.
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Mark Chesnutt headed overseas this month as part of the Stars For Stripes summer concert series. He performed for service men and women stationed in Iraq and Kuwait. Chesnutt was also presented with a commemorative coin called the Challenge Coin as a “thank-you” from Gen. Ray Odierno, Commanding General, Multi-National Force, Iraq.
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The eighth annual Bruce Burch and Friends Concert Honoring John Jarrard will bring another talented group of songwriters to Gainesville, GA on Sept. 24. The concert at Brenau University includes John Berry making his third appearance, Steve Cropper, Jimmy Hall, Roger Cook, Buddy Cannon, Gary Nicholson, Burch and Allen Nivens.
John Jarrard was a Gainesville native and Nashville songwriter who wrote songs for performers such as Don Williams, Alabama, George Strait, Diamond Rio and Tracy Lawrence. Jarrard battled diabetes before passing away in 2001. The concert honors Jarrard and benefits local charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Georgia Chapter, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, and the University of Georgia Music Business program.
Church Tour Goes “Wild”
/by Sarah SkatesChurch’s Young & Wild Tour this past spring included 20 sold out shows, record-breaking attendance at the Dallas Bull in Tampa, FL and performances on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and CBS’s Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Supporting Church on the road is the Eric Church Band, which is rounded out by Driver Williams (guitar), Ed Smoak (guitar), Jeff Hyde (banjo/mandolin), Lee Hendricks (bass) and Craig Wright (drums).
New Video, Free Download, Opry Radio Special
/by Sarah SkatesFrom the unlikely pairings dept: Randy Houser is wearing his Boots to the Oprah & Friends Radio Network where he will visit Dr. Maya Angelou’s program airing this week on XM 156 and Sirius 195. During the interview Houser discusses his new album, Anything Goes, family, faith, and why he loves country music.
Houser is also preparing for CMT’s eighth annual tour which he will co-headline with longtime friend Jamey Johnson, beginning in October. It will hit 30 markets across the country.
His new single, “My Kind Of Country,” will arrive at radio mid-September, but in the meantime, you can listen to it on his MySpace page. Below is his new live video for “Boots On.”
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Mallary Hope’s debut single, “Love Lives On,” is the iTunes Single of the Week and can be downloaded for free. The 22-year-old Georgia native is signed to MCA Records.
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Luke Bryan is set to host the America’s Opry Weekend Number One Party radio special Labor Day weekend. It will include live Opry performances, artist interviews and his own performances including latest single, “Do I,” and covers of John Anderson’s “Money In the Bank,” Conway Twitty’s “I’d Just Love To Lay You Down,” and Billy Currington’s “Good Directions,” which was co-written by Bryan. Bryan’s Doin’ My Thing album is due in stores Oct. 6.
Reba’s Record Setting Album Enters At No. 1
/by Sarah SkatesReba recently taped her first appearance on AOL Sessions in New York City and it is set to premiere Sept. 4. She is pictured with AOL Chairman/CEO Tim Armstrong.
Reba McEntire’s first new solo studio album in six years—and her first for The Valory Music Co.—debuted at No. 1 today on the Billboard Top Country and Top 200 Albums charts. She sold almost 96,000 units the first week of release.
Keep On Loving You is her first solo studio album to reach the pinnacle of the all-genre Top 200 chart. Featuring the Top 10 smash “Strange,” the album is the highest debut from a female country artist for 2009.
With today’s news, Reba now holds the record as the female artist with the most No. 1 albums—11—on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. She previously shared the title with Loretta Lynn with 10 albums.
The chart watchers at Valory also report this is the first time in history that three country albums in a row have topped the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. Most recently the No. 1 slot belonged to George Strait and Sugarland.
Reba performs her new single, “Consider Me Gone,” tonight (8/26) on NBC’s hit summer series America’s Got Talent (9-10 p.m. ET).
Reba welcomed Clear Channel national programmers and national voice-trackers to her Nashville home Monday evening following a day filled with interviews that will air on Clear Channel stations nationwide. Pictured above (l-r): Valory’s Scott Borchetta, Joe Boxer, Michael J. Foxx, Valory’s JoJamie Hahr, Reba, Doug Montgomery, Billy Greenwood, Valory’s John Zarling, Clay Hunnicutt and Valory’s Jon Loba.