Dawn Delvo. Photo: Nadia Nuyens

Black River Entertainment has elevated Dawn Delvo to Vice President of Communications. The company has also hired Ally Roden as Publicity Coordinator.

Delvo joined the Black River team in 2011, and has been a part of the successful launch of Kelsea Ballerini’s career from the moment she signed with Black River as a songwriter and artist in 2013. The industry veteran previously spent a handful of years in between record labels and independent firms, where she developed skills in publicity, marketing and social media management as well as film and television licensing.

“Dawn has consistently proven her strong leadership skills and wonderful ability to articulate the vision and significant milestones celebrated by Black River Entertainment,” shares Gordon Kerr, President & CEO, Black River Entertainment.

In her new position, Delvo plays a direct role in the media and public relations strategies for the entertainment company’s studios, publishing, executive staff, label and artist roster, and works directly with independent publicity partners.

Roden graduated from Belmont University in 2021, where she majored in corporate communications with a minor in music business. She began her professional career as a contract Digital Media Producer and freelance writer for an entertainment publication. During her time in digital media, she had her work published in various online and print publications.

Prior joining Black River, Roden spent time at the Country Music Association, where she worked the seasonal position of Communications Assistant for the 50th CMA Fest. She reported to the Senior Manager of Talent Relations & Production, aiding in the collection of assets for the more than 300 acts performing over the four-day festival, coordinating festival events, booking stage hosts and more. Now as Black River’s Publicity Coordinator, she will provide direct support to Delvo.

“Thank you to Dawn Delvo for this incredible opportunity,” shares Roden. “Black River is truly a family, and I’m thrilled to grow with the company and to see where we can take Black River Records’ fantastic roster in the future!”

“Ally’s intuitive nature and work ethic are undeniable,” says Delvo. “Since our first meeting during the interview process to her having had several weeks under her belt at Black River, I am continually impressed. Ally is an excellent writer and communicator and is quickly becoming a highly valued team member.”

Pictured (L-R): Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Tim Crane, Matt Geroux, Austin Shawn, Marty James and Simon Tikhman. Photo: Alanna McArdle

The Core Entertainment has announced the launch of its new Producer Management division, aiming to celebrate and elevate game-changing producers in the evolving music industry.

Founded by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, the new Producer Management division presents a fresh perspective on songwriting and production, placing song creation ahead of established conventions. Tim Crane has been tapped to spearhead the division.

Built to both manage the careers of emerging writer/producers, and give them same services and respect traditionally given to artists, the company seeks to push music’s new generation of writer/producers into the spotlight.

The team’s objective is to foster the creation of cutting-edge, culturally-significant hit songs – no matter who needs to be in the room to make them happen. The division’s current roster includes Austin Shawn, Marty James and Matt Geroux, with more additions to be announced soon.

“The idea behind creating this division is to work with the most talented writers and producers that are not afraid to push the boundaries of music,” say Tikhman and Zaruk in a joint statement. “With Austin, Marty and Matt, they have all shown exactly that. They challenge artists to be the best they can be, while maintaining their visions and the integrity of the songs. The goal here is to work with producers around the globe that touch every genre of music and continue to disrupt the industry with their unique artistry.”

Best known for his work with emerging superstar Bailey Zimmerman on Religiously. The Album, Shawn is a writer/producer/mixer/engineer who has spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Producers chart. He is also credited for producing/mixing/mastering rising star Chase Matthew’s breakout hit “County Line,” and boasts three No. 1 singles at country radio–Zimmerman’s “Fall In Love,” “Rock and A Hard Place” and “Religiously.”

James is credited as a co-writer of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s 13-time Platinum No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 smash “Despacito (feat. Justin Bieber)” who also co-wrote Zimmerman’s recent No. 1 single, “Religiously.” He has earned further credits across the pop and hip-hop spectrum, from Enrique Iglesias to Wiz Khalifa, Christina Aguilera and more.

Finally, Geroux is a Nashville-based writer/producer/engineer with over 130 million streams to his credit, currently earning attention for his work with rising artist Josh Ross. Produced by Geroux, Ross’s breakout single “Trouble” has racked up more than 70 million global streams, reigned No. 1 on the Canadian Country Radio Chart, earned Platinum certification in Canada, plus debuted at No. 43 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this year. Adding to the nods with Ross, the Geroux-produced track “On A Different Night” was nominated for Single of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA). He also has a whole new wave of cuts set to be revealed soon.

Initially launched in 2019 as an artist management company in partnership with Live Nation, The Core Entertainment spotlights an artist roster led by Zimmerman and Nickelback, and features Ross, Nate Smith, Dillon James, Valley and more. In July of 2023, The Core Records was founded through a separate partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG), and now, The Core’s Producer Management division will operate as a third standalone team.

Mac Davis Enterprises has announced a new charitable fund set up to support causes and endeavors that were near and dear to the legendary late songwriter’s heart.

Established to honor Davis’ legacy, “Song Painter: The Mac Davis Fund for the Art of Songwriting” aims to promote greater appreciation for the craft and artistry of songwriting. The Song Painter Fund is designed to respond to the needs of emerging songwriters, and to foster creative innovation through workshops, music and songwriting programs at high-profile institutions, and more. It will actively support work by underrepresented songwriters and strive to recognize organizations that believe in the importance of the role music plays in human culture.

The Song Painter Fund was realized through guidance from Mac Davis’ widow, Lisë Davis, who will actively collaborate with advisors on what projects to fund. The Song Painter Fund will be administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

“Mac’s Foundation will work tirelessly to elevate the craft of songwriting by creating platforms where artists can explore new boundaries in musical storytelling,” said Davis. “Mac considered himself a songwriter above all else and I know he would want to support songwriters of the next generation.”

“I loved Mac, I still love Mac and think of him all the time. Mac was one of the greatest talents of all time, especially his songwriting and I was fortunate to have the honor of co-writing many songs with Mac,” said Dolly Parton. “The songs were good of course, but not nearly as good as the fun and the love we shared while we were writing them. I will cherish our friendship forever. Mac was always very supportive of me and helped me a great deal in my early years. I miss you Mac.”

“Few artists have been as prolific a song writer as Mac,” said Reba McEntire. “His lyrics have touched so many lives around the world. He has impacted people on stage, the silver screen, and TV with his lyrics, voice, and personality. His legacy will influence songwriters forever. I am so honored to have known him, and it’s been a privilege to call him my friend.”

Davis first garnered widespread recognition when Elvis Presley recorded his poignant ballad “In The Ghetto.” Following the song’s success, Davis continued to write for Presley, creating other memorable hits like “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “A Little Less Conversation.” Davis’ songwriting talent extended to other artists as well, including Bobby Goldsboro, Vikki Carr, Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, Nancy Sinatra, Bruno Mars, Weezer, and Avicii, to name a few.

Establishing the foundation marks the commencement of a multitude of projects envisioned to pay tribute to Davis’ enduring legacy including several books, a Broadway production and career retrospectives. Fans can also explore the all-new website, complete with a monthly blog, never-before-seen photos, videos, and details from his decades-long music, songwriting and acting career. One-of-a-kind Mac Davis merchandise will also soon be available to purchase.

The first round of performers has been announced for the upcoming 54th annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, set to take place Oct. 17 in Nashville.

Brandon Lake, For King + Country, Katy Nichole, Miel San Marcos, Pastor Mike Jr., Phil Wickham, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Zach Williams with Walker Hayes are all on tap to perform at the celebration, which will be hosted by platinum-selling musician, preacher and public speaker Tauren Wells.

Tickets have sold out for the in-person Nashville event at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena, but The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and The TBN app on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT. Additionally, the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (Channel 63) and on the SiriusXM app. An encore presentation of the broadcast will air on TBN Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT.

Key partners for this year’s Dove Awards include Christian non-profit Cantinas Arts Foundation, whose mission is to support artists who share their talent and faith through Arts and Media, WieRok Entertainment, an organization passionate about creating and supporting Christian creatives in making and distributing great content, and Lipscomb University, who is now in its 10th year as venue host for the Dove Awards.

The 54th annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.