Rachael Hession

Rachael Hession has joined TRIBL Records as VP of National Promotion.

Hession studied marketing at Taylor University in Indiana, and prior to joining TRIBL, served as Manager of National Promotion at Capitol Christian Music Group. She helped launch the careers for award-winning artists Anne Wilson and We The Kingdom, and promoted over 25 No. 1 singles. Recently, she founded The Springboard Music Podcast.

In Hession’s new role, she will oversee the radio promotion, marketing and brand development for TRIBL and its partnering company’s roster. Founded in 2020 by Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Norman Gyamfi, Stephanie Valcarcel and Mary Sirois, the company is home to Grammy-winning Maverick City Music as well as JJ Hairston, TRIBL (artist collective), Naomi Raine, JWLKRS Worship, Maverick City Musica, ReFRESH Worship, Travis Greene, Forward City Music, Tim Bowman, One Voice, Jimmy Levy, Sons The Band and Family Music.

“We are excited and honored to have the gift and talents of Rachael Hession join our family. We all knew instantly she understood the vision and assignment of our label. TRIBL is more than a group of individuals or space, it’s the point of genesis of a new worship sound, and Rachael will help further this mission,” says Gyamfi.

“Rachael Hession is an excellent executive who embodies our company’s mission,” adds Jay.

“I found TRIBL during the pandemic,” says Hession. “Their music gave me a sense of community and togetherness that I desperately needed. It’s an honor to be joining a team that has personally affected me so deeply. I am excited to be partnering with them in building memories and lasting relationships with radio personnel and listeners across the globe.”

Guy Clark, Tamara Saviano. Photo: Shae Acopian Detar

Industry media exec Tamara Saviano has been named manager of Guy Clark, LLC.

In her new position, Saviano will help manage the company devoted to Clark’s legacy and guide future projects for the LLC, including a brand new merchandise line, new music from demos, a new book on the songwriting legend and a possible future Guy Clark Music Festival as well. Saviano will also serve on the Board of Directors of the LLC, along with Clark’s grandson Dylan, Verlon Thompson, Rodney Crowell and Scott Robinson.

Saviano spent countless hours over a period of five years collaborating with Clark and was a director and producer on the award-winning documentary on his life, Without Getting Killed or Caught, which received the Louis Black Lone Star award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival.

She was also honored with the Belmont Book Award for her work on Without Getting Killed Or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark, and was awarded the Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award from the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association. She has worked for decades in Nashville in artist management, project management and consulting, and is also a former music journalist (Country Music Magazine) and television producer (Great American Country).

Saviano can be reached at tsaviano61@icloud.com.

Blake Nixon

Blake Nixon has joined Triple Tigers Records as Director of Southeast Promotion.

A Belmont University graduate, Nixon was formerly Director of Streaming at Show Dog Nashville prior to joining Triple Tigers, with previous stints at In2une Music and Warner Music Group as well. He will based in Nashville and can be reached at blake@tripletigers.com.

“We are very fortunate to be able to add Blake to our ambush of tigers,” says Kevin Herring, Senior Vice President, Promotion, Triple Tigers Records. “He brings wealth of experience, energy and spirit to our staff.”

Chris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein

Chris Tomlin is celebrating his 21st No. 1 at Christian radio with Grammy-nominated song “Holy Forever.”

The song was co-written with Jenn Johnson and Brian Johnson of Bethel Music, Phil Wickham and Jason Ingram. It tops both Billboard‘s Christian Airplay and AC charts as well as both MediaBase’s Christian AC and Christian Audience charts this week.

“I really don’t know what to say right now… I remember over 20 years ago being told that radio wouldn’t play worship music. So, to fast forward to today and not only have another number one radio song but to have the ongoing opportunity to help give people a voice to worship God through radio, through streaming, through live events, and through songs being led in the church… is something I will never take for granted,” Tomlin shares. “I could never have imagined the doors and opportunities God would open up and I am so excited, and expectant for what’s to come next. Thank you radio for all you have done and all you continue to do…”

Tomlin recently launched ticket sales for his 12-city “An Evening of Worship” scheduled for this fall, with concerts already sold out in San Diego and Sacramento.

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has announced a transition in its leadership as H. Beecher Hicks steps down from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer. Hicks, a visionary behind the museum, has played a pivotal role in its establishment and success. The museum is planning a community appreciation celebration for Hicks later this year and will announce details soon.

“Henry Hicks is an invaluable visionary and leader whose immense contributions have shaped the National Museum of African American Music into the world-class institution it is today,” says NMAAM Board Chair Stacey Garrett Koju. “Under his guidance, NMAAM has become a beacon of inspiration, education, and cultural preservation. We are deeply grateful for Henry’s unwavering dedication and commitment to highlighting the rich history and profound impact of African American music. His passion and vision have set a solid foundation for the museum’s continued success. We extend our sincere appreciation to Henry and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

“This has been an incredible ride,” says Hicks. “I took on this role as a two-year commitment, and a decade later, it is unbelievable how far we’ve come. NMAAM showcases African American music, culture and history in a way that is not only important to Nashville but resonates around the world. It is humbling to have played a part in bringing this special project to fruition and setting it on a path for sustained success. It’s time for the next challenge, and I’m looking forward to new opportunities on the horizon.”

NMAAM announced that its Chief Operating Officer, Dion Brown, will step in as Executive Director to provide leadership and guidance. As COO, Brown led the day-to-day operations of the museum and worked closely with Hicks.

“We are excited for Dion to step into this new role. He has over 30 years of experience in museum leadership and we are grateful for his continued leadership and guidance,” says Koju.

Before joining NMAAM, Brown previously served as the president and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the founding Executive Director of the National Blues Museum, Executive Director of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center and a past board member of the Association of African American Museums.

“I have known Henry since 2012 and watched his extraordinary work to build NMAAM from a dream to a globally renowned museum. Henry has laid an exceptional path for all of us at the museum for the future. I am grateful for all he has done to build a home for Black music,” shares Brown. “I’m honored to step into this new role and continue the museum’s mission to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.”