Russell Sutton, Tommy Karlas Ink With Sony Music Publishing & Droptine

Pictured (L-R, front row): Jim Catino, Russell Sutton, Tommy Karlas and Rusty Gaston. (L-R, back row): Tom Luteran, Kenley Flynn, Anna Weisband, Dale Bobo, Aubrey Rupe and Synnovea Halsel.

Russell Sutton and Tommy Karlas have both signed global deals with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine Music Publishing.

Sutton first achieved prominence as part of the duo Grassroots Revival. As a songwriter, he recently earned chart success with his first No. 1 single “My Boy” by Elvie Shane as well as with cuts by Drew Green. Sutton’s latest hit “Whiskey On You” by Nate Smith has topped the Canadian charts and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart this week.

Karlas has written songs for Blake Shelton, Warren Zeiders, Old Dominion, Randy Travis, and Montgomery Gentry, including their multi-week No. 1 “Roll With Me” which became the fastest rising and most downloaded song of Montgomery Gentry’s career, and earned Karlas an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year nomination. In 2021, he released his debut album, Put It In Drive.

“We couldn’t be happier to expand our relationship with Jim Catino and his Droptine Publishing team. Russell and Tommy are true Nashville craftsmen with the abilities to make big things happen,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston.

“I’m so excited to be working with Tommy and Russell,” adds Droptine Founder Jim Catino. “Both seasoned songwriters who know their craft well. It’s an honor to work their songs and I know they will both continue their great success.”

Leadership Music Now Accepting Applications For Class Of 2024

Leadership Music is now accepting applications from established music industry leaders for the Class of 2024. This class will be the organization’s 34th class. Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on Feb. 28.

The in-person, eight-month program is designed to expose participants to every facet of the music industry as well as encourage dialogue and understanding among industry leaders to explore the challenges facing the music business.

It is structured so that class participants attend the Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions, meeting once a month, which concentrate on several key areas of the music industry. Themed program days include Songwriting & Publishing, Artist, Touring & Live Music, Production, Record Company and Media. The program will end with graduation at the Closing Retreat in May 2024.

“Members of the class are experts in their field, so Program Days are designed to expose participants to virtually all segments of the music industry, expanding their knowledge beyond their area of expertise,” states Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn. “Leadership Music is so much more than an educational program—it’s a transformative experience. One of the most gratifying aspects is witnessing the genuine relationships forged by the class members during the eight-month program.”

For more information, click here.

Hit Songwriter Peter McCann Dies At Age 74

Music City hit tunesmith Peter McCann, a longtime activist in the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), passed away at home, in his sleep, on Jan. 26.

He is noted for such enduring songs as Jennifer Warnes’ “Right Time of the Night” (1977), Earl Thomas Conley’s “Nobody Falls Like a Fool” (1985) and Janie Fricke’s “She’s Single Again” (1985). As a vocalist, McCann had a 1977 pop hit with “Do You Wanna Make Love,” which he also wrote.

Born in Connecticut in 1948, McCann founded the folk-rock group The Repairs while he was a college student. In 1971, he traveled to California with the group to record for Motown Records. After three Repairs albums, McCann landed a staff songwriting gig at ABC’s publishing division.

The top-10 pop smash “Right Time of the Night” launched his career. It was his first hit as a songwriter, Jennifer Warnes’ first hit as a singer and Jim Ed Norman’s first hit as a producer.

The song’s success led to a recording contract of his own. McCann was signed to 20th Century Records, where “Do You Wanna Make Love” became a No. 5 pop hit and a Gold Record. The song was quickly recorded by the country artists Bobby Smith, Buck Owens and David Wills, all of whom charted with it in 1977-79.

Songwriting success continued after McCann moved to Nashville in 1985. The Janie Fricke and Earl Thomas Conley hits paved his way into Music City. His co-written “Wall of Tears” was K.T. Oslin’s debut single on RCA in 1987. Baillie & The Boys had a 1991 hit with his cowritten “Treat Me Like a Stranger.” McCann’s “The Star” was recorded by Kathy Mattea for her Grammy-winning album Good News in 1993.

Whitney Houston recorded McCann’s “Take Good Care of My Heart” for her 1985 debut album. It has sold more than 20 million units. Jermaine Jackson has also recorded this song. McCann’s songs have been recorded by such pop stars as Shaun Cassidy, Karen Carpenter, Isaac Hayes & Millie Jackson, Paul Anka, Julio Iglesias, John Travolta, Bobby Vinton, Donny Osmond, Ricky Nelson and Andy Williams.

But Peter McCann’s songwriting mostly found favor with country recording artists. Among those who have recorded his works are Con Hunley, Lynn Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, Michael Johnson, Reba McEntire, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, Anne Murray, Rodney Carrington, Nicolette Larson, Eddie Rabbitt, Kenny Rogers, Lisa Brokop and Shelly West. In 1987-88, Mickey Gllley, Louise Mandrell and Pake McEntire all had top-40 country hits with singles written by McCann. The songwriter spent years signed to the CBS/Sony and EMI publishing companies on Music Row.

In 1999, McCann was given the Volunteerism Award from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This was for composing its anthem “Among the Missing,” recorded by Michael McDonald and Kathy Mattea.

Peter McCann was always a strong advocate for songwriters and publishers. He joined the NSAI and rose to be vice president of its board and the chairman of its legislative committee for more than a decade. He spent upwards of 25 years lobbying for songwriters rights in Washington.

This brought him into contact with conservative senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. Hatch was a songwriter. He and McCann co-wrote several songs, including “Come to the Manger,” which was recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys. In 1995, McCann released a Christmas album of his own compositions on RCA.

Pater McCann lectured on copyright law at universities and music-industry events. In 1995 he won NSAI’s President’s Choice award for his work in copyright protection. In 2003, he won a special commendation from SESAC for his continuing efforts to strengthen the nation’s copyright laws.

McCann was a 1993 graduate of Leadership Music. He died at age 74 and is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jacalyn Sheridan, and their son, Colin McCann. No funeral arrangements have been announced. According to Leadership Music, a celebration of Peter McCann’s life will be announced at a later date.

BMI Promotes LuAnn Davidson & Nina Carter

LuAnn Davidson & Nina Carter. Photos: Nathan Zucker

BMI has announced some promotions within the company’s Nashville Creative team. LuAnn Davidson has been elevated to Executive Director, Creative Administration at BMI, and Nina Carter has been promoted to Senior Director, Creative, Partnerships & Events.

In her new position Davidson will continue leading the Nashville Creative administration team in supporting the community of songwriters and publishers. Her responsibilities include working directly with affiliates on royalty distribution issues and registering their musical works, as well as helping to facilitate events that celebrate Nashville’s creative community, such as the annual BMI Country Awards dinner.

Carter will continue to spearhead strategic partnerships and sponsorships for BMI events including No. 1 parties, conferences, showcases and festivals, where she has been instrumental in establishing BMI’s presence and stages, such as SXSW, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.

Davidson reports to BMI’s Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley and Carter reports to AVP, Creative, Mason Hunter, and both are based out of Nashville.

WME Announces Promotions, Including Seven In Nashville

WME’s Music department announced the promotion of several partners and agents across its global offices in Beverly Hills, New York, Nashville, London and Sydney.

In Nashville, Henry Glascock has been elevated to partner. With over 20 years of experience in the touring and live music industry, his roster includes Parker McCollum, Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney LaRue, Flatland Cavalry, Corey Smith, Mike Ryan, William Beckmann, Trey Lewis, Kyle Clark and Catie Offerman. Before transitioning into the agency side of the business and joining WME in 2010, Glascock aided in the early success of groundbreaking country artists including Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert – promoting their early club-level shows as well as many of their first headlining arena tours.

Nashville’s Becca Chisholm, Caleb Fenn, Carter Green and Kanan Vitolo were promoted to agents in the country music department, as well as Morgan Carney in Christian music. Janelle Flint out of Nashville was promoted to coordinator in the country music department as well.

“These promotions showcase the breadth of our client roster and how far we can go in servicing our artists,” shares Lucy Dickins, WME’s Global Head of Contemporary Music & Touring, and Becky Gardenhire, Co-Head of WME’s Nashville office. “We are so proud of the leadership and ingenuity each of these individuals has demonstrated, and we look forward to what they will achieve.”

Dolly Parton Shines With New RIAA Gold

Dolly Parton and Mitch Glazier. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton has added to her sparkle with some brand new gold plaques from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier and SVP Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones recognized more milestones in the legend’s illustrious career during a surprise moment in Nashville. Dolly was presented with plaques commemorating the Gold certification of “Hard Candy Christmas” and “Faith” with Galantis featuring Mr. Probz.

Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones,Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton and Mitch Glazier. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton

“Thank you for creating music that continues to inspire generations and cultivates a culture of community. On behalf of the RIAA, it’s incredible to be able to personally congratulate you, Dolly!” said Glazier.

“Well, this is a great day and these will sure look pretty in my music room,” said Parton, “Of course I owe a lot to my manager Danny and our whole crew around here for moments like this.”

Reyna Roberts Signs With Empire, Releases New Track ‘Another Round’

Photo Credit: John Galbraith

Reyna Roberts has signed with Empire and is releasing a new single, “Another Round” featuring Tayler Holder on Feb. 10. Her debut album is slated for release later this year.

“Another Round” was penned by Roberts, Laura Veltz and Jimmy Robbins, and follows Roberts’ latest single “Pretty Little Devils.”

“I really wanted to play around with the different meanings that the phrase ‘another round’ could have,” says Roberts. “My goal was to create a story that touched on all of the different ways people could be apprehensive to have ‘another round’ in life – whether it’s another round of a relationship, drinks, or any other vice. And at the time I had the idea for this song, I had never been in a relationship, so I wrote the lyrics purely from imagination. Then sometime later when I went through a break-up, I truly understood the feelings behind the music.”

An Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist in 2022, member of the 2021 CMT Next Women of Country class, and a Radio.com Leading Ladies honoree, Roberts opened for Reba McEntire last year and made her first appearances at Stagecoach festival and CMA Fest. In 2022, she also sang the National Anthem at the United States Grand Prix in Austin and the NASCAR Cup Series Ally-400 in Nashville. Most recently, she was featured in “The Power of Women in Country Music” exhibit at the Grammy Museum.

Networks have taken notice of Roberts’ hooks, too, as the NFL Network recently used her song “See Me Win” as part of their 2023 Spotlight Series. Her debut single “Stompin’ Grounds” was also featured during ESPN’s Monday Night Football throughout the 2020 season.

SOLID Announces 2023 Board Of Directors

Pictured (L-R, front row): Jenna Smith, Rio Van Risseghem, Erin Pettit and Ryan Cunningham. (L-R, next row): Guy Evans, Leah Hudson Binkerd, Cherylynne Nader and Jenny Methling. (L-R, middle row): Zach Green, Mark Logsdon, Jessica Korver, Jenn DiChiara, Melissa Flaxman, Sarah Beth Perry and Sara Sholar. (L-R, back row): Grayson Flatness, Colin McKay, Jared Meyer and Lizzy Stone. Photo: Chrissy Yoder.

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) has announced their 2023 Board of Directors, following the organization’s return to in-person networking, fundraising and live events this past year.

SOLID was created 26 years ago to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals. The organization hosts several education panels, networking events and philanthropic opportunities throughout the year.

The 2023 Executive Board consists of President Erin Pettit (Wiles + Taylor), Vice President Rio Van Risseghem (The Orchard), Secretary Jenna Smith (SESAC) and Treasurer Ryan Cunningham (ONErpm).

The 2023 SOLID Board includes: Communications Chairs Mark Logsdon (PLA Media) and Jessica Korver (Missing Piece Group); Education Chairs Sarah Beth Perry (With the Band) and Sarah Sholar (Q Prime); Community Outreach Chairs Leah Hudson Binkerd (Banner Music) and Guy Evans (Leadership Music); Social Chairs Jenn DiChiara (Weller Media Agency) and Zach Green (BMG); Ambassadorship Chairs Melissa Flaxman (Black Box) and Jared Meyer (UMG Nashville); Music Market Chairs Jenny Methling (615 Leverage + Strategy), Lizzy Stone (Wiles + Taylor) and Colin McKay (Clair Global); and Diversity & Inclusion Chair Cherylynne Nader (Big Machine Label Group).

“I’m honored to lead this organization alongside such an incredible group of innovative board members. I have no doubt that together, we will empower our membership to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally,” shares Pettit. “I have been a part of this organization for seven years and it holds a very special place in my heart as many of my most treasured friendships began with SOLID. I hope to be able to pass along that feeling and continue to give our members a safe space to genuinely connect, explore, learn and also give back to our community.”

SOLID hosted its first membership meeting on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Nashville’s Virgin Hotels where members participated in a virtual Q&A with BMI Executive Director, Creative Shannon Sanders.

Additionally, Grayson Flatness (Sounds Good) will serve as the new SOLID Alumni President. The 2023 SOLID Alumni Board consists of Amy Gellick (Wiles + Taylor), BJ Hill (Warner Chappell Music), Mollie Jones (Wasserman Music), Valerie Sizemore (Friends at Work) and Geoff Turner (Red 11 Music).

CRS Announces Digital Music Summit Details

CRS has unveiled details surrounding its upcoming Digital Music Summit at CRS, which will kick off the three-day event March 13 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Five educational sessions are planned for this year’s Opening Day, including informative discussions surrounding web3, NFTs, and emerging next-gen platforms.

“This year’s Digital Music Summit is a can’t-miss day rich with actionable intel and information for pros in all areas of the digital music industry,” shares the Chairman of the CRS 2023 Agenda Committee, Joey Tack (WIVK/Knoxville).

Educational sessions and featured panelists include:

Web3, NFTs, and Virtual Worlds: Beyond The Hype: This session will explore Web3, NFT’s, virtual worlds like “the metaverse,” while demonstrating how artists use these platforms to create new revenue streams and build them into their brand portfolios. Panelists include Zach Bair (VNUE), Chris McMurtry (Pex), and Sean Peace (SongVest). Noah Itman, Digital Music News‘ Chief Revenue Officer, will lead the panel.

Sweet Streams (Are Made of These): Executives from leading Digital Service Providers (DSPs) will show artists and managers what they can control on streaming platforms, how to set new releases up for success, and answer… how do you get on a playlist? Panelists include Johnny Chiang (Pandora) and Rachel Whitney (Spotify). Tim Foisset (Warner Music Nashville) will moderate the panel.

Reach Out: Meeting Listeners Where They Are: With fans today consuming music on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Streaming Services, and Radio, this panel will look at non-traditional methods for meeting fans on these platforms while highlighting tips for increasing engagement and other platform trends. Speakers will include Jade Driver (Crowd Surf) and Kristen Reed (UMG Nashville).

How They Built It: “Fancy Like” and Its Path To No. 1:  A case study of how Walker Hayes’ smash-hit, “Fancy Like,” snowballed into a No. 1, and how artists can leverage all aspects of media to achieve a hit and an engaged audience. Panelists: Katie McCartney (Monument Records), Robert Carlton (SMACKSongs), Marissa Turk (SMACKSongs), and Emily Cohen Belote (Amazon Music).

Flex-Ability – Marketing Without a Map: Panelists will dissect three album releases scheduled for March-April 2020 and observe how they were able to pivot during unforeseen circumstances. Panelists are Lucia Kaminsky (Head of Digital for Sandbox), Clark Mims Tedesco (VP of Artist Development for Warner Music Nashville), and Doug Phillips (Head of Digital for Q-Prime), along with Cameo Carlson (Mtheory) as moderator.

In addition to the educational sessions, the one-day, all-day Digital Music Summit will also include the Warner Music Nashville kickoff luncheon, an interactive conversation with Garth Brooks, Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS 2023, and the third annual ‘Paddle Royale’ ping-pong tournament, where artists will face off against high-profile industry leaders.

More agenda details surrounding the remainder of CRS 2023 will be released soon.

Registration for CRS 2023 is open available through CountryRadioSeminar.com. Single-day passes are also being made available for purchase. Day passes are now available on the CRS 2023 registration page (here) and will also be available for purchase on-site.

CMA Honors Industry Professionals At Annual Touring Awards

Pictured (L-R, back row): Morgan Pitt and Chrissy Hall (Ryman Auditorium), John Huie, John Stalder, Austin Neal, Chris Kappy, Dan Hochhalter, Robert Scovill, Jill Trunnell and Brian O’Connell. (L-R, front row): Michael Zuehsow, David Farmer, Keith Urban, Stephanie Mundy Self, Tyler Hutcheson and Jerry Slone. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA

The Country Music Association honored 16 industry professionals during the 2022 CMA Touring Awards last night (Jan. 30) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.

Hosted by Keith Urban, the ceremony marked the return of the CMA Touring Awards after its two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. With the touring sector being the second largest category of CMA membership, the evening was filled with celebratory reunions.

CAA Music Nashville Co-Head John Huie received the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. His fellow CAA Music Nashville Co-Head Rod Essig presented him with the night’s hightest honor, which is given to an individual who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout the years as well as made an unprecedented historical impact on country music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on country music and CMA for generations to come.

Prior to his award acceptance, a video montage played featuring interviews and congratulatory messages from artists and industry executives who have worked closely with and have been impacted by Huie. Zac Brown, Essig, Amy Grant, Joan Jett, Lady A, Rob Light, Ron Sakamoto and Michael W. Smith all spoke about his personality, hard work, dedication and support for his artists and peers.

During the ceremony, Urban took time honor his longtime production manager, Randy “Baja” Fletcher, who passed away while on the road in 2021. Natalie Fletcher, Randy Fletcher’s daughter, took the stage to talk about her father’s legacy as well as her own experience on the road with Urban this past year. Echoing an underlying theme from all the Touring Award recipients was Natalie’s immense gratitude to be back on the road again and for each member of the “road family” that work tirelessly to make life on the road run smoothly.

The 2022 CMA Touring Award winners were determined by CMA members in the following 15 categories: Advertising/Public Relations/Media; Affiliated; Artist; Entertainment Services; Marketing/Digital; Musician; Personal Manager; Record Label; Talent Agent; Talent Buyer/Promoter; Touring; and Venue.

2022 CMA Touring Award Winners:

Category 1 – Business Manager of the Year
Stephanie Mundy Self (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC)

Category 2 – Coach/Truck Driver of the Year
John Stalder (Kenny Chesney)

Category 3 – Front Of House (FOH) Engineer of the Year
Robert Scovill (Kenny Chesney)

Category 4 – Lighting Director of the Year
Chris Reade (Dierks Bentley)

Category 5 – Manager of the Year
Chris Kappy (Make Wake Artists)

Category 6 – Tour Manager of the Year
David Farmer (Kenny Chesney)

Category 7 – Monitor Engineer of the Year
Michael Zuehsow (Luke Combs)

Category 8 – Production Manager of the Year
Jerry Slone (Luke Combs)

Category 9 – Publicist of the Year
Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media)

Category 10 – Talent Agent of the Year
Austin Neal (The Neal Agency)

Category 11 – Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year
Brian O’Connell (Live Nation Nashville)

Category 12 – Tour Videographer/Photographer of the Year
Jill Trunnell (Kenny Chesney)

Category 13 – Tour Video Director of the Year
Tyler Hutcheson (Luke Combs)

Category 14 – Touring Musician of the Year
Dan Hochhalter (Dierks Bentley)

Category 15 – Venue of the Year
Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN)