Jimmy Harnen has been elevated to President/CEO at BMLG Records, and inked a new long-term deal with the company.

Harnen will continue to oversee the BMLG Records’ roster of artists including trailblazing Diamond-certified superstars Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Brett Young, Danielle Bradbery and Riley Green.

“I am so proud of what Jimmy has helped to build at the Big Machine Label Group,” said Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “He and I have been breaking acts and making hits together for the better part of the last 20 years. I’m thrilled that he’s committed to continue to lead BMLG Records as he’s been an integral part of the overall success. His passion for the artists, staff, craft and leadership of BMLG Records is second to none. I also love that we continue to challenge each other every day to be the absolute best in the business. The new era has begun.”

Adds Harnen, “I can’t wait for everything the future brings! I truly believe there has never been a more exciting time to be in the music business and this new era for BMLG will be groundbreaking on every level. On a personal note, I could not be more thankful for everything Scott has done for me. He took a chance on a kid from Pennsylvania and gave me the opportunity to succeed. Fight like apes!”

Under his leadership, BMLG Records has scored 31 No. 1 hits, 39 Top 10 singles and released 23 albums that have accumulated millions in sales and billions of streams. The label is home to two of the five most downloaded country singles of all-time – Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” and The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young.”

The most recent signees to BMLG Records Lady Antebellum, saw their debut single, “What If I Never Get Over You,” earn the most first-week adds from country radio of their accomplished career. Additionally, Harnen guided the rise of Brett Young’s first five consecutive No. 1 singles as well as Riley Green’s debut No. 1 hit.

A fabulous artist deserves a fabulous museum exhibit and a fabulous party in her honor at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Multiple Grammy honoree Kacey Musgraves was in the spotlight on Monday (July 1) at the Hall. She is the subject of an extensive overview of her young career titled “Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors.”

“There’s a lot to be celebrated and a lot to be remembered,” Kacey said, with tears brimming in her eyes. Seeing her life’s mementos in the hallowed Hall moved her immensely.

We began the eve with a cocktail supper. Guests schmoozed and noshed on delish mini spring rolls, mushroom caps stuffed with herbed cream cheese, roast beef sandwiches, pork dumplings, roasted veggies and more. Then the program began.

“I’m pleased and proud to welcome you to the opening of our new exhibit,” said HoF CEO Kyle Young. “Artistry doesn’t recognize format,” he added, referring to Kacey’s genre-leaping music. “And yet, each of the plaques in the Hall of Fame represents artistry and not replication…..which bring us to Kacey Musgraves.”

“This is crazy, this is absolutely insane,” responded Kacey. “I admit that when the Country Music Hall of Fame approached me about this, I went, ‘Whatever….’ But I feel unworthy. They assured me that it was the right moment [for this].

“I’m very proud of my story and where I am right now…..To see everything laid out is a really healthy and beautiful thing for me. There are a lot of really happy memories that I am really happy to share.”

Normally the picture of cool, calm and collected, Kacey became verklempt several times during her remarks. She then shared with us the story that the one artifact the museum turned down was a joint she’d saved that Willie Nelson had given her.

Kacey was quick to credit her family for much of what was on exhibit. Seated at a stage-front table were her grandmother, whom Kacey said was her first booking agent; her mom, who saved everything; and her grandfather, whose record collection was her inspiration.

She thanked the Hall of Fame’s staff, who were, “so patient with me with all the details.” Her thanks also extended to, “The Nashville community – I’ve learned so much from all of my friends, all of my songwriter friends. I love all of you here.”

That would include such A-Listers as star-to-be Mickey Guyton, plus Scott Borchetta, Royce Risser, Susan Stewart, Leslie Fram, Jason Owen, Joanna Carter, the Frist museum’s Susan Edwards, Jerry Douglas, Jon Freeman, Hunter Kelly, Bob Delevante, Seab Tuck, the Nashville Public Library’s Kent Oliver, Lisa Sutton, Donna Hughes, Bill Denny, Barry Mazor, ace drummer Fred Eltringham, Karen Hayes of Parnassus Books, Ben Vaughn, Charlie Monk, Phil Ryan & Meredith Libby, Lori Ann Mauney of Servis 1st Bank, Jim Sherradin, Earle Simmons, Marion Williams and Nancy Kruh.

The exhibit is one of the museum’s most visually delightful in recent memory. While making her mark as a brilliant singer-songwriter, Kacey has also turned heads with her imaginative stage wear.

The long, sweeping, glass-cases promenade begins with childhood-performer memorabilia and carries Kacey’s career through the CDs Same Trailer, Different Park; Pageant Material and Golden Hour. All these changes are illustrated by brilliantly inventive costumes. Including, by the way, a “rhinestone cowgirl” jacket with flashing pin lights and light-up boots to match.

Ithaca Holdings LLC., a media holding company led by SB Projects founder Scooter Braun, and Big Machine Label Group, a leading independent record label founded by Scott Borchetta, announced today a finalized contract under which Ithaca Holdings will acquire Big Machine Label Group. The combination creates one of the most powerful label, management, streaming, publishing and media companies by combining complimentary services, artists, executives and expertise.

The acquisition encompasses all aspects of BMLG’s business, including its client roster, distribution deals, publishing sides and owned artist masters. The masters from Taylor Swift’s albums with BMLG are included in the acquisition portfolio.

Borchetta will join the Ithaca board, acquire a minority interest in Ithaca and remain President and CEO of BMLG. BMLG will continue normal operations out of Nashville.

The Carlyle Group, which initially invested in Ithaca in 2017, is supporting the transaction, alongside Scooter Braun and Ithaca Holdings, through an additional equity investment by way of its Carlyle Partners VI fund. Carlyle will remain a minority shareholder in Ithaca and continue to support the combined company’s growth strategy with Jay Sammons, Head of Carlyle’s Global Consumer, Media and Retail team, remaining on Ithaca’s Board.

“The idea of Scott and I working together is nothing new, we’ve been talking about it since the beginning of our friendship,” said Braun. “I reached out to him when I saw an opportunity and, after many conversations, realized our visions were aligned. He’s built a brilliant company full of iconic songs and artists. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? By joining together, we will create more opportunities for artists than ever before, by giving them the support and tools to go after whatever dreams they wish to pursue.”

“Scooter and I have been aligned with ‘big vision brings big results’ from the very first time we met in 2010,” said Borchetta. “Since then I have watched him build an incredible and diverse company that is a perfect complement to the Big Machine Label Group. Our artist-first spirit and combined roster of talent, executives, and assets is now a global force to be reckoned with. This is a very special day and the beginning of what is sure to be a fantastic partnership and historic run.”

Ithaca’s recent transactions include the launch of Mythos Studios in partnership with Marvel Founding Chairman David Maisel, the acquisition of Atlas Publishing and partnerships with Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment as well as Morris Higham Management. Ithaca also has a long-standing investment in and partnership with Aubrey “Drake” Graham and Adel “Future” Nur. In 2019, Ithaca launched Raised in Space, an investment fund focused on the intersection of music and technology led by former BMG President Zach Katz. In addition, Ithaca houses Braun’s SB Projects, which services some of the biggest pop-culture icons in the world, including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, J. Balvin, Demi Lovato, Tori Kelly, Zac Brown Band, Dan + Shay and many more.

Founded in 2005 by President and CEO Scott Borchetta, BMLG is home to Taylor Swift’s music catalogue and superstar artists such as Reba Mcentire, Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, and Lady Antebellum. The label group encompasses four imprints including Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records and Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. In 2012, BMLG launched publishing company Big Machine Music which today publishes hit songwriters such as Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Brandy Clark and Laura Veltz.

BMLG signed Taylor Swift at the beginning of her career and helped develop her into a global superstar. The label released all six of Swift’s multi-platinum studio albums including Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and reputation. Under Big Machine, Swift earned 10 GRAMMY® nominations and broke records by becoming the only artist in Nielsen Music history to achieve four million-selling weeks.

In its 14 years of existence, BMLG companies have amassed over 118 No. 1 songs and sold over 65 million albums worldwide. Six of the top 10 digital Country songs of all time have all been released by BMLG or by BMLG artists including Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” as well as their collaboration with Bebe Rexha titled “Meant To Be”; Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now”; Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me”; and The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young.”

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 627

MusicRow magazine has been giving awards annually for more than 30 years, but its ceremony took a giant leap forward on Wednesday evening (June 26).

The event moved from the lobbies of BMI or ASCAP to the War Memorial Auditorium. Table sponsorships were offered, and the celebration sold out. Winners’ names were kept secret until they were announced on stage. A cocktail supper was provided. Classy video graphics were added.

There were several new award categories. A new trophy was introduced, designed by artisan Santana Matlock. It is a column of concrete containing earth from the historic sites of Music Row.

One thing that has probably not changed is that the winners are often predictors of what will transpire at the CMA Awards the following fall. Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Bryan and more have been honored by MusicRow before ascending to CMA glory.

So keep an eye on Wednesday’s big MusicRow winners Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Jimmie Allen, Tenille Townes, Hillary Lindsey and Josh Osborne. By the way, McBryde was a double winner.

Here’s something else that was new this year, a celebrity co-host. TV personality and media coach Alecia Davis proved to be a bright and lively foil for MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson as they zipped through a fast-paced awards event.

Sherod said she gave him advice about the elements that are in play when hosting an awards show. Then they bantered about it.

“Starting tonight, welcome to the Golden Globes of country music,” Sherod quipped. He was referring to the fact that the Globes predict the Oscars and are far more goofy and relaxed. He wants his industry to feel the same about MusicRow’s presentations.

He listed Alecia’s award-show monologue elements, and both of them dismissed most of them. Tell jokes? Nope. Riff on news headlines? Nope. Sing and dance? Nope and nope. Do a selfie? Yes, they did that.

How about roasting people? They listed sponsors CAA, Vaden Group/Elliott Davis, Keller Turner Andrews Ghanem, City National Bank, Ram Trucks and Todd Cassetty. So, no roasting. At least not them.

Sherod and Alecia kept up their light-hearted energy throughout the ceremony. First up was the presentation of the 2019 All-Star Musician honors.

“This is the one we all want,” said guitar winner Derek Wells. “Thank you, MusicRow – this is amazing,” said fiddle winner Jenee Fleenor. Her category was a tie with Stuart Duncan and Alison Krauss. “I am happy to split this, because they are my heroes,” she added.

“I want give a shout-out to all of these up here [on stage] with me and all the other players in the trenches,” said keyboards winner Charles Judge. “We have the greatest gig in the world,” said backup-vocalist winner Russell Terrell. “It’s a blessing beyond belief.”

“It’s amazing to me that I get to stand up here with the greatest musicians in the world,” commented engineer winner Justin Niebank. The other honorees were Nir Z (drums), Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass) and Paul Franklin, plus Russ Pahl (a tie for steel).

Dann Huff returned to the MusicRow stage as 2019 Producer of the Year. He previously won in 2013 and 2006. “I appreciate this very much,” he remarked. “My biggest thanks are to the artists and musicians and Justin and my wife, Sherri, who has put up with my schedule since I started playing guitar at age 18.”

UMG was named Label of the Year. CAA won Talent Agency of the Year. The Breakthrough Songwriter award went to Jordan Reynolds. Publisher Ben Vaughn accepted on his behalf.

“He’s had an amazing year,” said Ben. “He’s had a No. 1 country song (“Tequila,” “Speechless”). He’s had a No. 1 Christian song. He couldn’t be here because he is at a writer’s retreat, and is probably already three songs into it by now.”

At this point, Sherod and Alecia decided they were jealous of the rest of us, making merry and drinking our wine. They asked for somebody backstage to bring them some wine.

Out came surprise guest Kathie Lee Gifford, famous for her wine imbibing on daytime TV. She has moved to Franklin and has been collaborating on songs with attendee Brett James, among others. She shared her own wine brand with the co-hosts.

“I’m happy,” she said. “It’s this place. Everyone is so loving, and they love my wine. I’m blessed beyond belief. My dream job is what I’m doing right now. I can’t thank you enough for the welcome that I’ve received and the warmth.”

“Nashville is built on relationships, and we’re all here because of relationships,” explained Sherod.

“She’s like a dose of sunshine,” said Alecia.

Jimmie Allen won Breakthrough Artist-Writer. Josh Osborne won Male Songwriter. Hillary Lindsey won Female Songwriter.

The Song of the Year went to “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” by Ashley McBryde and Jeremy Bussey. “I knew when I sat down in a room with her that she was something special,” said Jeremy. “It’s the first song we ever wrote together. Thank you to everyone who ever sat in a room with me.”

Sherod announced that a new award was being created and named for MusicRow’s longest-tenured critic. “What do you look for in a new artist?” he asked Robert K. Oermann.

RKO referred to his many years of reviewing acts. In so doing, he did a shout-out to MusicRow founder David M. Ross. Then he addressed the question.

“If you are a new artist, I expect you to say something to us in your music,” RKO said. “I expect you to be a student of this business. This is a community—get to know it. Most of all, I expect you to be different. Don’t come here as a clone of a star, because we already have that star. I want you to be you.”

RKO then announced Tenille Townes as the winner of the Robert K. Oermann Discovery Artist award. “This is so cool,” she said. “I respect all of the other nominees, and I consider myself so lucky to do this. When I first came to town at age 14, I made my mother drive me up and down Music Row. I was in awe of all the buildings. To now be a part of that is unbelievable.”

Bussey reappeared to accept on behalf of McBryde when she was named Breakthrough Artist. “This is one of my favorite people on the planet,” Jeremy said. “She’s the coolest chick I’ve ever met, an awesome, incredible soul. Thank you guys for this. We all know it’s tough to be a woman [in country music] right now.”

The Luke Combs triumph as MusicRow subscribers’ Artist of the Year capped the eve.

Working the room were nominees Kevin Welch, Scott Hendricks, Caylee Hammack, C.J. Solar, Laura Veltz, Tofer Brown, Brad Clawson, Aaron Eshuis, Will Weatherly, HARDY, Sean McConnell, Hailey Whitters, and Bobby Pinson. Also such enduring fabulons as Tom Luteran, Tim Wipperman, Tim Fink, Charlie Cook, Craig Campbell, Martha Moore, Steve O’Brien, Pat Higdon, R.J. Curtis and Dale Bobo.

Aspiring hit makers Julia Still, Morgan Clark and Brinn Black were there. So were Bob DiPiero, James Elliott, Kos Weaver, Josh Van Valkenburg, Brad Peterson, John Ozier, Preshias Tomes, Victoria Shaw, Suzanne Lee, E.T. Brown, Chris Kappy, Becky Harris, and Mike Sistad.

The catering was quite good. We noshed to our hearts’ content on burger sliders, red-pepper hummus, pita bread, shrimp & grits, melted-cheese toast points, exquisitely dressed pasta salad, veggies, hot-chicken sliders, polenta bites with sun-dried tomato and feta topping and many mini desserts.