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Sony Music Nashville Promotes Jim Catino

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Jim Catino

Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino has been promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R. Most recently Vice President of A&R, Catino is a 22-year music industry veteran who first joined the label group in October of 2001. Based in Nashville, he continues to report directly to Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman.

In his new role, Catino will continue signing and developing artists with Sony Music Nashville’s three labels – Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville – and, overseeing the A&R team which includes Senior Director Taylor Lindsey, Associate Director John Johnson and A&R Representative Margaret Tomlin.

“I’m excited to be making this announcement today,” said Goodman. “Since arriving at Sony Music Nashville 21 months ago, I’ve been impressed with Jim’s ‘ears’ and sensibilities as well as the great team that he’s built around him. He’s always looking to do the right thing as it relates to the artists and their music and has been the driver of some of our great, early successes.”

“It has been an honor to be a part of the Sony Family over the past 15 years,” Catino says. “My A&R experiences have been so rewarding. I’m grateful to Randy for the opportunities he’s given me, particularly entrusting me with our A&R focus going forward. We’re creating an exciting, fresh culture that is so artist and music friendly. Randy has allowed our A&R team to lead that charge in new ways.”

Prior to joining Sony Music Nashville, Catino held posts at DreamWorks Music Publishing, Giant Records and MCA Music Publishing. At each company, he worked closely with songwriters and secured copyrights.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Catino graduated from Belmont University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Music Business. He serves on the Board of Belmont’s Music Business Department and is a member of the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Leadership Music and The Recording Academy, including the P&E Wing.

Catino and his wife Molly and daughters Katy and Kelly reside in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Brett James’ Cornman Music Launches Management Division

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Shea Fowler

Cornman Music has launched CornMGMT, which will be helmed by former Cornman Music Creative Director Shea Fowler. Additionally, Rakiyah Marshall has been added to the Cornman Music family as Creative Director.

“As Shea Fowler takes over the helm of our CornMGMT team, we are super excited to have Rakiyah Marshall joining our Cornman Music family as Creative Director,” said Brett James, who started the boutique publishing company in 2007. “She’s the perfect blend of youth and experience and her warmth and sense of humor make her the perfect fit.”

Fowler will oversee management for Cornman Music’s Caitlyn Smith who was recently announced as one of Monument Records’ flagship artists under the label helmed by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally.

“I am so excited and honored to be to be a part of the Cornman Music family, owned by acclaimed songwriter Brett James, who has given me the opportunity to work with such talented writers and a rich catalogue of hits,” Marshall said. “Looking forward to this new journey and the chance to discover homes for some great songs.”

Rakiyah Marshall

Housed on Music Row in Nashville, Cornman Music’s roster of artists and songwriters include Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, Steven Lee Olsen, Josh Mirenda, Nick Brophy, Josh Miller and Smith. Cornman is a co-venture with Warner/Chappell and has had hits such as Meghan Trainor and John Legend’s duet “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach,” among other cuts by Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and many others.

Marshall, a native New Yorker, is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Broadcasting/Business Administration. Following graduation, she spent two years in Marketing at Verve Label Group. After her time at Verve, Marshall joined Republic Records radio promotion team working with artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Her passion for country music led her to Nashville. She can be reached at [email protected].

Fowler has served as Creative Director at Cornman Music since 2012. A graduate of Belmont University with a B.S. in Entertainment Industry Studies, Fowler worked as the A&R Coordinator at Big Machine Label Group for three years before joining Cornman Music. She can be reached at [email protected].

BMLG Names Matt Brum As Director, Digital Strategy and Social Media

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Matthew Brum

Big Machine Label Group has added Matt Brum as Director, Digital Strategy and Social Media, effective immediately. Brum will report to BMLG CMO Mike Rittberg and be responsible for engineering digital and social strategies for Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records and Nash Icon Records.

“We are so excited to be having Matt join the Big Machine family,” shared Rittberg. “He lives the ‘digital world’ and we look forward to having his passion help drive our artists to the next level.”

Brum most recently served as Social Media Manager for the Grand Ole Opry where he created content for the Opry’s more than 1.5 million followers. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Brum moved to Nashville in 2012.

“It has been my privilege to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry family and to be a part of the Opry story,” shared Brum. “I am ecstatic to begin this new journey with Big Machine Label Group and to continue to build upon BMLG’s solid foundation, innovative approach and unprecedented impact on our industry. I am humbled and honored to work alongside Mike and the incredible BMLG team. I am looking forward to utilizing my strengths and talents to take the label group and its artists to the next level.”

Bobby Karl Works The Patsy Cline Museum Grand Opening In Nashville

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Museum founder Shannon Miller, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Museum founder Bill Miller, Julie Fudge

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 559

Several years ago, I visited Memphis and was mortified to find it had more music attractions than Music City.

At the time, they had Graceland, Sun Records, Stax Records, the Museum of Rock & Soul and an Isaac Hayes restaurant (they’ve now added a blues museum and a Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Back in the day, we had the Country Music Hall of Fame and Opryland, period.

Then came our George Jones Museum (2015), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013), Ryman history exhibits (2015), Music City Walk of Fame (2006), Fontanel mansion (2010), Opry House dressing rooms (2010) and Musicians Hall of Fame (2005).

The coup de grace came from Shannon & Bill Miller. In the heart of downtown Music City, they opened the hugely popular Johnny Cash Museum (2013) and Nudie’s Honky Tonk, with its collection of vintage costumes (2016). On Thursday (April 6), they presided over the ribbon cutting of their latest triumph, the Patsy Cline Museum.

“I’m so grateful to Bill and Shannon, who stepped up to do this,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “Today, Bill and Shannon have once again created a great space. We continue to add to our ability to attract people to come to Nashville.”

The Mayor, the Millers and Patsy’s daughter Julie Fudge took hold of giant scissors to cut the red ribbon to officially open the new museum. The capacity crowd applauded enthusiastically. Champagne flutes began circulating to one and all.

“Welcome, everybody; I’m Bill Miller, the founder of the Patsy Cline Museum — That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that,” quipped our host. “It’s truly an honor to represent this very special life. This lady has remained one of the biggest icons of all time.

“Patsy had a short career — With Patsy, the first thing I’ve discovered is that there’s not a single interview, print or broadcast. But Patsy was a prolific pen pal, thank God. She was corresponding with about 20 ladies on a very regular basis.”

Mayor Megan Barry. Photo: PLA Media

Many of those letters are on display, as are a remarkable number of original artifacts from her home. The museum contains some of the star’s jewelry collection, as well as furniture from her home’s dining room, lounge, kitchen and porch. As a teen back in Winchester, VA, she was a soda jerk at Gaunt’s Drug Store. One of its original booths is on exhibit, as is its old advertising sign.

A vintage jukebox, Patsy’s record collection, a number of items relating to the tragic plane crash that took her life, many industry awards and her collection of salt & pepper shakers are also in the museum. So are the stage costumes she designed that were hand sewn by her mom, Hilda Hensley.

“It’s been a real honor, exposing this life,” added Miller. “She was a very strong lady, kind of like our mayor.”

“This museum allows people to get a real feel for who she was,” commented Mayor Barry. “This is such an amazing space and such an amazing story. She was a mom, a star, a story and a voice. Every time she comes on the radio, you know it’s Patsy. This is really impactful to be here today.”

Julie took the Mayor through the exhibits, and they chatted at length. I was struck by the number of photos of Patsy I had never seen before that were in the displays. Videos of her performances air continuously on wall screens, and listening stations are scattered throughout. An illustrated timeline traces her life and career. One wall contains copies of every single she released.

Circulating and smiling their approval were Sarah Brosmer, Chuck Dauphin, Bob Paxman, Jim Zumwalt, Mark Logsdon, Steve Betts, Barry Mazor and Greg & Barb Hall.

Barb eagerly took me to the museum’s theater to watch the biographical short film she created using Baverly D’Angelo as its host and narrator.

In the gift shop, the merch is first rate. Tea towels, ashtrays, glasses, t-shirts, posters, kitchenware and records are just a few of the items for sale. Also in the shop is the wax figure of Patsy Cline that was created for the first all-music Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. It will soon become Nashville’s newest attraction.

Expect to see lifelike representations of Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Minnie Pearl, Blake Shelton, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Patsy and more. It opens in Opry Mills on April 14.

Your move, Memphis.

Patsy Cline family with Cline’s Madame Tussauds wax figure. Photo: PLA Media

UMG Nashville, Disney Music Group Form New Label Buena Vista Records

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Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt, and UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan

Disney Music Group (DMG) and Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN) announced the formation of their new label, Buena Vista Records (BVR), today. The new label was announced by Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt and Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO, Mike Dungan. The label plans to sign country artists as well as create and develop country music genre projects on a worldwide basis.

Buena Vista Records has signed country duo CB30. Comprised of brothers, Christian and Brody, CB30 is building a solid following. Country superstar Luke Bryan appears in the video for their catchy track “Marina.”

Said Bunt, “We are proud to be launching this new label with Mike Dungan and the incredibly successful Universal Music Nashville team. We are looking forward to launching some new careers with our combined expertise and platforms.”

Added Dungan, “We are thrilled to stand next to this iconic brand, with such a long and storied history of success, but the real bonus has come in the friendship we have developed with Ken Bunt and his incredible team of first class professionals.”

Country Music Hall of Fame Names New Class

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The 2017 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees were announced today.

Alan Jackson was named Modern Era Artist.

Jackson said, “For me to say I’m honored sounds like the standard old response, but for a man who loves Country Music there is no higher honor. This is the mountain top!”

Jerry Reed was named as the Veterans Era Artist.

“Thank you, CMA and Country Music Hall Of Fame, for recognizing all the years of love, dedication, and hard work that daddy put into his craft. He loved Country Music and would be so deeply humbled and appreciative if he was here. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Reed’s daughters, Seidina Hubbard and Lottie Zavala.

 Don Schlitz was named Songwriter.

“I live in the parentheses; I’m just a small part of a wonderful process of making music. This is overwhelming and humbling,” said Schlitz.

The songwriter category is awarded every third year in rotation with the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980” and “Non-Performer” categories.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill hosted today’s announcement.

The Class of 2017 marks the 57th group of Country Music legends to be inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame, which was created in 1961 by the Country Music Association to recognize noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with country music’s highest honor.

Formal induction ceremonies for Reed, Jackson, and Schlitz will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in the CMA Theater later this year. Since 2007, the Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.

“These three storytellers have added much to our lives, and to the story of Country Music,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “They stand as models of undeniable eloquence and empathy. Over many decades, they have brought laughter, joy, and tears to millions. The Hall of Fame Rotunda will be grander for the presence of Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed, and Don Schlitz.”

Justin Timberlake To Headline 2017 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

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Justin Timberlake. Photo: Tom Munro / RCA Records

Justin Timberlake will headline this year’s Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, set for Sept. 23-24 at the Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennessee. Last year, Timberlake signed on as both partner and producer for the festival.

Also on the performer lineup are Eddie Vedder, Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Mavis Staples, Gary Clark, Jr., Walk The Moon, Fiz and The Tantrums, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, Better Than Ezra, Shovels & Rope, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Jerry Douglas Band, Valerie June, Langhorne Slim, Nikki Lane, Joseph, Pokey LaFarge, Colony House, Amanda Shires, Larkin Poe, Karen Elson, Ruby Amanfu + Steelism, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Muddy Magnolias, Colter Wall, Banditos, Sinclair, The Shadowboxers, Blackfoot Gypsies, Kingfish, Bishop Gunn, Towne, The Settles Connection, Ralph’s World+Friends, Electric Western Dance Party, and more.

The two-day annual festival debuted in 2015, and was co-founded by Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin.

Two-day passes go for $175 and there are VIP passes for $725. Tickets go on sale Tuesday at pilgrimagefestival.com.

Andy Elliott Named VP, Promotion For Pearl Records

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Andy Elliott

Andy Elliott has joined Pearl Records as Vice President of Promotion beginning today (April 3). Most recently acting as Sr. Dir./Country Promotion and Radio Initiatives at Curb Records, Elliott’s career also includes stops as Director of National Promotion at Arista Nashville and Program Director for KJJY and KHKI in Des Moines, Iowa.

“What an honor for me to join the amazing team at Pearl Records,” said Elliott. “To work with my longtime friend Mandy McCormack and to team up with Lesly Simon again is a dream come true. Speaking of dreams, I get to work with Garth and Trisha? Someone is going to have to pinch me because I still can’t believe it.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Andy Elliott join the Pearl family,” added Mandy McCormack, SVP Radio Promotion & Marketing and Artist Strategy. “His love and commitment to Country radio, in addition to his extreme passion for the music and the artists …. he is absolutely the perfect addition! Ask Me How I Know.”

“Andy Elliott is one of the most respected promotion executives in the business,” said Lesly Simon, General Manager. “His work ethic, passion and innovative spirit are a perfect compliment to the Pearl team, and I am thrilled to be working side by side with him, again. There is no better person to represent Garth and Trisha in this role.”

Elliot can be reached at: [email protected]

ACM Awards Winners Revealed

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The stars came out last night during the 52nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held in Las Vegas.

Among the evening’s big winners were Miranda Lambert, who earned both the Female Vocalist of the Year honor, as well as Album of the Year, for The Weight Of These Wings. Meanwhile Thomas Rhett earned Song of the Year for “Die A Happy Man,” as well as Male Vocalist of the Year.

Jason Aldean earned the evening’s top honor for Entertainer of the Year.

The Florida Georgia Line/Tim McGraw collaboration “May We All” also earned two honors, for Single of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year.

Brothers Osborne also took home two trophies, for Vocal Duo of the Year and New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.

A full list of winners is available below. For a full awards show recap, click here.

ACM Awards Nominees: (Winners in bold):

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
Luke Laird
Hillary Lindsey
Shane McAnally
Lori McKenna

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Big & Rich
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Kane Brown
Chris Janson
Chris Lane
Jon Pardi
Brett Young

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Lauren Alaina
Cam
Brandy Clark
Maren Morris
* four nominees only

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
A Thousand Horses
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Black – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Dig Your Roots – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

HERO – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Brad Hill, Maren Morris; Record Label: Columbia Nashville

Ripcord – Keith Urban
Producers: Jeff Bhasker, busbee, Nathan Chapman, Nitzan Kaikov, Dann Huff, Tyler Johnson, Johnny Price, Nile Rodgers, Keith Urban, Greg Wells; Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville

The Weight of These Wings – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Blue Ain’t Your Color”-Keith Urban
Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville

“H.O.L.Y.”– Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

“Humble And Kind”-Tim McGraw
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Labels: McGraw Music, Big Machine Records

“My Church” – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Maren Morris; Record Label: Columbia Nashville

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
Publishers: WB Music Corp (ASCAP), Music Of The Corn (ASCAP), HillarodyRathbone Music (ASCAP), BMG Gold Songs (ASCAP), House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Spirit Catalog Holdings (S.a.r.l.), Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP)

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
Songwriters: Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc (BMI), Cricket On The Line (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Eastman Pond Publishing (BMI), Music of Big Deal (BMI), Nice Life (BMI), Frederic And Reid Music (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Brodsky Spensive Publishing (BMI)

“Humble And Kind” – Tim McGraw
Songwriter: Lori McKenna
Publishers: Songs of Universal Inc (BMI), Hoodie Songs (BMI)

“Kill A Word” – Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens
Songwriters: Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Publishers: Emileon Songs (BMI), Little Louder Songs (BMI), Longer And Louder Music (BMI), Mammaw’s Fried Okra Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI)

“Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Dean Dillon, Linda Hargrove
Publishers: Universal-Songs Of PolyGram International (BMI), EMI Algee (BMI)

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Smack Hits (GMR), Kobalt Music Group,
Ltd. (GMR), Anderson Fork In The Road Music (ASCAP), Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. (ASCAP), Smackville Music (ASCAP)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY XFINITY [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“Fire Away” – Chris Stapleton
Director: Tim Mattia; Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

“Forever Country” – Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Director: Joseph Kahn; Producers: Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern, Damon Whiteside

“Humble And Kind” – Tim McGraw
Director: Wes Edwards; Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

“Peter Pan” – Kelsea Ballerini
Director: Kristin Barlowe; Producer: Michelle Abnet

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy; Producer: Ashley Bergeron Ford

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Different For Girls” – Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King; Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

“Forever Country” – Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Producer: Shane McAnally; Record Label: MCA Nashville

“May We All” – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

“Setting The World On Fire” – Kenny Chesney Featuring P!nk
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville

“Think Of You” – Chris Young Featuring Cassadee Pope
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, RCA Records

Weekly Chart Report (3/31/17)

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