Sony Corp. A Contender For Elvis Presley Estate

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elvisThe estates of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali, owned by Core Media, were up for a second round of auction bidding which ended Wednesday (Aug. 14), according to the New York Post. Assets of the estate include a half interest in Elvis’ music publishing catalog, which has an annual net publishing revenue of $6 million. According to reports, real estate assets Graceland and Heartbreak Hotel are also included in the Presley estate. Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie commented via Twitter, stating that, “Graceland and all of its artifacts are all mine and always will B [sic].”
Sony Corp. and the G2 Investment Group are reportedly working on a joint bid for the assets. Sony Music Entertainment currently controls the Presley master recording catalog; a purchase of the estate would eliminate artist royalty payments from Sony to the estate.

Industry Ink (8-16-13)

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Pictured (L-R): Kevin Herring (VP National Promotion, WMN), Chris Stacey (SVP Promotion, WMN), Justin Luffman (VP Brand Management, WMN), Kristen Williams (Director National Promotion, WMN), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP & General Manager, WMN)

Pictured (L-R): Kevin Herring (VP National Promotion, WMN), Chris Stacey (SVP Promotion, WMN), Justin Luffman (VP Brand Management, WMN), Kristen Williams (Director National Promotion, WMN), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Peter Strickland (EVP & General Manager, WMN)


• The Warner Music Nashville promotion team had a lot to celebrate recently when they scored two chart-toppers in the same week. Brett Eldredge marked his first No. 1 with “Don’t Ya,” On Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart the same week that Hunter Hayes landed atop Country Aircheck‘s Mediabase chart with “I Want Crazy,” his third consecutive No 1.
The label also had three albums in the Top 5 on SoundScan’s Top Current Country Albums chart with Brett Eldredge’s Bring You Back, Blake Shelton’s Based On a True Story… and Hunter Hayes’ (Encore).
“This is a big day for the Warner Music Family,” said Chris Stacey, SVP Promotion, WMN. “This feels like the culmination of years of hard work finally starting to pay off. We have the most passionate and dedicated promo team in the business! This milestone moment will not be taken lightly—but will drive us to fight even harder for our artists.”
• SESAC has signed singer/songwriter Greg Crowe for representation. Crowe has penned cuts for Montgomery Gentry, Sammy Kershaw, and Lonestar, and his song “We’re Fired Up” is the official song of the Tennessee Titans Radio Network.  Crowe has also signed with publishing company Swat Music Group, and recently visited SESAC’s Nashville headquarters with publishing executives to celebrate.
Pictured (L-R): Swat Music Group/Busy At Play Publishing’s Johnny Garcia, SESAC’s John Mullins, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Swat Music Group’s Jamin Swantner. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Swat Music Group/Busy At Play Publishing’s Johnny Garcia, SESAC’s John Mullins, Greg Crowe, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Swat Music Group’s Jamin Swantner. Photo: Peyton Hoge


• BMI singer-songwriter Mike Walker has signed a deal with HoriPro Entertainment. “Mike’s an uncommonly gifted writer, musician and performer,” says BMI Sr. Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Bradley Collins. “He and HoriPro are a great creative match.”
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Petree Law’s Chip Petree, Mike Walker, and HoriPro’s Lee Krabel, Butch Baker and Tim Stehli. Photo by Drew Maynard.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Petree Law’s Chip Petree, Mike Walker, and HoriPro’s Lee Krabel, Butch Baker and Tim Stehli. Photo: Drew Maynard.


 
• nashfmlogo11Blair Garner and his co-hosts from “America’s Morning Show” on NASH FM 94.7 are lending a hand to raise funds to help Staten Island resident/Hurricane Sandy hero Pete Vadola, whose house was destroyed by a devastating fire last month.
Vadola rescued over 200 residents in his Staten Island neighborhood using a small motorboat found floating in the street. After learning of Vadola’s incredible story, Blair Garner and his co-hosts asked listeners to call in with information on how to set up a fundraising account for donations to help rebuild the Vadola’s lives. The response from listeners was overwhelming and a fundraising account was established. NASH FM 94.7 and “America’s Morning Show” provide a link on their website, NASHFM947.com/Pete that takes contributors directly to a secure site for donating to the cause.
“Radio is at its best when it serves its community, and that very idea speaks to the core of who we are in Country music,” Garner said. “When someone needs help, you reach out because it’s the right thing to do. We’re going to do everything we can to take care of Pete and his family. All I did was speak from my heart about Pete’s story, and from there, the listeners rose to the occasion.”

NSAI Honors No. 1 Songs

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Pictured (Front row, L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, Paul Jenkins, Connie Harrington, Natalie Hemby, Jessi Alexander. (Second row, standing, L-R): Luke Laird, David Lee Murphy, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Yeary, Andrew Dorff, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, Mark Bright, Tim James, Craig Wiseman, President’s Choice Award recipient Gerry House, Jason Sellers, Tom Shapiro

Pictured (Front row, L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, Paul Jenkins, Connie Harrington, Natalie Hemby, Jessi Alexander. (Second row, standing, L-R): Luke Laird, David Lee Murphy, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Yeary, Andrew Dorff, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, Mark Bright, Tim James, Craig Wiseman, President’s Choice Award recipient Gerry House, Jason Sellers, Tom Shapiro


The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) hosted a No. 1 Party on Tuesday, Aug. 13 to honor the writers of songs reaching the top spot between April and June 2013. The event, sponsored by Bill Lynch of Lynch Wealth Management, also featured several make-up presentations to writers who were unable to attend when their songs were previously honored.
The NSAI President’s Choice Award was presented to Nashville radio icon and hit songwriter Gerry House, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the protection and betterment of the songwriting profession.
Songs Recognized (April – June 2013)
“Anywhere With You,” Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, Jimmy Yeary, recorded by Jake Owen
“Boys ‘Round Here,” Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Craig Wiseman, recorded by Blake Shelton w/ Pistol Annies & Friends
“Downtown,” Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Get Your Shine On,” Rodney Clawson, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Chris Tompkins, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Give It All We Got Tonight,” Mark Bright, Tim James, Phil O’Donnell, recorded by George Strait
“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Yeary, recorded by Lee Brice
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Paul Jenkins, Jason Sellers, Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson, recorded by Thompson Square
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Somebody’s Heartbreak,” Laird, Andrew Dorff, Hunter Hayes, recorded by Hunter Hayes
“Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor, recorded by Darius Rucker
Make-up Presentations (For writers who were unable to attend previously when their songs were first honored.)
Luke Laird, “One Of Those Nights,” recorded by Tim McGraw
Jason Sellers, “I Won’t Let Go,” recorded by Rascal Flatts
Natalie Hemby, “Tornado,” recorded by Little Big Town
Tom Shapiro, “Why Wait,” recorded by Rascal Flatts

Industry Ink (8-15-13)

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The Combustion Music staff and “Don’t Ya” co-writer Ashley Gorley gathered at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday evening (Aug. 13) to celebrate Brett Eldredge‘s first chart-topping single. After a three-song performance Eldredge and the Combustion crew visited backstage with “Don’t Ya” co-writer Chris Destefano and Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. “Don’t Ya” is Gorley’s 11th No. 1 as a songwriter. He has been with Combustion Music since 2001.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Chris Destefano, Chris Van Belkom, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Chris Destefano, Chris Van Belkom, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn.

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Matt Cottingham

Matt Cottingham


Entertainment law firm Petree Law has moved offices and announced a new hire. The law practice is now operating from 336 22nd Ave. N. in Nashville. Entertainment attorney Chip Petree has hired Matt Cottingham to join the firm as an associate. Cottingham started at Petree Law on Aug. 1; previously he worked with ICS Law Group for four years, specializing in entertainment, intellectual property and business law. He serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), and is a member of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Association.
Petree has represented a diverse client group including songwriters, artists, producers and music publishers since 2004. Prior to establishing Petree Law, he worked in the legal and business affairs departments for the RIAA, BMG Entertainment and MTV Networks. Petree continues to serve as general manager of Copyright Exchange, the Nashville-based consulting and brokerage firm he helped found in 2005.

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KatieAlphonso2013-111111

Katie Alphonso


SESAC has promoted Katie Alphonso to Manager, Royalty Distribution. Alphonso will supervise royalty distribution functions and related staff, including the processing, calculation and analysis of royalty distribution for broadcast and live music, as well as the compilation and distribution of royalty statements for all SESAC affiliates.
Alphonso joined SESAC in 2004, and has held numerous positions, including Data and Reporting Analyst, Copyright Administrator, Per Program Project Leader, and most recently, Domestic Royalty Administrator.

Marv Green Celebrates 20 Years of Songwriting Success

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Warner/Chappell Music and THiS Music recently celebrated songwriter Marv Green’s 20+ years of hit-making success. Green’s compositions include songs recorded by Eric Church (“Creepin'”), Dustin Lynch (“Wild In Your Smile”), Reba (“Consider Me Gone”), Carrie Underwood (“Wasted”), Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (“Let’s Make Love”), Brooks & Dunn (“Proud of the House We Built”), Rodney Atkins (“Farmer’s Daughter”) and George Strait (“True”), among others.
Green was recently feted by performing a full set of his hits and new songs during an Aug. 7 performance at Nashville music venue The Basement. Lucky attendees not only enjoyed a stellar performance by Green but left with a commemorative CD featuring both hits and future hits.
The Santa Barbara, Calif. native captured his first No. 1 hit, “True,” recorded by George Strait in 1998. The following year he scored his second No. 1 with Lonestar‘s “Amazed,” spending eight weeks at No. 1. Green was honored by BMI with Song Of The Year Award in 2000, and was awarded the BMI Songwriter Of The Year in 2001. He also claimed the ACM Song Of The Year for “Amazed” as well as a Grammy nomination. The series of hits listed above followed, making Green one of Nashville’s most sought-after writers.

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music), Marv Green, Rusty Gaston (General Manager and Partner, THiS Music)

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music), Marv Green, Rusty Gaston (General Manager and Partner, THiS Music)

ASCAP Holds Superstar Writer's Night at Bluebird Cafe

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ASCAP recently welcomed songwriters and artists Clare Dunn, Steven Clawson, JT Harding, Trevor Rosen, Ashley Gorley, Jessi Alexander, Brandy Clark and Chris DeStefano to two writer’s rounds at the Bluebird Cafe on Thursday (Aug. 8). The 6 p.m. writer’s round featuring Dunn, Clawson, Rosen and Harding was hosted by ASCAP Sr. Creative Director Mike Sistad.
The 9 p.m. writer’s round featuring Alexander, Clark and DeStefano was hosted and coordinated by Gorley, and held as a benefit for cancer survivor and family friend Tammy Akers.
Songs written by these writers include “Somewhere with You” – Kenny Chesney (JT Harding), “Better Dig Two” – The Band Perry (Trevor Rosen), “Crash My Party” – Luke Bryan (Ashley Gorley), “I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice (Jessi Alexander), “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert (Brandy Clark) and “Don’t Ya” – Brett Eldredge (Chris DeStefano).

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Steven Clawson, ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski, JT Harding, ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan, Trevor Rosen and Clare Dunn

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Steven Clawson, ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski, JT Harding, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Trevor Rosen and Clare Dunn.


Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Brandy Clark, Ashley Gorley, Jessi Alexander and Chris DeStefano.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Brandy Clark, Ashley Gorley, Jessi Alexander and Chris DeStefano.

[Updated] Industry Ink (8-12-13)

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Round Hill Music has signed a co-publishing deal with songwriter/producer Marti Frederiksen. Frederiksen has collaborated with Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Daughtry, Sheryl Crow and Pink, among many others. Frederiksen penned the songs “Jaded” (Aerosmith), “Love Remains The Same” (Gavin Rossdale), “Sorry” (Buckcherry) and “Undo It” (Carrie Underwood), among others.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Gruss, Michael Lau, Marti Frederiksen, Mallory Zumbach, Neil Gillis.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Gruss, Michael Lau, Marti Frederiksen, Mallory Zumbach, Neil Gillis.

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The Agency Coalition has signed country music duo Haley & Michaels. Nashville-based Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels are originally from the Bay Area. Though they grew up just three miles apart, Haley and Michaels met through a mutual guitar player in Nashville. Other acts on the Agency Coalition roster include Josh Gracin, Julie Roberts, Katie Armiger, Nappy Roots, Space Capone, The Delta Saints and more.

Pictured (L-R): (Back row): The Agency Coalition’s Wesley Harvey, Joe Kappelmann, Brian Waymire, Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels.(Front row, kneeling): The Agency Coalition’s Jeremy Tharp, Ryan Huie.

Pictured (L-R): (Back row): The Agency Coalition’s Wesley Harvey, Joe Kappelmann, Brian Waymire, Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels. (Front row, kneeling): The Agency Coalition’s Jeremy Tharp, Ryan Huie.

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BMG Chrysalis has signed songwriter and artist Doug McCormick. McCormick is represented by William Morris Entertainment and has opened for Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, David Nail, and Colt Ford. McCormick is currently working on a new EP and is continuing to play upwards of 150 dates per year.

Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins (BMI Sr. Director, Writer-Publisher Relations); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); Doug McCormick; Matthew Cottingham (Attorney, ICS Law Group, P.C.); Braeden Rountree (Agent, William Morris Entertainment)

Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins (BMI Sr. Director, Writer-Publisher Relations); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); Doug McCormick; Matthew Cottingham (Attorney, ICS Law Group, P.C.); Braeden Rountree (Agent, William Morris Entertainment)

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Inside the Johnny Cash Museum.

Inside the Johnny Cash Museum.


Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum has received the GEM rating from AAA. The GEM rating has only been granted to six Nashville attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland, the Hermitage, the Upper Room Chapel and Museum, and the Adventure Science Center.
The AAA GEM rating is recommended when requirements are greatly exceeded and the attraction is of exceptional interest. A GEM symbol means the attraction is a must-see for members.
“It’s very humbling to have our museum receive this incredible recognition from such a highly respected organization like AAA,” says founder Bill Miller. “We’ve worked very hard to provide a state-of-the-art, cutting edge, yet warm and personal tribute to Johnny Cash and it’s gratifying to see that those efforts are being enjoyed and appreciated by industry leaders as well as by his fans from around the world.”

 • • •

Carrie Underwood and the Country Music Hall of Fame recently celebrated the upcoming release of her first concert DVD, The Blown Away Tour: LIVE, which releases Tuesday (Aug. 13). The event, hosted by Sony Music Nashville, presented Underwood a plaque for her eight-year-career milestones, including sales, airplay and industry awards. She was also honored with a plaque from talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), recognizing highlights from her Blown Away Tour. BMI also presented a plaque for recent Millionaire airplay achievements for “Good Girl,” “Mama’s Song” and “All-American Girl.”

Pictured (L-R): Judee Ann Williams, Co-Executive Director, CAA Foundation; Jackie Nelson, Director, Celebrity and Entertainment Outreach Program, American Red Cross; Carrie Underwood; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; and Leslie Roberts, Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI. Photo Credit: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): Judee Ann Williams, Co-Executive Director, CAA Foundation; Jackie Nelson, Director, Celebrity and Entertainment Outreach Program, American Red Cross; Carrie Underwood; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; and Leslie Roberts, Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI. Photo Credit: Chris Hollo

Songwriters Tribute Reba During CMHoF Weekend Session

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RebaIn honor of the Reba: All the Women I Am exhibit opening weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame hosted a songwriter session on Saturday (Aug. 10) highlighting the songwriting prowess of Liz Hengber, Will Robinson, and Kellys Collins, from the re-launched Starstruck Publishing.
Hengber kicked off the Reba-themed songwriter round with the title track from the entertainer’s best-selling album to date, For My Broken Heart. The track, co-written with Keith Palmer, was inspired by a breakup Henber was going through. The idea for the song was furthered sparked by a line in the 1969 movie A Boy Named Charlie Brown, where Linus explained that “the world didn’t stop” while Charlie Brown was bemoaning having lost a spelling bee contest. The songwriter also offered “And Still” and the Reba and Trisha Yearwood Duets song “She Can’t Save Him” from her treasure trove of Reba cuts which also include “Forever Love,” “It’s Your Call.”
Robinson offered “I Know How He Feels,” a co-write with Rick Bowles, which was originally demoed with the pronoun, she. After a quick re-write, the title was recorded with a simple guitar-vocal and shortly thereafter, Reba’s version reached the No. 1 position on Country radio. Additionally, Robinson performed “Will He Ever Go Away,” a song from Reba’s 1992 It’s Your Call album. “Will He Ever Go Away” was co-written with songwriter and former Nashville WSIX-FM radio personality Gerry House.
Between songs, questions from the audience were fielded by the songwriters and Starstruck’s Cliff Williamson. Questions ranged from “Where do you find inspiration?” to “How do song royalties work?”
Collins sat out the first pass, but offered her vocal on “Goodbye Looks Good On Me,” the theme song she co-wrote for Reba’s 2012-13 Malibu Country ABC-TV season. The young singer’s outstanding vocal wrapped the morning session by accompanying the Hengber, Robinson and McEntire title “Somebody’s Chelsea.”
Stay tuned at MusicRow.com for highlight’s from McEntire’s afternoon interview, with over an hour and a half of insight into the Hall of Famer’s Country Music Hall of Fame life trajectory.

peermusic Adds Creative Manager

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Heather Cook

Heather Cook


Heather Cook, founder of Cook’n Up Music Publishing and Artist Management, has joined peermusic‘s Nashville team as Creative Manager in Advertising Markets.
Cook has closed down her boutique publishing and artist management company, which she managed for the past three years. Cook’n Up Music Publishing and Artist Management worked with songwriters including Simone Simonton, Robin Grant, Sonia Lee, Seth Jackson and artist-writers Big Vinny, Emily Reid, Leah Turner, Jessie Smith and Savannah Jane, among others.
“The last three years have been an amazing journey and I have enjoyed working with every single artist and songwriter who have come to my door,” says Cook. “I am proud to say we have been successful in accomplishing many of the goals we set for each of our artists and songwriters. I am excited about the next chapter and look forward to joining the peermusic team.”
peermusic songwriters include Neil Thrasher, Vicky McGehee, Rachel Farley and Michael Tyler, among others.
Cook can be reached at 615-329-0603 and here.

NMPA Files Suit Against Youtube Network Fullscreen, Inc.

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nmpaThe National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Fullscreen, Inc. (Fullscreen), a multi-channel network (MCN) behind some of YouTube‘s most popular channels, for its illegal use of unlicensed musical works. Fullscreen produces, markets, promotes and exploits videos (including music videos) on YouTube.
NMPA and Maker Studios (Maker), another large MCN, have agreed to a settlement regarding similar copyright issues. Once finalized, NMPA’s settlement with Maker will enable music publishers and their songwriting partners to be compensated for past infringement and license Maker going forward.
“The problem of copyright infringement and unlicensed use of music is endemic to the MCN industry,” said David Israelite, NMPA president and CEO. “Fullscreen’s success and growth as a digital business is attributable in large part to the prevalence and popularity of its unlicensed music videos. We must stop the trend of ignoring the law, profiting from someone else’s work, then asking forgiveness when caught. It is not only unfair, it is unacceptable.”
Comprised largely of cover song videos, MCN channels represent a significant number of the total views on YouTube. Fullscreen alone has 15,000 YouTube channels with more than 200 million subscribers and averages 36 million viewers responsible for 284 million video views per month in the U.S.