Industry leaders and powerhouses are constantly evolving and growing. This week, music industry titans made headlines with a significant rebranding, tributes to legendary figures, new business ventures, and exciting career milestones.
Renewed Focus on Nashville
Universal Music Group’s rebranding of its Nashville operations under the name Music Corporation of America (MCA) underscores the city’s pivotal role in shaping the global music landscape.
Spearheaded by President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the relaunch of the MCA brand emphasizes the importance of Nashville in the music industry.
Industry Tributes and Farewells
Renowned entertainment attorney Joel Katz passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as a guiding light in entertainment law.
David Briggs, a highly influential musician and producer, bid farewell to the industry with his passing, leaving an indelible mark on Nashville’s recording history.
Lulu Roman, the iconic country-gospel singer and comedian, left an eternal impression with her role on Hee Haw, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of fans.
New Business Ventures and Career Milestones
Dawn Gates, a long-time UMG Nashville executive, embarked on a new journey, launching her own firm, Seven Note Enterprises, after nearly two decades with the company.
LeAnn Bennett joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President of Label Services, marking a significant step in her career.
Dusty Miller brought his expertise to FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager.
Promotions Across the Board
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Curb Records
Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives
Curb Records
Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives
AEG Presents
Trent Allison Senior Director of Sales and Special Events for Georgia and Tennessee venues
AEG Presents
Trent Allison Senior Director of Sales and Special Events for Georgia and Tennessee venues
Messina Touring Group
Nick Ayoub to Head of Digital Strategy and Operations
Messina Touring Group
Kara Smoak to Director of Digital Marketing
ACM Events and Performances
The 60th Anniversary Gala, “Play Something Country”, will pay tribute to country music legends Brooks & Dunn on May 7.
The second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” will honor trailblazers like Mickey Guyton, Lionel Richie, Brittney Spencer, and Opal Lee on the night before the ACM Awards.
Music Releases and Signings
John Morgan landed his first No. 1 at country radio with “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean.
Rising star Caiden Wallace signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with hitmaker Marv Green.
Ethan Escue inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Ignition Nashville.
Mitch Crego joined Universal Music Publishing Nashville as a new songwriter.
New Ventures and Launches
Veteran entertainment publicist Shelby Paul unveiled her new firm, Evolvance PR, focusing on media relations, award campaigns, and storytelling.
Milk & Honey Music + Sports launched a standalone Nashville publishing arm, marking the company’s entry into publishing.
Latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
Ella Langley takes the No. 1 spot with “Weren’t For The Wind.”
Industry Insights and Celebrations
Industry leaders and powerhouses are constantly evolving and growing. The past week brought significant updates, from major rebranding efforts to tributes to legendary figures and exciting new career milestones. Several industry leaders made headlines, including the relaunch of Universal Music Group’s Nashville operations under the MCA brand, as well as a wave of promotions across various organizations. In Nashville, the city’s pivotal role in shaping the global music landscape was emphasized through the rebranding of UMG’s Nashville operations. The MCA brand, spearheaded by President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, underscores the importance of the city in the music industry. This shift highlights the growth and evolution of the industry, as companies continue to adapt to changing market trends. The industry also bid farewell to three legendary figures, leaving a lasting impact on the music world. Renowned entertainment attorney Joel Katz, David Briggs, and Lulu Roman all left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Katz’s guidance in entertainment law, Briggs’s contributions to Nashville’s recording history, and Roman’s iconic role on Hee Haw are just a few examples of their lasting legacies. As businesses and organizations continue to grow and evolve, it’s essential to acknowledge the role of new ventures and career milestones. Dawn Gates, a long-time UMG Nashville executive, has embarked on a new journey, launching her own firm, Seven Note Enterprises, after nearly two decades with the company. This move signals a new chapter in her career, as she takes the reins and forges a new path. In addition to Gates, other industry leaders are making waves. LeAnn Bennett has joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President of Label Services, and Dusty Miller has brought his financial expertise to FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager. These moves demonstrate the importance of adapting to changing industry trends and continuing to grow and evolve. Across the board, several organizations have made significant promotions. Curb Records has elevated Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives, AEG Presents has named Trent Allison Senior Director of Sales and Special Events for Georgia and Tennessee venues, and Messina Touring Group has promoted six team members. These announcements demonstrate the dedication of these organizations to their employees and the industry at large. As the music industry continues to evolve, several exciting events are taking place. The 60th Anniversary Gala, “Play Something Country”, will pay tribute to country music legends Brooks & Dunn on May 7. This celebration honors the impact of Brooks & Dunn on the industry and recognizes their enduring legacy. The second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” will also honor trailblazers like Mickey Guyton, Lionel Richie, Brittney Spencer, and Opal Lee on the night before the ACM Awards. This event highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the music industry. The music industry is also abuzz with new releases and signings. John Morgan has landed his first No. 1 at country radio with “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean. Rising star Caiden Wallace has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with hitmaker Marv Green. Ethan Escue has inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Ignition Nashville, while Mitch Crego has joined Universal Music Publishing Nashville as a new songwriter. The latest addition to the Nashville music scene is the launch of Milk & Honey Music + Sports’ standalone publishing arm. This marks the company’s formal entry into the publishing industry, as they continue to grow and expand their reach. Finally, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart has been released, with Ella Langley taking the No. 1 spot with “Weren’t For The Wind.” This chart highlights the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, as new artists and songs rise to the top. In conclusion, the past week has seen significant updates across the music industry. From major rebranding efforts to tributes to legendary figures and exciting new career milestones, this week has been filled with growth and evolution. As the industry continues to adapt to changing market trends, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of new ventures and career milestones. With the industry’s ever-changing landscape, it’s crucial to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments. By doing so, we can better understand the music industry’s growth and evolution, and the people who make it all possible.
