Artists Roster Ranging from Rock Top Female Performers Also Guns and Blue October T Exhibit Business Savvy Artists Lil' Wayne and Baby, L Ducer Swizz Beatz

Sylvia Rhone President, Universal Motown Recor Executive As president of Universal Mo since 2004, Sylvia Rhone o Artists roster ranging from rock Top Female Performers Also Guns and Blue October t Exhibit Business Savvy artists Lil' Wayne and Baby, L ducer Swizz Beatz. One of the label's biggest In addition to honoring leading executives, our success stories of the past year is Akon, Women in Music report recognizes these artists whose multiplatinum sophomore SRC album, "Konvicted," who have managed their business interests with sparked several chart smashes (including "Smack That ") and exceptional skill. racked up top -selling mastertones. "Universal Motown and its venture partners are closing out one of the best years to date," Rhone says. "We've created a company whose artists I {e1) I \Ic'Entire represent an incredibly broad spectrum of music." Among MCA Nashville Rhone's own personal career bests: becoming the first African In February 2001, Reba McEntire American and first woman to chair a major label following stepped in as a replacement lead in her 1994 appointment as Elektra's chairman /CEO. Citing the Broadway revival of Irving forthcoming releases by Chamillionaire, Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Berlin's musical "Annie Get Your Birdman, Ja Rule, Vanessa Carlton and Wu -Tang Clan, Rhone Gun," which established a remains passionate about the music industry. "The industry's triumphant new career for the long - overall landscape brings unique challenges and frustrations. lived first lady of contemporary But as we continue the digital transition, opportunities to country music. Enthusiastic reviews and a break new artists and create more exciting musical experi- consistent sellout led the singer to a six -season ences for our customers are limitless." run on the Emmy Award -nominated TV series "Reba." The show became the most -watched Alexandra sitcom on the WB network and earned McEntire Lesley Bleakley a People's Choice Award and Golden Globe Patsavas CEO, Beggars Group nomination. In 2002, McEntire was named Owner, Chop Shop Music Supervision As CEO of Beggars Group. Tuley Bleakley executive producer for the show. She has also When Alexandra Patsavas this spring oversees some of the most coveted -and cher- launched Reba Harmony, a bedding collection ished- labels in the indie landscape, includ- of reversible comforters, available at Dillard's launched Chop Shop Records as an At- ing Rough Trade, XL, 4AD, Matador and department stores; and Reba -Wear, which, lantic Records imprint, she saw it as a Beggars Banquet. Not one to stand idly by as since its 2005 debut, offers a new collection - "natural extension" of Chop Shop Music the music business changes and evolves, including jeans, sweaters, pants, skirts, dresses Bleakley and her team have, during the past and jackets -each spring /summer and fall. Supervision, her company that has 12 months, developed and nurtured creative initiatives and turned "Grey's Anatomy" (and "The platforms to market bands like the New Pornographers and the Long Blondes. Fans who preordered the New Pornogra- OC,' before it) into the new radio, a Jennifer Lopez phers' Aug. 21 release "Challengers" (Matador) had the oppor- Epic Records place where fans can discover new tunity to receive an instant music stream, plus a choice of extras, While her star has risen high as a music. "Grey's Anatomy" is where mil- including a limited- edition four -disc boxed set of the album. recording artist, that role was an For new British act the Long Blondes, Beggars hosted the Lost extension of Jennifer Lopez's initial lions of TV viewers first learned of such Highway Lounge, which supported the band's debut album, fame in show business as a dancer under -the -radar acts as Roisin Murphy, "Someone to Drive You Home" (Rough Trade). The interactive and actress. In recent years, her Rosie Thomas, Sia, Iron and Wine and virtual lounge delivered music and video streams and exclu- entrepreneurial ventures have been sive content. In each scenario, Bleakley looks for alternative unstoppable, earning her a No. 9 Tegan & Sara, among others. The show ways to connect with fans. "We're always looking for new and ranking among the Forbes 2007 list of the 20 also helped break Snow Patrol and the innovative digital platforms in which to bring fans into each Richest Women in Entertainment and a spot on Fray in the pop mainstream. Patsavas artist's world," she says. "It's a digital continuation ofwhat Beg- the list of Most Influential Hispanics compiled gars Group has always done." Bleakley is a founding member by People en Español. Her clothing line, JLO- selects the music that is featured in of the American Assn. of Independent Music. including jeans, T- shirts, coats, belts, purses and each episode and on the soundtracks lingerie for young women -launched within the (which now comprise three volumes, past decade and will be retired this fall in favor Andrea Ganis of a new juniors line called JustSweet, in with a fourth on the way). In addition, Executive VP, Atlantic Recor addition to her second line, Sweetface. Lopez Patsavas' musical touch is felt on "Pri- Atlantic Records to ar, and ex- also has a full force of fragrances, including ecutive VP Andrea the label' Glow, introduced in 2002, followed by body vate Practice," "Without a Trace," "Num- relevance by havin st techno lotions and bronzers. She continues expanding bers," "Supernatural" and other logical trends, just 1 o buy A the brand with Live Luxe, Glow After Dark and programs. The new CW series "Gossip lantic's mus this year, Desire. As if that weren't enough, Web site content, digital sales, message board Lopez made an entree into the restaurant Girl" also spotlights Patsavas' music chatter, blogs and other grass -roots data to business with the highly successful Madre's, a supervision skills. So when Patsavas enhance our efforts with radio and the consumer," she says. swank Cuban restaurant in Pasadena, Calif. and Atlantic Music Group president It's part of the blueprint that brought Kid Rock to a new audi- ence, put Matchbox Twenty back on top at adult /pop radio, Julie Greenwald began talking during guided platinum star James Blunt's sophomore album and is (Celine Dion a meeting last year about a Chop Shop building the career of newcomer Paramore. Ganis also counts Columbia Records label, Patsavas knew the time was right. the music video interactive format as one of Atlantic's biggest How many singers have held court in initiatives for 2007, since it "allows us to have an ongoing con- their own $95 million custom -built "She has the chance to attract fantas- versation with fans through post -purchase registering." Asked venue? The Colosseum at Caesars tic talent," Greenwald told Billboard what advice she would give someone who had to take on her Palace became the cornerstone for job, Ganis says: "Ensure a democratic department since you Celine Dion's five -year, sold -out Las when the label was announced. "She must surround yourself with people whose voices count. But Vegas show "A New Day." Branded to is definitely one of the hottest people know this is the seat that has to make the hard, perhaps un- her specifications, the 4,100 -seat out there in terms of A &R." popular decisions for the betterment of the artist /staff." theater features the continues on »p38

36 BILLBOARD I OCTOBER 13, 2007