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Home , All My Friends Say, BBR Music Group, Big Loud, BMLG Records, Body Like a Back Road, Bryan Keith

CITY IMPACT REPORT

success story. Beyond Antebellum, and a no-nonsense, keep-it- a record 34-week run atop contributing three pivotal beyond ( (deceptively)-simple producer. Billboard’s country tracks to ’s , Alabama Shakes, In Americana, he also shines chart. But beyond his ongoing “Ripcord” — “The ), Capshaw is a — and Hunt collaboration, he’s Fighter” featuring Carrie visionary who built the world’s — and with also had radio success in Underwood, “Sun Don’t Let largest independent artist his own Low Country label, in the past year with Dustin COUNTRY’S Me Down” featuring management company, while conjunction with Elektra, he’s Lynch’s “ ” and and , and “Your also helping launch Bonnaroo, taken on emerging artists, ’s “Middle of a Body” — and launching South by Southwest and ATO too. With another Stapleton Memory,” plus album cuts country breakout Maren Records. He has music venues album due before year’s end, with Florida Line Morris into orbit, the L.A.- with Peters, who his 2015 Grammy nomination and . Don’t be based ’s resume out at Charlottesville for producer of the year won’t surprised to see him resume POWER PLAYERS includes credits on songs by Pavilion, moved into social likely be his last. his partnership with Carrie Pink, and and alternative marketing and Underwood, who recently The year’s most-consumed -based artists have a legion Beyonce. eventually took on day-to-day lent a hand to his Honduras of experts behind them in the field, who are stars on their own for Stapleton, along with Hunt. charity. CMT’S ARTISTS OF THE YEAR By HOLLY GLEASON, SHIRLEY HALPERIN, ROY TRAKIN AND CHRIS WILLMAN Country’s Most CAA August. Barry appointed Jack Consumed Artists Scott Clayton, Marc Dennis, Rod White to the city’s Council on The ACM Awards have crowned Aldean enter- Essig, John Huie, Darin Murphy Gender Equality, and every tainer of the year for the past two consecutive The genre’s top acts Record Store Day, springs, and he has a good shot at it when the year-to-date by project CAA opened local offices in units Writer, producer find her at Grimey’s, spinning CMAs hand out their version of that pinna- 1991 as a -man experiment 1. her own DJ set. cle award in November. The first three songs 1,066,977 with the late Ron Baird, and DAVE If Crowell had done was co- ROBERT DEATON from his latest record, “They Don’t Know,” all now sports a five-headed write and produce ’s 2. Band Producer; Founder, Low Country , BRAD BELANGER topped the country radio chart, with a fourth, 668,584 leadership team plus a Sound “Body a Back Road,” Assn. Awards the album’s title track, looking to follow. And 24,000-sq.- ft. downtown he’d have a 2017 for any of Manager, RLM; owner, Homestead Radio personality, Premiere/iHeart 3. Management he has a touring drawing power as reliable 661,358 Nashville spread with 120 The biggest country act of his contemporaries to envy. Deaton has firmly established you win the 2017 as in the genre, which is why he was 4. Sam Hunt employees. Huie, who had the year in sales and streams It easily tops BuzzAngle’s himself as the Ken Ehrlich 624,756 Boutique meets behemoth: CMA Award for national headlining when tragedy befell ’ been working at ICM, joined is Chris Stapleton. And country singles so far this of country, being the only 5. Belanger’s firm hooked broadcast personality of the Festival. If there was any 622,511 Baird, along with Essig and behind the artist is Cobb, year, and just guy the CMAs go with Red Light Management year without having question of that trauma casting a pall over 6. Keith Urban then Dennis. Clayton came to for their three signature to make Sam Hunt into resembling a traditional him as a performer, quickly answered 593,853 aboard in ’94 with Train as primetime specials every a nearly instant country DJ voice? By being serious when he opened “” the fol- 7. Jason Aldean his client, looking to diversify year. He recently renewed his superstar with the string of enough to do issues-oriented lowing weekend with ’s “ Won’t 516,273 the roster to include pop and contract with the org, which smashes off his debut album, talk show stuff, on hot-button Back Down.” There, like his new single, he was 8. rock, signing knows he has mercenary 480,963 “Montevallo,” released three topics like underrepresented acting not just as a potential agent of healing and later, . instincts about what makes 9. years ago this month. When women in country, or the Las but a potent ambassador for rural America. 463,045 Murphy arrived from William for good television but also Hunt’s sophomore album Vegas shootings, but still Morris in 1998 and is a former can keep up with the most wasn’t near completion in NARVEL BLACKSTOCK funny enough to moonlight Label: Broken Bow Management: Touring: Kevin Neal, chairman of the Academy of dedicated Opry-holic when it for a 2017 tour, Belanger with your own standup act WME Publishing: BMG Nashville Publicity: Greenroom PR Country Music. Other major comes to conversing about CEO, Starstruck advised the “Take Your Time” and novelty songs. Bones is CAA Nashville clients include . He’s moving singer to take his time. It’s a a crossover artist, too: He’ll country superstars Keith into feature films and, given pause that’s gone virtually BRANDON BLACKSTOCK soon become the youngest Urban, Tim McGraw, Lady his newly signed deal with unnoticed, since the single inductee into the (non- Antebellum, , UTA, Nashville may have to Manager, Starstruck Entertainment 10. “” is country) National Radio Hall stints at MTM Records, Keith Urban are based. Long 462,757 , Dixie Chicks, fight to keep all his attention. easily the BuzzAngle Music Never was a prescient of . MCA Nashville, DreamWorks an advocate for 11. Blake Shelton and CMT’S ARTISTS OF THE YEAR country of the year, with move made than when Nashville and Universal Music country stars into mainstream 461,424 Ballerini, as well as Twenty more than twice the sales Narvel Blackstock reopened Nashville, Borchetta launched artists by finding innovative 12. One Pilots, the Chainsmokers 458,122 and streams of the closest his management company his own label in 2005. The partnerships — for instance, and Dead & Co. (featuring LUKE BRYAN contender. in 2006 to represent a roster now includes arena ’s Cover Girl deal and Mayer). then-midlevel hat act, headliners Florida Georgia Urban’s multi-season stint as Bryan has become quite the TV personal- Blake Shelton. His nearly Line, Brantley Gilbert and a judge on “” — 1. ity, making the leap from co-host of the ACM uninterrupted streak of No. Thomas Rhett. that their fans can get behind, Awards every spring to a looming stint as 1 country radio singles beats the veteran manager also judge on the resurrected “American Idol.” any other Nashville artist’s — advocates for the ultimate But they do him on the radio, too: In 13. and if Shelton only ranks as SCOTT BORCHETTA fan-to-band engagement: 427,588 BuzzAngle Music’s year-to-date ranking, No. 11 on BuzzAngle’s list of touring. the fifth biggest artist overall for music con- President/CEO/founder, Big Machine 14. Brantley Gilbert top acts for the year to date, Label Group 425,775 sumption in 2017, but No. 1 when it comes to that’s because he’s between 15. radio spins, with a staggering 760,000 airwave MEGAN BARRY and has a side gig The son of a 392,235 CORAN CAPSHAW 1. plays in the year’s first three quarters. He’s on NBC’s “.” A promotion man, Borchetta 16. Tim McGraw also at No. 2 in audio streams, with 501 mil- Mayor of Nashville BOB DOYLE VARIETY.COM 369,114 VARIETY.COM November studio album will has proven to be Music City’s lion. If fellow CMT artists of the year Aldean 17. CLAY HUNT Owner/president; Bob Doyle & Music City has never had a ensure no one forgets Blake’s top power broker, discovering GARY BORMAN 364,411 and Stapleton don’t do a lot of smiling, that’s Associates, Major Bob Music music lover for a mayor quite day job. The Blackstocks and building OK — Bryan, country music’s friendliest face, Owner/founder, Borman 18. ZACH PETERS like Barry. Industry boosterism also snagged a new deal with an impressive label empire Entertainment 351,681 has enough grins for all of them. Managers, Red Light Management aside, she’s got good taste, Atlantic for , that includes Big Machine 19. RANDY BERNARD 322,321 having spent her birthday Brandon’s wife, who’d long Records, BMLG Records, the He may be headquartered BUSBEE Overseeing a roster that Label: Capitol Nashville Management: KP Entertainment Touring: 20. Jay Williams, WME Publishing: Sony/ATV Publicity: Schmidt Co-manager, Garth Brooks; Bob

OCTOBER 17, 2017 OCTOBER last fall at a show. chafed with label brass and Valory Music Co. and Nash in , but much of includes some of the biggest Doyle & Associates 17, 2017 OCTOBER Producer, 315,410 Relations Legal: Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley

Prine, in turn, came to sing at now gets to make the old- Icon records. After dabbling Borman’s business is in acts in country (Chris SOURCE: BUZZANGLE MUSIC, JAN. ← 2017 THROUGH SEPT. 30 2017 82 her son’s memorial service in record she’d always . in race-car driving in between Nashville, where clients like His is the ultimate crossover MAX/IPX; BUSBEE: JIM SMEAL/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK TINE/STAR WESLEY MANN; ALDEAN: DENNIS VAN BORCHETTA: JOHN SALANGSANG/INVISION/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK LAMBERT: RICHARD YOUNG/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; CASH: LEWIS; BERNARD: CONROY/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; DEATON: WONG/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; DEBBY CRAMER SHIELDS; BRYAN: SARAH CAPSHAW: Stapleton, Luke Bryan, After decades spent solo 83 MUSIC CITY IMPACT REPORT

← at the helm managing the Hall of Famer, put them Fisher is revered as the guy Sony recently Hunt’s), and Midland (“Drinkin’ least predictable superstar in together and you have the Big who, in 18 years with the superstar (Carrie Underwood) Problem”). -time country, Garth Brooks, Doyle Loud Organization. England , brought that and gained a couple of others studio shredder still MONEY CITY now has the added business helped build the career of institution into the modern (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, plays on a lot of the records Business managers and bankers acumen of Bernard, former the duo Florida Georgia Line era with younger and fresher whose first album is he produces, and even some CEO of the Professional Bull — two college friends from artists without sacrificing a about to hit). But the vast he doesn’t, such as Michael who maintain country’s coffers Riders, IndyCar and RFD- Belmont — and the team traditionalist base. So after he majority of the action since McDonald’s new one. TV. Together they keep the KERRI EDWARDS around them. Wiseman is moved to California this year Goodman took over in mid- LORI BADGETT AND DIANE PEARSON reins on Garth’s untraditional his own powerhouse, having to take the top spot at the 2015 has been, enviably, at CMT’S ARTISTS OF THE YEAR Manager, president, KP Senior vice president and team leaders deals, like his soon-to-end, Entertainment penned 26 country chart- ACM, it wasn’t surprising to the freshman level. Maren entertainment banking, City National Bank three-year-old, one-city-at- toppers; his extended empire see a Haggard tribute and a Morris is the media darling a-time tour; a partnership A veteran of label A&R and includes ownership in Backstreet appearance of half of the For an institu- with ; and a FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE publishing with an eye and ear Shirt Publishing, Big Loud at that org’s May awards. country decade, Old Dominion tion long affili- forthcoming series of memoir/ for talent, Edwards launched Mountain Management and Among the ACM’s holdover revived the dormant country- ated with Califor- documentary/CD sets. Florida Georgia Line has crossed a lot more KP Entertainment 12 years ago Big Loud Records. With FGL, execs, Lee has definitely put band concept, nia, City National Brooks may have crossed over lines lately than just the state one in their to manage a young hopeful Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, her stamp on the ancillary predicted a “Hurricane,” and has made quite a to heritage status at radio, but name. The duo’s collaboration with the Back- named Luke Bryan. Getting Blake Shelton and Faith Hill all ACM Honors telecast each just had his first MICHAEL KNOX presence for itself in Nashville, where its he’s hot as ever on the road. street Boys on the country radio chart-topping the singer a deal at Capitol recording Wiseman’s songs, his September, which graduated radio No. 1 with “.” entertainment banking division commands Producer “God, Your , and Me” blossomed into a Nashville, Bryan’s 2007 hit words travel far. from a cool/cred kudocast for an impressive 80% of the city’s music indus- full-fledged “CMT Crossroads” episode. The duo “All My Friends ” charted Nashville locals to getting its Knox has produced all try business. In the past year, that’s meant has guested on pop tracks by the Chainsmok- and kick-started a career own primetime CNS berth. Lee of fellow Georgian Jason more than $100 million generated in net new ers and Hailee Steinfeld, and took Nelly out as that’s now stadium-sized and even writes the script for the Aldean’s albums, along the financing for such endeavors as publishing, opening act on a 2017 tour. All this cross-genre includes a judge’s seat on the telecast herself. way creating a red dirt- and production, management, legal services, per- friendliness has made the pair country’s big- rebooted “American Idol.” collar-inspired sound that forming rights organizations and agencies. gest streaming act of the year. While No. 3 in others in the genre emulate. the overall BuzzAngle Music country rankings, Credit Knox’s own wall of FGL is right at No. 1 in audio streams for the RICH EGAN sound, a cascade of MARY MCCREADY year’s first three quarters (with 571 million) with a driving backbeat, VIRGINIA DAVIS CEO, Hard 8 Management CLINT HIGHAM Business manager/co-owner, Flood Bumstead McCready & and also No. 1 in video streams (212 million). along with a physicality and a McCarthy Artist manager, managing partner, JOHN ESPOSITO President/Partner, Morris Higham G-Major Management In other words, much and The co-founder of the punk- Management toughness that begets their Chairman/CEO, Warner Music your mama, if not quite God. rock Vagrant Records and Nashville birthplace. Local recognition follows Davis was partnered with longtime manager of Chris This NorCal native graduated McCready’s every move — she Irving Azoff and Scott Label: Big Machine/Republic Nashville Management: Big Loud Carrabba (Dashboard During Esposito’s eight-year PAUL FREUNDLICH Nashville’s Belmont College was recently honored with the Management Touring: Kevin Neal, WME Publishing: Big Loud Borchetta before she hung Confessional) traded L.A. run atop Warner Nashville, with a dream of becoming a Nashville Area Chamber of Publicity: Sweet Talk Publicity Legal: Greenberg Traurig Owner, Paul Freundlich & Associates up her shingle with G-Major. for Nashville in 2010 and flagship artist Blake Shelton country music manager, and Commerce’s Impact Award. But An early client: young college hasn’t looked back. He’s released 20 singles to radio. Established in 2002, the got his wish managing first in industry circles, she’s known for a formida- student Thomas Rhett, who’s spearheading the impressive An astonishing 19 went to agency that bears Freundlich’s Alabama and then signing ble client list — or maybe unknown for it. The since graduated to arena of country star Brantley No. 1. New single “I’ll Name name has represented Keith Kenny Chesney when both firm’s roster is held secret, but of course, it’s headliner with eight of his last the year. Little Big Town and a (Rutherford). He is also Gilbert, who had hits as a the Dogs,” from Shelton’s Urban for much of his career. were still teenagers. Higham hard to hide hometown like Keith nine singles landing at No. resurgent have behind recent global deals songwriter with Jason Aldean forthcoming “” The -based PFA was helped Urban, Sam Hunt and Blake Shelton under a 1 at radio. Davis upped her brought the estrogen, but with Jack White, Nightly and (“Dirt Road ” and “My album, looks certain to be counts , James Chesney fulfill his dream MARION KRAFT bushel. ante in spring by launching now that Carrie Underwood Chord Overstreet. Kind of Party”) before scoring the 20th. He has pet projects Taylor, Paul McCartney and of performing in football CEO, ShopKeeper Management a publishing company, has defected from Sony, a pair of chart-toppers in his in the Last Bandoleros and among its stadiums, while managing Team, with Rhett and Roc Dungan finally has a female own right (“Bottoms Up” and Charlie Worsham, who had one former clients. partnerships with The management firm KERRY O’NEIL Nation. superstar on his roster. “”). His of 2017’s best, if not biggest- and Corona Light. Morris founder, whose roster includes Co-founder, O’Neil Hagaman most recent release, “The selling, albums. But Higham’s roster also includes Miranda Lambert, Ashley Devil Don’t Sleep,” is the sixth- the focus is on pushing Chris ASHA GOODMAN and Old Dominion. Monroe, and Garth Brooks, who, at mid-year, most-consumed country Janson’s “” through Pistol Annies, is an expert at had grossed $48 million from Vice president, Sacks & Co. album of the year so far. the top 10 to become that brand partnerships, matching 48 tour dates in just 12 cities is upstart singer’s first No. 1, if After working out of Miranda Lambert with Ram a client. O’Neil also proved his Shelton doesn’t beat him there. Sacks & Co.’s New York office, Trucks in 2014 and arranging business acumen in co-found- ANN EDELBLUTE Goodman moved to Nashville a cross-country Airstream ing with Carla Wallace Big Yellow Dog Pub- in 2010 to establish the trailer tour to promote her lishing, which boasts Maren Mor- Owner, The HQ respected firm’s Music City album, “Platinum,” which has ris, along with country No. 1’s co-penned by MIKE DUNGAN KENT EARLS When Carrie Underwood’s outpost. A savvy strategist, moved 219,000 units so far (Lauren Alaina’s “Road Less with Keith Urban, “The Goodman helped build the this year. Travelled”) and (Florida Georgia Chairman/CEO, Universal Music EVP/GM, Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville Group Nashville Fighter,” was released to radio critic-supported foundation Line’s “God, Your Mama, and Me”). early in the year, it hinted at for Chris Stapleton through Songwriter, Of the 20 top country sellers This Nashville native and a : to Universal. pivotal album releases for and streamers to date, 10 20-year UMPG veteran has Edelblute negotiated the 2015’s “Traveller” and 2017’s Huff produced or co-produced LOU TAYLOR are under Dungan’s UMG helped guide the careers of deal sole client, “From A Room: Volume 1.” no fewer than eight of the CEO, Tri Sports and Entertainment umbrella. That’s akin to 50% songwriter , Underwood, to her year’s 30 biggest country market share at the megastar Grammy winners longtime home at Sony. And singles to date. Those include Managing the businesses of level, with a quintet of arena and and Paul it’s not as if Underwood’s new classics by established high net worth individuals VARIETY.COM acts — Chris Stapleton, Sam DiGiovanni, among a roster career had been foundering SETH ENGLAND veterans, including Keith from two primary bases — VARIETY.COM Hunt, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban that includes Keith Urban, — all singles from her Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Nashville and Angeles — Manager/owner, Big Loud STEVE LASSITER and Eric Church — leading Shania Twain, Sam Hunt, Jake previous solo album reached Color,” but also breakout the nearly 25-year-old firm PETE FISHER Partner, SVP, head of , APA the charge. But bubbling Owen and . His No. 2 or No. 1 at radio — but smashes for freshmen Kane Nashville boasts clients Britney Spears, , CEO, not far under is , placements include country Edelblute clearly believes Brown (current country chart , Meghan Trainor, and Florida a young good ol’ boy and chart-toppers like Rodney country’s most reliable female topper “What Ifs”), Brett This Music City veteran Georgia Line. Extended runs in Las Vegas are Songwriter/owner, Big Loud

OCTOBER 17, 2017 OCTOBER passion project for Dungan, Atkins’ “” artist can be even bigger in LISA LEE RANDY GOODMAN Young (“In Case You Didn’t joined the Nashville office of another specialty of Taylor’s as is the day-to- 17, 2017 OCTOBER

who might be a frontrunner (Laird) and Brooks & Dunn’s partnership with the town’s Take a seasoned manager Know,” the second biggest Agency for the Performing day guidance of multihyphenates like Jenni- SVP creative & content production, Chairman/CEO, Nashville ←

84 for the CMAs’ new artist of “Ain’t Nothing ’Bout You” top label group. and a Nashville Songwriters Academy of Country Music WONG/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK LINE: GEORGIA DEBBY FLORIDA KRUPEK; JASON EDWARDS: JOE HARDWICK; ERIC ADKINS; EDELBLUTTE: DUNGAN: OF G MAJOR MGMT; COURTESY DAVIS: FOR ACM IMAGES HUFF: BILL WAUGH/AP CLARK THOMAS; PEARSON: MICHAEL GOMEZ; MCCREADY: GOODMAN: JOHN SHEARER; BADGETT, song of the year, after Sam Arts in 1998 from William fer Lopez and Priyanka Chopra. 85 MUSIC CITY IMPACT REPORT

← Morris, overseeing a staff platinum plaque for “Jekyll + for having one of the most a VP gig at CMT to assume Eric Church, Rhiannon increase from eight to 33 Hyde,” Maher got female-friendly management management. He teamed with Giddens and , and client base from 10 to a deal to release “Welcome shingles in Nashville. But Spalding, the man behind as well as the Black Keys and over 65. These include such Home” on their own Southern it was “high time” (as Brooks & Dunn’s enduring frontman Dan Auerbach, who heavy-hitters as , Ground label via Elektra. With Musgraves might say) for him run, to help forge a touring makes his home in Music City. , , production by , to boost some dudes, and franchise that has brought Says Peets: “We build career , Little , it’s the third highest-selling also to finally work with Big former baseball star Aldean artists who make great albums , , country album of the year. LOUIS MESSINA GREGG NADEL Machine. He accomplished to iconic stadiums including and have a distinct point of JESSIE SCHMIDT the Band and both with Midland, the neo- Boston’s Fenway Park and view.” CEO, Messina Touring Group President, Owner, president, Schmidt Relations . traditionalists who may be the ’s — as a The Austin-based The man who signed breakout story of the year. singer. Believers in a balanced One of Nashville’s premier helped guide Taylor Swift Sturgill Simpson to a major He’s also helped turn Hill and career, the partners stress PR firms, Schmidt Relations’ CMT’S ARTISTS OF THE YEAR through her $250 million- label deal is a two-decade LBT’s Kimberly Schlapman strong touring, as well as roster includes longtime grossing 2016 tour for the veteran of the Atlantic into TV producers, and his aggressive attention to song clients Carrie Underwood and album, “1989.” His roster of Records family. Named Elektra faith in long-dormant Faith selection. Luke Bryan. Each artist has CHRIS STAPLETON clients includes not only GM in 2015, then president of has paid off with another joint crossed over from country country stars Kenny Chesney, the storied label in January, tour with hubby Tim McGraw star to television personality There’s longevity in that beard. Some figured SHANE MCANALLY Eric Church, George Strait, and he signed Zac Brown Band, and the duets album fans and influential brand — Bryan he might be a flash in the pan — albeit a Faith Hill and Tim McGraw but and forged a partnership with have demanded for decades. being , via his new CEO, Smack/co-president JESS ROSEN very welcome flash in the pan — after a CMA also such mainstream pop acts Dave Cobb’s Low Country gig on ABC’s “American Idol” JONATHAN LEVINE Co-chair, Entertainment + Awards appearance with as , Kelly Clarkson Sound label (including Media Practice, Greenberg Traurig —thanks, in part, to guidance Co-head of Nashville office, Paradigm Talent Agency three years ago made his sales skyrocket over- The Texas native was a solo and . and Brent by company founder Schmidt. night. And how many country stars have ever artist on Curb Records before Cobb), landing him to produce The always dapper deal- This veteran talent executive become true titans without generating top 10 evolving into a songwriter Simpson’s Grammy-winning “A maker is attorney of choice has been with Paradigm hits at country radio? Yet Stapleton remains and record producer for the Sailor’s Guide to Earth.” JOHN PEETS for Florida Georgia Line, since the agency acquired the of the decade in likes of , along with a host of touring Founder, Q Prime South Monterey Peninsula Artists in the genre. The Southern-rock-country- Kelly Clarkson, Sam Hunt and companies, publishers, and 2004 and formed a separate belter is far and away the top country art- Kenny Chesney, and earning Founded by Peets in 2001, labels. Based in Atlanta, he co- division. He relocated to ist of 2017 in BuzzAngle’s year-to-date rank- two Grammys. This year, he TYNE PARRISH the Nashville office of Cliff chairs the entertainment and Nashville five years after ing, even though he only ranks 55th in radio joined Sandbox Entertainment Burnstein and Peter Mensch’s media practice (with Bobby Green Room PR spending the first part of his spins. With 735,000 in pure album sales in the CEO Jason Owen to relaunch mega-management firm Rosenbloum) at law giant career in New York at William year’s first three quarters, 1.2 million in sin- Monument Records at Sony MIKE MILOM As Jason Aldean’s liaison boasts a roster that includes Greenberg Traurig. Morris Agency and Artists gles sales, 322 million audio streams, and 149 Music, signing with the media, Parrish has Partner, Milom, Horsnell, Rose, Crow, & Audience Entertainment. million video streams, Stapleton is the bril- and . He also Kelley had a difficult October during The company’s eclectic liant cult artist you still can’t believe acciden- runs his own publishing BRIAN O’CONNELL which both she, her client, roster includes such country tally became a wildly beloved superstar. company, SmackSongs. A noted entertainment and and the greater country music President of country music, stars as Sturgill Simpson, intellectual property rights LiveNation community were forced to , Label: Mercury Nashville Management: Coran Capshaw, Zach lawyer for more than two terror in the eye. The Peters and Clay Hunt, Red Light Touring: Jay Williams and Kevin JEFF STEVENS and , as Meads, WME Publishing: Warner/Chappell Publicity: Sacks & Co. decades, Milom concentrates The man known as BOC has veteran PR strategist, who well as several members on the rapidly evolving played a major role in the purchased Green Room JODY STEVENS of the , the with clients explosion of the genre over from founder Mary Hilliard Songwriters, producers Lumineers, Ben Folds and that include Luke Bryan, the past decade, bringing Harrington, sprang to action, Dr. John. In addition, Levine artist for the year to date, but overseeing the release of the Country Music Hall of the megaticket “season coordinating messaging and The father-son duo behind has a client in Dave Cobb, that’ll surely , with “They Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller,” Fame, the Country Radio pass” concept to country at a special appearance on Luke Bryan’s “Kill the Lights” who produced both Chris Don’t Know” coincidentally and the year’s biggest seller, Broadcasters Inc. and Country LN’s 34 amphitheaters, and “Saturday Night Live,” during bring balance to Bryan, Stapleton and Zac Brown peaking as the star was forced his “From A Room: Volume 1,” Radio Seminar. selling about 1.5 million plans which Aldean performed a providing the purists with Band’s latest albums. to become a news figure. proved not only to be a giant annually. His tours feature resolute cover of Tom Petty’s their “country” while offering market share boost for the headliners Luke Bryan, Jason “’t Back Down.” newbie fans a hint of hip-hop company, but also a personal Aldean, , Keith CMT’S ARTISTS OF THE YEAR and rock with their twang. one for the top-ranking female Urban, and more. Father Jeff is an accomplished label executive in Music City. Festivals under O’Connell’s engineer, as well as classic UTA watch include Seattle’s KEITH URBAN country fan, while Jody Watershed, New York’s merges his love of urban and Nick Meinema, Curt Motley FarmBorough and Las Vegas’ Urban is at that point in his career where at alternative music into his own Canadian native Meinema tragic Route 91 Harvest. least a of fan fatigue ought to be set- unique sound. The result is came to town to set ting in. Instead, his latest album, “Ripcord,” both fresh and familiar. up a satellite office for The made for a serious case of Urban renewal. JON LOBA CINDY MABE Producer, songwriter Agency Group in 2012. When Of the five radio singles released from the Executive VP, BBR Music Group President, Nashville Nashville it was acquired by UTA in Since leaving his native album, two made it to No. 2, and the other 2015, Meinema took over co- Vancouver for Nashville three went all the way to the top. Among Jason Aldean was to Broken With an artist-friendly MATT MAHER running the company with more than a decade ago, the those that went all the way was the ballad Bow as Taylor Swift was to mission statement, UMG Lance Roberts. Motley joined producer known for his work “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which already seems Partner, head of Nashville Office, Big Machine: a superstar Nashville’s No. 2 has long Roar the agency in 2016 after 21 with rock radio perennials like a modern standard. What came next was who single-handedly put said: “Let the artist make the years at Paradigm, bringing has established CHRIS PARR & colored red-hot — a frothy, old-school duet VARIETY.COM the indie on the map. No music they believe in, then This New native and with him longtime clients himself as one of country JASON OWEN with Carrie Underwood, “The Fighter,” that VARIETY.COM wonder the label group let’s figure out how to sell Wake Forest grad is a partner Toby Keith and Mac McAnally. music’s most dominant go- played out in multiple joint awards show President/CEO, Sandbox CLARENCE SPALDING JENSEN SUSSMAN drew major acquisition it.” Mabe has distinguished in the Music City branch of The combined roster now tos. And it’s no wonder: in Entertainment; co-president, appearances and never got old. It really is Monument Records Maverick Management President, owner, Sweet Talk interest, culminating in an herself with musically driven the talent, music and brand includes Dolly Parton, Dwight addition to credits on albums true: Nice ganjo-ists finish first. Publicity approximately $100 million marketing campaigns from management company, whose Yoakam, John Michael by Tim McGraw and Jake The two multi-faceted buyout by BMG this year. ’s return and clients include the Zac Brown Montgomery and Tanya Owen, Moi has a affiliation As the manager of Little Big managers have taken Jason Label: Capitol Nashville Management: Borman Entertainment Beyond hit duo Florida Touring: Darin Murphy, CAA Publishing: UMPG Publicity: Paul

OCTOBER 17, 2017 OCTOBER Other top execs exited, but Lady Antebellum member Band. After the group’s one- , as well as the touring with Florida Georgia Line, the Town, Kacey Musgraves and Aldean’s career to astonishing Freundlich Associates Georgia Line, Sussman’s 17, 2017 OCTOBER

Loba continues to steer the ’s award-winning off stint on John Varvatos groups of Kevin Costner, Jeff genre’s most-listened-to act Faith Hill, and former rep for heights. Parr is a veteran independent boutique media ←

86 ship. Aldean is the No. 7 solo Christian album. But Records/Republic, earning a Bridges and Bruce Willis. with half a billion audio streams. BRETT WARREN MILOM: FORD FAIRCHILD; MCANALLY: MABE: KEVIN WIMPY; CHARLES SYKES/INVISION/AP; ALEX GRIFFITHS; STAPLETON: LOBA: KAUSS KATIE PARRISH: CHRIS HOLLO; SCHMIDT: ROBERTS/INVISION/AP; LAURA ED RODE; URBAN: CLIFF ROBINSON; ROSEN: PARR: Shania Twain, Owen is known video programmer, having left relations firm also handles 87 MUSIC CITY IMPACT REPORT

← female up-and-comer Kelsea catalogs of , Ballerini. Closing out her , Willie first decade in the business, Nelson, and the TANKI TAKES CHARGE Sussman has put forth a Everly Bros. He was named strategy that emphasizes chairman of the television and broadcast Film, Entertainment & Music OF CMT TURNAROUND opportunities. Commission in 2013. KOS WEAVER Viacom veteran aims to spin the EVP, BMG Nashville ‘Nashville’ net into something bigger

With an extensive background By CHRIS WILLMAN in publishing, and having come up as a touring , Weaver n the seminal days mendous decision for understands how to make songs of music cable webs, this brand,” says Tanki. connect. A veteran of Reba I CMT used to be in “We’ve surrounded McEntire’s Starstruck, Warner/ competition with the that series with a really FRANK TANKI SARAH TRAHERN Chappell and Disney Music long-gone Nashville Net- high polish that has felt Publishing, BMG’s formidable run work. Now, you could very premium in many General manager, CMT CEO, Country Music Assn. with Jason Aldean — 19 No. 1 call CMT a y s .” Tanki only took over as GM The head of country’s chief country singles and counting — “Nashville” network, Indeed, for a network of CMT in June after the trade organization and seems all but unstoppable. which is to say, the that as recently as last exit of Brian Philips, but charitable foundation, Trahern channel best known for year still had “Redneck he’s already begun putting has calmly steered its oft- picking up the obses- Island” and the con- his stamp on things. He’s fractious membership into sively viewed nighttime troversial “Party Down ramped up the network’s a powerful force with more drama of that name South” on the sched- presence in the digital space than $44 million in annual after ABC handed Dea- ule, juxtaposing class- and is pushing forward with revenue. Hired in 2013, she con and Juliette their act properties like “CMT a reality show, “Music City,” presides over its influential walking papers. CMT Crossroads” and “Next from Adam DiVello (“The CMA Fest and the televised execs believe as many Women of Country” is Hills”). He’s reaping the awards show every spring. as half of its “Nashville” key. And in losing the rewards with advertisers of She worked her way up on viewers are brand new rowdy shows, “the pivot the network, having gone the TV side of music with to the network. How to had already started,” classier with shows successful stints at C-SPAN, make sure they stick says Tanki. like “” and, of The Nashville Network and around after hours? One new project he’s course, a highly successful Scripps Networks’ Great That challenge has excited about is the yet- “Nashville” pickup. And American Country (GAC) fallen largely to another to-be-seen “Music City,” though the “M” in CMT is only digital cable and satellite CMT newbie: general from Adam DiVello part of the lifestyle branding, channels. manager Frank Tanki, (“The Hills,” “Laguna he’s keeping the music and who in June came in Beach”). “[It’s] about promising to expand the from the Viacom -suite young, emerging artists “Next Women of Country” upon the exit of 16-year who are chasing their initiative into even more of a WME CMT veteran Brian in the music franchise. An unexpectedly Philips. (His new duties industry, then getting Rob Beckham, Joey Lee, Kevin Meads, sensitive challenge: making Kevin Neal, Greg Oswald, Akiko Rogers, also include running sis- into all the touchpoints this year’s Artists of the Year Jay Williams ter network TV Land.) of relationships and special less congratulatory Tanki inherited a emotions,” says Tanki, and more about a troubled Beckham and Oswald are co- change in programming “It the per- year for many fans and artists. BEN VAUGHN heads of WME’s Nashville branch, philosophy already tak- fect follow-up to ‘Nash- with 26,000-sq.-ft. offices at the ing shape, and brought ville.’” And to President, Warner/Chappell Music Nashville Gulch tower on Demonbreun his own ideas about do right by Southern Street. They support a client list how to further owning reality. Warner/Chappell has received that boasts Jason Aldean, Dierks the country music and the ASCAP Award for country Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, lifestyle space and mov- publisher of the year three Florida Georgia Line, Miranda ing more deeply into years in a row, and on Nov. Lambert, , Jake digital and experiential 6, will be going for four. Owen, Brad Paisley and Thomas initiatives. Talk Country and Luke Bryan It’s hard to bet against the Rhett, among others. Williams Picking up “Nash- perform onstage during the company when it has Chris and Meads run point on Chris ville” “has been a tre- “CMT Country Awards.” Stapleton’s publishing on two Stapleton’s touring, while Neal President/CEO, Sony/ATV Nashville of the biggest-selling the agent for Florida Georgia This Tennessee native, albums of the year (“From Line ($20 million in box office who joined the company A Room: Volume 1” and the gross mid-way through 2017, in 2005 from fabled Acuff- still lively catalog seller per Pollstar) and Jason Aldean. Rose Music Publishing, has “Traveller”). The success of Rogers started her career at VARIETY.COM overseen the songwriting Midland’s co-self-penned APA, joining WME 16 years ago careers of Taylor Swift, debut album is another where responsible for Kenny Chesney — whom he’s feather in the cap of Vaughn, booking the agency’s country credited with discovering who’s been able to rely on acts internationally. Lee came — Miranda Lambert, Luke such stalwarts as Little Big aboard when his 360 Artist Bryan, Eric Church, Blake Town, , Thomas Agency was acquired by WME in

OCTOBER 17, 2017 OCTOBER Shelton, Flatts and Rhett’s writer dad, who 2010, bringing with him Lambert, Brooks & Dunn. In addition just had a No. 1 with Dustin Lee Ann Womack and Clay

88 he’s keeping an eye on the Lynch’s “Small Town Boy.” Walker. FOR CMT IMAGES MICHAEL LOCCISANO/GETTY BRYAN: HARSH; DERULO, JAKE OSWALD: WHITLEY; ALEX GRIFFITHS; BECKHAM: MANDY JODI RICHFIELD; WEAVER: TOMLINSON: