Music Mavericks Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson honored at Leadership Music Gala
NASHVILLE, August 30, 2010 – The Nashville music community came together to celebrate pioneers Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson with the seventh annual Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, presented during the organization’s gala dinner on Sunday, August 29 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Music City.


Karen Oertley, Leadership Music Executive Director; honorees Kris Kristofferson, Fred Foster and Willie Nelson; and Jamie Cheek, Leadership Music Board President / Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy

Photo credit: Kay Williams




Vince Gill hosted the ceremony and Shawn Camp led the ace house band, which backed the evening’s inspired musical homage in front of a packed room of music industry executives, creators, friends and family. The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, presented annually by the educational non-profit organization of music professionals, was created "to recognize music trailblazers who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example."

The careers of veteran record label executive and producer Fred Foster and iconic journeymen Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson intersected at Foster’s archetypal independent label, Monument Records. All trailblazers in distinct, if interconnected, ways, the three helped define—and redefine—the Music Row business model, elevate the Nashville songwriting medium, and push the boundaries of country music, all while maintaining maverick authenticity.

BMI President & CEO Del Bryant kicked off the tribute with comments praising Fred Foster and the musical legacy of Monument Records. Rodney Crowell launched the evening’s music with a toe-tapping performance of “Dream Baby,” capturing the rockabilly swing of Roy Orbison’s original recording on Monument. Charlie McCoy nimbly performed “Today I Started Loving You Again,” and Billy Swan followed, delivering “I Can Help” with undiminished finesse. Surprise guest Dolly Parton then took the stage, performing her breakthrough hit “Dumb Blonde” off her 1967 debut album Hello, I’m Dolly, which Foster produced and released on Monument. Parton then presented the award to Foster.

Reflecting on his long career, Foster smiled as he remembered “wonderful experiences with wonderful people—talent beyond describing. This means more to me than I can say,” he shared. “Thank you so much.”

A video conveying a message from influential Combine Music publisher Bob Beckham served as the fitting introduction to the Kris Kristofferson tribute. Shawn Camp kicked off the musical celebration of Kristofferson with an aching performance of “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” Lyle Lovett followed with sublimely poetic remarks on Kristofferson’s relevance and an effortlessly cool rendition of “Me & Bobby McGee.” Finally, Lee Ann Womack delivered a tender version of “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again).” Longtime associate Tamara Saviano presented the award to Kristofferson.

“I’m kind of speechless,” said the perennially humble Kristofferson. “I’m so honored to be up here with Fred Foster and Willie Nelson. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”

Self-proclaimed lifelong fan Stephen Colbert addressed the audience via video to jump-start the tribute to Willie Nelson. Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer Lee Arnold then took the stage to praise Nelson and introduce Jamey Johnson, who delivered a spellbinding acoustic version of “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” Lorrie Morgan offered a sultry version of “Crazy,” followed by Randy Travis, who performed a stone-cold honky-tonk rendition of “Funny How Time Slips Away.” Longtime friend Brenda Lee presented the award to Nelson.

“Listening to people say all of these nice things, I almost gave myself a standing ovation,” Nelson joked, before concluding the evening with his characteristically poignant simplicity: “Thank y’all.”

Willie Nelson, Shawn Camp and the house band led a rousing finale of “On the Road Again,” during which they were joined by Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Billy Swan, Charlie McCoy, Jamey Johnson and Vince Gill.

Honorary Chairs for the 2010 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner were Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young. Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen, Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks (2009).

About Leadership Music
Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Since its founding in 1989, Leadership Music has graduated more than 800 music industry-related executives.
www.leadershipmusic.org

For additional information, contact:
Kay Clary (615) 401.2728 / kclary@bmi.com
Caroline Davis (615) 957.5056 / office@leadershipmusic.org

About the Honorees
Fred Foster, the founder of one of the most successful independent labels in history and a man who has spotted some of the most legendary of musical talents, has built his entire career on innovation and leadership. His record company, Monument Records, made stars of Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Boots Randolph, Jeannie Seely, Tony Joe White, Dolly Parton, Billy Swan and Larry Gatlin. He also signed Willie Nelson, Charlie McCoy, Ray Stevens, Robert Mitchum, Ed Bruce, Billy Walker, Grandpa Jones and Henson Cargill. Foster produced such vivid Orbison singles as “Only the Lonely,” “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Running Scared,” “In Dreams” and “Oh Pretty Woman.” He also co-founded the Nashville R&B label Sound-Stage 7, which had hits with Joe Simon, Ella Washington and Roscoe Shelton. In addition, Foster was co-owner of the hugely successful Combine Publishing company. He continues to work as a producer, notably of recent albums by Willie Nelson.

As a songwriter, Kris Kristofferson revolutionized country composing, raising it to new levels of poetic expression and sensual honesty. As a performer, he has always been bravely political and principled. He is one of the few Nashville artists who successfully made the transition into film fame. Thus, in at least three areas, Kris Kristofferson has led the way. Songs such as “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “For the Good Times,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Why Me,” “One Day at a Time” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” not only won awards, they inspired and guided an entire generation of Nashville songwriters. The alienation, loss, freedom and candor in his lyrics continue to be studied by aspiring tunesmiths to this day. In the 1980s, he reinvented himself as one of The Highwaymen, alongside fellow legends Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. Kristofferson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Willie Nelson, arguably the most prolific artist of the last six decades, has forged his own path throughout his career. In the 1960s, he stunned the Nashville songwriting community with “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Pretty Paper,” “Family Bible” and “N
Sep 1, 2010
Additional performances announced for Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award gala
Nashville, August 12, 2010 -- Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan and Randy Travis have been added to the list of tribute performers for the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, a gala event honoring Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson on Sunday, August 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.

Shawn Camp will lead a band of many of Nashville’s finest musicians during the musical tribute to the three country music greats, which will be hosted by Vince Gill and include appearances from previously announced luminaries Lee Ann Womack, Lyle Lovett, Billy Swan and Rodney Crowell, as well as surprise guests.

A limited number of tables and tickets are still available through Leadership Music. Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner table seating and program acknowledgment, are $500 each; Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron Tickets, for the cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, an educational 501(c)(3) organization.

The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 “to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example.”

The careers of veteran record label executive and producer Fred Foster and iconic journeymen Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson intersected at Foster’s archetypal independent label, Monument Records. All trailblazers in distinct, if interconnected, ways, the three helped define—and redefine—the Music Row business model, elevate the Nashville songwriting medium, and push the boundaries of country music, all while maintaining maverick authenticity.

Honorary Chairs for the 2010 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner are Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young. Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen, Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks (2009).

For more information, contact LM at 615.770.7090 or lm@leadershipmusic.org.

About Leadership Music
Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 20 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 800 music industry-related executives.

# # #

For additional information, contact:
Kay Clary
(615) 401.2728 / kclary@bmi.com

Caroline Davis
(615) 957.5056 / office@leadershipmusic.org
Aug 16, 2010
Red-Letter Lineup to Salute Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson at Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award Gala
More performers and special guests will be announced soon

NASHVILLE, August 3, 2010 – Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, Billy Swan and Lee Ann Womack will help pay live musical homage, Vince Gill will charm as master of ceremonies, and the Nashville music community will come together to be inspired as pioneers Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson are honored at the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner on Sunday, August 29 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Music City.

More performers and special guests will be announced soon.

Reservations to attend the invitation-only fundraiser should be made by Tuesday, August 10. For more information, contact the Leadership Music office at LM@leadershipmusic.org.

The careers of veteran record label executive and producer Fred Foster and iconic journeymen Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson intersected at Foster’s archetypal independent label, Monument Records. All trailblazers in distinct, if interconnected, ways, the three helped define—and redefine—the Music Row business model, elevate the Nashville songwriting medium, and push the boundaries of country music, all while maintaining maverick authenticity.

Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner seating and program acknowledgment, are $500 each; Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron Tickets, for the cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, an educational 501(c)(3) organization.

Honorary Chairs for the 2010 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner are Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young. The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 “to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example.” Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen, Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks (2009).

About Leadership Music
Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 20 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 800 music industry-related executives.

www.leadershipmusic.org.

# # #


For additional information, contact:
Kay Clary

(615) 401.2728 / kclary@bmi.com

Caroline Davis
(615) 957.5056 / office@leadershipmusic.org


About the Honorees
Fred Foster, the founder of one of the most successful independent labels in history and a man who has spotted some of the most legendary of musical talents, has built his entire career on innovation and leadership. His record company, Monument Records, made stars of Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Boots Randolph, Jeannie Seely, Tony Joe White, Dolly Parton, Billy Swan and Larry Gatlin. He also signed Willie Nelson, Charlie McCoy, Ray Stevens, Robert Mitchum, Ed Bruce, Billy Walker, Grandpa Jones and Henson Cargill. Foster produced such vivid Orbison singles as “Only the Lonely,” “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Running Scared,” “In Dreams” and “Oh Pretty Woman.” He also co-founded the Nashville R&B label Sound-Stage 7, which had hits with Joe Simon, Ella Washington and Roscoe Shelton. In addition, Foster was co-owner of the hugely successful Combine Publishing company. He continues to work as a producer, notably of recent albums by Willie Nelson.

As a songwriter, Kris Kristofferson revolutionized country composing, raising it to new levels of poetic expression and sensual honesty. As a performer, he has always been bravely political and principled. He is one of the few Nashville artists who successfully made the transition into film fame. Thus, in at least three areas, Kris Kristofferson has led the way. Songs such as “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “For the Good Times,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Why Me,” “One Day at a Time” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” not only won awards, they inspired and guided an entire generation of Nashville songwriters. The alienation, loss, freedom and candor in his lyrics continue to be studied by aspiring tunesmiths to this day. In the 1980s, he reinvented himself as one of The Highwaymen, alongside fellow legends Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. Kristofferson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Willie Nelson, arguably the most prolific artist of the last six decades, has forged his own path throughout his career. In the 1960s, he stunned the Nashville songwriting community with “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Pretty Paper,” “Family Bible” and “Night Life.” In the 1970s, he pioneered country concept albums and led the “Outlaw” movement, which lifted the genre to Platinum-selling status. Next, he blazed a trail as a country singer of pop standards with such albums as Stardust (1978) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1981). As an interpreter of others’ songs, he has brought to fame such classics as “Always on My Mind,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” He has collaborated with more of his fellow artists than anyone, including Julio Iglesias, Leon Russell, Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Roger Miller, Ray Price, Toby Keith and Waylon Jennings. In 1985, he co-founded the annual Farm Aid benefit concerts. Nelson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993. The latest of his 200+ albums is Country Music, released earlier this year on Rounder, and he continues to play more than 200 concerts a year.
Aug 16, 2010
MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRED FOSTER, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON & WILLIE NELSON WILL HIGHLIGHT LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD
Invitations have been mailed to the 7th Annual Gala set for Sunday, August 29 in Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN (July 23, 2010) Leadership Music will present the organization's prestigious Dale Franklin Award to music giants Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson during a gala fundraising dinner slated for Sunday, August 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville. Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young are Honorary Chairs of the evening, which will feature an all-star musical tribute hosted by Vince Gill. Tribute performers and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

This exclusive event is by invitation only to Leadership Music alumni and special guests; responses are requested by Friday, August 6.

Benefactor level tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred placement dinner table for ten and program acknowledgement, are $500 each; Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron tickets, for cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron tables of 10 are $2,499. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, a 501(c)(3) organization.

The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest quality of leadership and leading by example. Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award recipients Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009).

About the 2010 LMDFA Honorees

Fred Foster, the founder of one of the most successful independent labels in history and a man who has spotted some of the most legendary of musical talents, has built his entire career on innovation and leadership. His record company, Monument Records, made stars of Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Boots Randolph, Jeannie Seely, Tony Joe White, Dolly Parton, Billy Swan and Larry Gatlin. He also signed Willie Nelson, Charlie McCoy, Ray Stevens, Robert Mitchum, Ed Bruce, Billy Walker, Grandpa Jones and Henson Cargill. Foster produced such vivid Orbison singles as “Only the Lonely,” “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Running Scared,” “In Dreams” and “Oh Pretty Woman.” He also co-founded the Nashville R&B label Sound-Stage 7, which had hits with Joe Simon, Ella Washington and Roscoe Shelton. In addition, Foster was co-owner of the hugely successful Combine Publishing company. He continues to work as a producer, notably of recent albums by Willie Nelson.

As a songwriter, Kris Kristofferson revolutionized country composing, raising it to new levels of poetic expression and sensual honesty. As a performer, he has always been bravely political and principled. He is one of the few Nashville artists who successfully made the transition into film fame. Thus, in at least three areas, Kris Kristofferson has led the way. Songs such as “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “For the Good Times,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Why Me,” “One Day at a Time” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” not only won awards, they inspired and guided an entire generation of Nashville songwriters. The alienation, loss, freedom and candor in his lyrics continue to be studied by aspiring tunesmiths to this day. In the 1980s, he reinvented himself as one of The Highwaymen, alongside fellow legends Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. Kristofferson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Willie Nelson, arguably the most prolific artist of the last six decades, has forged his own path throughout his career. In the 1960s, he stunned the Nashville songwriting community with "Crazy," “Hello Walls,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Pretty Paper,” “Family Bible” and “Night Life.” In the 1970s, he pioneered country concept albums and led the “Outlaw” movement, which lifted the genre to Platinum-selling status. Next, he blazed a trail as a country singer of pop standards with such albums as Stardust (1978) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1981). As an interpreter of others’ songs, he has brought to fame such classics as “Always on My Mind,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” He has collaborated with more of his fellow artists than anyone, including Julio Iglesias, Leon Russell, Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Roger Miller, Ray Price, Toby Keith and Waylon Jennings. In 1985, he co-founded the annual Farm Aid benefit concerts. Nelson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993. The latest of his 200+ albums is Country Music, released in May on Rounder. He continues to play more than 200 concerts a year and will tour Europe in June.

For more information on reservations and ticketing, contact the Leadership Music office via lm@leadershipmusic.org or 615.770.7090.

# # #
Jul 23, 2010
LEADERSHIP MUSIC SELECTS 52 MEMBERS FOR CLASS OF 2011
NASHVILLE (6-18-10) - Fifty-two new members have been selected to participate in the 22nd class of Leadership Music. The annual program is designed to create a forum for established music community leaders to identify and explore issues currently affecting the music industry.

"The selection committee, composed of Leadership Music alumni from all areas of the industry, has carefully chosen an outstanding group of leaders from hundreds of candidates for the Class of 2011," said J. Fred Knobloch, immediate past president of the board of directors and owner of J. Fred Knobloch Music, LLC., who chaired the committee. “This is the most important and rewarding work we do all year, and I applaud the committee’s dedication in putting together the next ‘best class ever’.”

Members of the Class of 2011 are: Lainie Allbee, general manager, Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC; Claire Armbruster, artist support, Keith Case & Associates; Jeff Balding, producer/engineer; Jeff Black, artist/songwriter, Jeff Black Music/Lotos Nile Music; Brad Bissell, agent, Creative Artists Agency; Duff Berschback, vice president, business affairs, Sony/ATV Music Publishing; Ashley Capps, president/founder, AC Entertainment (Knoxville, TN); Jim Catino, vice president, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Ramon Cisneros, president/CEO, Millennium Marketing; Ben Cissell, outreach director, Rocketown; Eric Conn, president, Independent Mastering; Ron Cox, senior vice president/head of entertainment division, Avenue Bank; Robin Eaton, president, Alex the Great/Club Roar;

J. Tod Fetherling, president/CEO, Nashville Technology Council; Keith Follese, president, Bigger Dog Productions; Keith Gale, vice president, promotion, RCA Records Nashville; Rusty Gaston, partner/general manager, This Music; Ken Gay, video designer/artist, XL Video USA; Jesse Goldstein, president, The TomKats Group; David Hamilton, producer/arranger/conductor, Hamilton Music Production; Dan E. Harrell, president, Fore Artist Management; Jim Houser, partner, Management Operations, Creative Trust, Inc.; Misha Hunke, assistant vice president, performing rights, BMI; Michael J. Huppe, executive vice president/general counsel, SoundExchange, Inc. (Washington, DC); Ariel Hyatt, president, Ariel Publicity & Cyber PR (Brooklyn, NY); John Ingrassia, general manager, Vector Management;

John R. Jacobson, attorney, Riley Warnock & Jacobson, PLC; Barry Jeffrey, WME; Brock Jones, senior director, booking, Powers Management (Bridgestone Arena); Dennis F. Jones, Jr., president/general manager, RadioJones, LLC (Atlanta, GA); Will Kimbrough, president, Will Kimbrough Music; Chandra LaPlume-Pereira, vice president/partner, Taillight TV; Wayne Leeloy, senior director, artist services, Topspin Media; Lori Mechem, executive director, Nashville Jazz Workshop; Andrew Mendelson, owner/chief mastering engineer, Georgetown Masters; Wendell Moore, president/CEO, The Capitol Group, LLC; Molly Nagel, senior director, artist development, Sugar Hill Records; Jill Napier, executive vice president, Big Loud Bucks Administration & Information, LLC; Suzanne Norman, senior vice president, strategy & business operations, CMT;

Cliff O’Sullivan, senior vice president, Group Marketing, Universal Music Group Distribution (Universal City, CA); Joe Palmaccio, president, The Place. . .for Mastering, PC; Glenn Peoples, senior editorial analyst, Billboard; Chip Petree, general manager/vice president, business affairs, Copyright Exchange, LLC; Rod Riley, chief operating officer, Word Entertainment; Carla Sacks, president, Sacks & Co (New York, NY).; Paul Schatzkin, owner, Cohesion Arts; Jennifer Schott, songwriter, Big Schott Songs; Michael Spriggs, Incredisongs; Lester Turner, Jr., president, Tuned In Broadcasting, Inc.; Melissa Wald, assistant professor, Middle Tennessee State University; Jon Weisberger, proprietor, Use Your Words Music; Marcus Whitney, chief technology officer, Moontoast.
Jun 18, 2010
NEXT BIG NASHVILLE & LEADERSHIP MUSIC DIGITAL SUMMIT JOIN FORCES IN 2010
Combined Conference & Festival Set for September 28 through October 2 in Nashville featuring Panels, Parties & 150+ Artist Performances

Nashville, TN (May 25, 2010) – Nashville’s two most progressive music events, Next BIG Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music Digital Summit (LMDS), have united to create the best of both within a week-long conference and festival, set for Tuesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 2, in Nashville. Both NBN and LMDS have had major impacts on the cultural landscape of Music City over the last five years, bringing music and creative minds to Nashville as well as providing a platform for the city’s best and brightest.

"This move made so much sense for us," says NBN co-founder Jason Moon Wilkins. "The quality and credibility Leadership Music's speakers, alumni and attendees bring to the new combined event is invaluable. The performing NBN bands will be exposed to more industry insiders and digital innovators. The potential for new creative collaborations increases and this really furthers our mission of telling the full story of Music City and the countless crossroads, musical and business, that run through it."

Karen Oertley, Executive Director, Leadership Music, adds, “By combining Leadership Music's Digital Summit and Next BIG Nashville, we are able to offer the best of the best in one event. Attendees will learn from a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists by day and hear incredible music by night. This promises to be a ‘must attend’ event for everyone with an interest in the future of music and entertainment.”

For five years Next BIG Nashville has showcased the future of music by featuring artists from the world of rock, pop, hip hop, indie, roots, and more performing throughout the city, accompanied by informative industry panels and speakers. During the same five years, the Leadership Music Digital Summit has been on the cutting edge of music and digital media by hosting panels, discussions and demonstrations featuring key players and innovators dedicated to the creative, business and legal aspects of digital music in the new millennium. With the combined success, knowledge and experience of NBN and LMDS, the united events will prove to be one of the most important and valuable music industry events taking place today.

The announcement of the newly merged event has drawn praise from both civic and industry leaders. "The Chamber believes that supporting the evolution and growth of the music industry is one of the most important economic development objectives that we can have as a city,” says Janet Miller, Chief Economic Development Officer, Nashville Chamber of Commerce. “The alignment of the Digital Summit with Next BIG Nashville is a huge step forward in creating the sort of focal point that we as a city need to be perceived as a thought-leader in the industry and to further cement our place as the best music city in the world." Butch Spyridon, President, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau says, "Outstanding work by all involved! This is a brilliant collaboration, at an extremely opportune time. The dividends will pay off for both organizations for years to come."

The union of Next BIG Nashville & Leadership Music Digital Summit will provide opportunities for independent artists, established artists, application developers, digital graphics designers and music industry employees of any capacity. Attendees can listen to and discuss topics with managers, labels, ISPs, songwriters, mobile operators, consumer product developers, digital music services, retailers, publishers and content aggregators during the day. At night, 150+ emerging and established artists will perform at 15+ venues in one of the most important cities in music history. More details and earlybird tickets coming in early June.

To view updated information on 2010 Next Big Nashville and Leadership Music's Digital Summit, go to http://nbnsummit.com
To view a recap of Next BIG Nashville 2009, go to http://sn.im/vctfr-hej .
To view highlights from past Leadership Music Digital Summits,
go to http://www.digitalsummit.org/index.php .

Artists, speakers and panelists to be announced shortly. Registration and attendee information coming soon.
For artist submissions, visit nextbignashville.net

# # #

For press information about Next BIG Nashville & Leadership Music Digital Summit, please contact Jim Flammia at All Eyes Media: (615) 227-2770 or jim@alleyesmedia.com
May 25, 2010
FRED FOSTER, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AND WILLIE NELSON TO RECEIVE LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD Seventh Annual Gala set for Sunday, August 29 in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN (May 19, 2010) – Veteran record-label executive and producer Fred Foster and music icons Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson have been selected as the 2010 recipients of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, it was announced by the board of directors of Leadership Music. The three country music trailblazers, whose careers intersected at Foster’s uniquely successful independent record label, Monument Records, will be honored at a gala tribute banquet on Sunday, August 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.

The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest quality of leadership and leading by example. Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009).

“Individually and collectively Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson have been and continue to be iconic leaders in the industry by influencing popular music in countless ways over the past six decades. Their contributions to the art of music are immeasurable. To say that Leadership Music and its alumni are proud and delighted to honor these creative geniuses who have brought such distinction to our city is a vast understatement,” said Pat Collins, president of the Leadership Music Board of Directors. “It will be a night every music lover will long remember and cherish.”

Fred Foster, the founder of one of the most successful independent labels in history and a man who has spotted some of the most legendary of musical talents, has built his entire career on innovation and leadership. His record company, Monument Records, made stars of Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Boots Randolph, Jeannie Seely, Tony Joe White, Dolly Parton, Billy Swan and Larry Gatlin. He also signed Willie Nelson, Charlie McCoy, Ray Stevens, Robert Mitchum, Ed Bruce, Billy Walker, Grandpa Jones and Henson Cargill. Foster produced such vivid Orbison singles as “Only the Lonely,” “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Running Scared,” “In Dreams” and “Oh Pretty Woman.” He also co-founded the Nashville R&B label Sound-Stage 7, which had hits with Joe Simon, Ella Washington and Roscoe Shelton. In addition, Foster was co-owner of the hugely successful Combine Publishing company. He continues to work as a producer, notably of recent albums by Willie Nelson.

As a songwriter, Kris Kristofferson revolutionized country composing, raising it to new levels of poetic expression and sensual honesty. As a performer, he has always been bravely political and principled. He is one of the few Nashville artists who successfully made the transition into film fame. Thus, in at least three areas, Kris Kristofferson has led the way. Songs such as “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “For the Good Times,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Why Me,” “One Day at a Time” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier” not only won awards, they inspired and guided an entire generation of Nashville songwriters. The alienation, loss, freedom and candor in his lyrics continue to be studied by aspiring tunesmiths to this day. In the 1980s, he reinvented himself as one of The Highwaymen, alongside fellow legends Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. Kristofferson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Willie Nelson, arguably the most prolific artist of the last six decades, has forged his own path throughout his career. In the 1960s, he stunned the Nashville songwriting community with “Crazy,” “Hello Walls,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “Pretty Paper,” “Family Bible” and “Night Life.” In the 1970s, he pioneered country concept albums and led the “Outlaw” movement, which lifted the genre to Platinum-selling status. Next, he blazed a trail as a country singer of pop standards with such albums as Stardust (1978) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1981). As an interpreter of others’ songs, he has brought to fame such classics as “Always on My Mind,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” He has collaborated with more of his fellow artists than anyone, including Julio Iglesias, Leon Russell, Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Roger Miller, Ray Price, Toby Keith and Waylon Jennings. In 1985, he co-founded the annual Farm Aid benefit concerts. Nelson was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973 and to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993. The latest of his 200+ albums is Country Music, released this month on Rounder. He continues to play more than 200 concerts a year and will tour Europe in June.

Tickets to the invitation-only event will be available in July.
May 20, 2010
KAREN OERTLEY NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP MUSIC
April 7, 2010: NASHVILLE – The Board of Directors of Leadership Music has named Karen Oertley to the position of chief staff executive for the educational, non-profit organization, effective April 26.

In her new role as Executive Director, Oertley will assume responsibility for directing the planning of the yearly class program, and fundraising, event committee supervision, community alliance and alumni communication efforts, among other duties.

“Karen brings a strong business background combined with an in-depth knowledge of both the music industry and Leadership Music,” said Pat Collins, president of the Leadership Music Board. “The degree of expertise that she brings to this position is impressive. I anticipate new growth and success for Leadership Music under Karen’s guidance.”

Previously, Oertley was vice president of the Billboard Music Group, where she served as group publisher of Musician magazine and publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Business, the international newsweekly for the live entertainment industry. She also held oversight of VNU’s Nashville office, housing Billboard, Airplay Monitor and The Talent Touring (Boxscore) Database Division in addition to Amusement Business and Musician. She was later appointed publisher of Nielsen Business Media’s Hospitality Design magazine, based in New York. Most recently, Oertley has served numerous clients as a marketing and business development consultant and been an active community volunteer.

In accepting the position, Oertley commented, "I have always considered Leadership Music to be a gift, and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the organization. With an alumni base of 800 industry leaders, Leadership Music is a vital and essential element in the continuing dialogue on the evolution of the music business. I look forward to working with the board, the staff, and our alumni to further the organization’s mission and objectives.”

Oertley is a Leadership Music alumna, class of 1995, and has been a member of the board of directors as well as the Alumni Committee, the Digital Summit Marketing committee and other program committees. She has also served on the boards of the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), and the Nashville Sports Council, where her participation continues through the Charities Committee. She has been an active member of other industry organizations including NARAS, CMA, IAFE, IAAM, and IAAPA.
Apr 26, 2010
LEADERSHIP MUSIC LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nashville-based Leadership Music has begun its search for a new executive director to replace Kira Florita, whose resignation as the chief staff executive becomes effective Jan. 18.

Pat Collins, SESAC chief operating officer and president of the Leadership Music Board of Directors, is chair of the five-member search committee.

Applicants must have experience leading small teams, a history of working well with volunteers as well as board members and a background in accounting/finance. Resumes and letters of interest should be sent to edsearch@leadershipmusic.org. A more detailed description of this position can be found at http://www.leadershipmusic.org/members/PDFs/ChiefStaffExecJobRespAndAuthority.pdf . Leadership Music will accept resumes through Feb. 8.

Leadership Music, Inc. is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989. Its mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual education program and other events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record education seminars (the Program) and continued alumni nurturing and education, including an annual digital media conference called the Leadership Music Digital Summit. Over the past 20 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 785 music industry leaders.

For more information: Pat Collins, (615) 320-0055 / pcollins@sesac.com
Jan 14, 2010
KIRA FLORITA RESIGNS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP MUSIC
For Immediate Release – Dec. 29, 2009

Kira Florita has submitted her resignation as executive director of Leadership Music, the Leadership Music Board of Directors announced today. Her resignation will become effective on Jan. 18, 2010; however, Florita will remain engaged as a consultant to assist with the transition to a new management team.

A 30-year music industry veteran, Florita has successfully helmed the 501(c)(3) educational organization for five years, which included the substantial growth of major events such as the Leadership Music Digital Summit and the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award. She served as the organization’s third executive director, following the late Dale Franklin and Tabitha Daly.

"I’ve been blessed to know and work with the ‘cream of the crop’ and for that opportunity I will be eternally grateful,” Florita said. “It has been very satisfying to see many alumni become re-engaged to strengthen our organization’s infrastructure. “My front-row seat has allowed me to see how the relationships and understanding created by the Leadership Music Program facilitate a deeper commitment and passion for music – for both the creators and the business people who serve as its stewards,” Florita said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the organization in the future as one of many alumni volunteers whose contributions are essential. I have been mulling over exploring new opportunities for quite a while, and following the 20th Anniversary event is an ideal time to make a transition.”

Pat Collins, the president of Leadership Music’s Board of Directors, said the board will engage a search committee to conduct a national search for a new executive director. “Kira’s dedication to Leadership Music will be hard to replicate,” Collins said. “Rarely have I experienced an executive who could accomplish so much with limited resources. Her guidance going forward will be appreciated by the entire music community.”

Producer Garth Fundis, who serves as Leadership Music’s program facilitator, said, "As a participant in many significant milestones of Nashville's music business and an alumna herself of Leadership Music, Kira brought a unique perspective that enhanced our organization immensely. Her contributions, love and dedication to Leadership Music and its participants should never be underestimated and I am grateful for her stewardship."

Bill Ivey, member of the Leadership Music Founding Council and Director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University, said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Kira on dozens of Leadership Music projects and program days. She’s made a solid, positive, and lasting contribution to the strength of this important Nashville organization.”

Florita is an alumna of Leadership Music Class of 2000 and Leadership Nashville Class of 2006. She currently is chairing the Arts, Media and Communication partnership council for MNPS's High School Small Learning Communities and serves on the mayor’s Nashville Music Council. Volunteer activities have included serving on the boards of the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, the Audio Publisher’s Association, the Downtown YMCA, and the National Folk Music Alliance.

After Jan. 18, Florita may be reached at kiraflorita@gmail.com, (615) 438-7545.

Media Contact: Pat Collins, LM Board President pcollins@sesac.com / (615) 320-0055
Dec 29, 2009
TAYLOR SWIFT WINS TOP ARTIST AND SONGWRITER HONORS AT REVIVED NASHVILLE MUSIC AWARDS
For Immediate Release

TAYLOR SWIFT WINS TOP ARTIST AND SONGWRITER HONORS
AT REVIVED NASHVILLE MUSIC AWARDS

October 7, 2009 (Nashville, TN): Taylor Swift was the big winner at the Nashville Music Awards tonight, collecting three trophies during a reception at the Cannery Ballroom. The 19-year old Big Machine recording artist was named Artist of the Year and Songwriter/Artist of the Year, with her album Fearless earning Country Album of the Year honors.

Presented by Leadership Music in partnership with music festival and conference Next Big Nashville (NBN), the Nashville Music Awards were established to recognize outstanding contributions in all genres of music and to celebrate the diversity and quality of artists and music professionals who call Nashville their home.

After a welcome from Mayor Karl Dean, Leadership Music executive director Kira Florita and board member Robert K. Oermann, winners were announced in 19 categories by NMA nominating committee co-chairs Jason Moon Wilkins, Director and Owner of Next Big Nashville, Tracy Gershon and Oermann.

New Artist of the Year honors went to Lady Antebellum, with Brooke Waggoner claiming the Next Big Nashville Award for best emerging artist and Jack White named top instrumentalist.

Liz Rose was voted Songwriter of the Year on the strength of recent cuts by artists such as Jewel, Jypsi and frequent co-writer Taylor Swift. "The Time of My Life," written by Regie Hamm and sung by American Idol winner David Cook, was named Song of the Year.

In addition to Swift's Country album victory, genre album winners were the Steeldrivers (Bluegrass), Sarah Siskind (Americana), April Rucker (Urban), Jars of Clay (Gospel/Contemporary Christian), Take 6 (Jazz/Blues) and Kings of Leon (Pop/Rock).

The Made in Music City award for a Nashville recording made by a non-resident went to Elvis Costello's Secret, Profane and Sugarcane, produced by T Bone Burnett and recorded at Sound Emporium Studio.

Landmark Digital Services, LLC was recognized as Innovator of the Year for its BlueArrow Audio Recognition.

The evening's final honor, the Heritage Award, was given by the Leadership Music Board of Directors to the Fisk Jubilee Singers; FJS musical director Paul Kwami accepted.

This year marks the first partnership between Leadership Music and Next Big Nashville for this awards presentation, held on the opening night of the NBN festival. The NMAs previously were produced from 1995 through 2000 by Leadership Music. The 2009 winners were chosen by popular vote via online balloting. Eligible recordings or projects must have been active in the marketplace between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 and NMA awards are limited to persons and organizations residing in Davidson County and surrounding counties.

The Nashville Music Award trophy was designed and donated by George P. Johnson, one of the foremost experience marketing agencies in the world, now with a facility in Nashville. It is crafted from translucent acrylic to reflect the spirit and creativity that the winners represented.

Sponsors for the Nashville Music Awards were The Nashville Scene, George P. Johnson, Lindemans Wine, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky.

A complete list of 2009 Nashville Music Awards winners follows. For more information visit www.nashvillemusicawards.com.

About Leadership Music: Leadership Music, Inc. is an educational non-profit 501c3 organization founded in 1989 whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education, including an annual digital music conference; the Leadership Music Digital Summit. Over the past 20 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 785 music industry leaders.

www.leadershipmusic.org and www.digitalsummit.org

About Next Big Nashville: A nationally recognized music festival and conference begun in 2006, NBN serves as an annual destination for artists, innovators and business leaders in the creative community at large and continues to provide a deserving spotlight to the depth and diversity of the music and business "Made in Music City." NBN 2009 will feature over 200 performers ranging from unsigned singer songwriters to major label artists playing at over a dozen of Nashville's most prestigious venues. Over 15,000 people attended the festival in 2008 and 2009 is expanding to include even more daytime events, parties, interactivity and exciting opportunities for the participating artists.
www.nextbignashville.net

Media Contacts:
CAROLINE DAVIS, (615) 957-5056 / ccdavis10@comcast.net
MEREDITH KOTAS, (615) 631-2997 / meredith.kotas@gmail.com

2009 WINNERS

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

BEST NEW ARTIST
Lady Antebellum

SONG OF THE YEAR
"The Time of My Life," written by Regie Hamm (Recorded by David Cook)

NEXT BIG NASHVILLE AWARD (Emerging Artist)
Brooke Waggoner

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Liz Rose

SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

POSTER/ALBUM ARTWORK/PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Roy Orbison, The Soul of Rock and Roll Boxed Set, Latocki Team Creative

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Jack White

MUSIC VIDEO/FILM OF THE YEAR
Rascal Flatts, "Here Comes Goodbye," directed by Shaun Silva

MADE IN MUSIC CITY AWARD (for a recording made in Nashville by a non-Nashville artist)
Elvis Costello, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
T Bone Burnett, producer; Recorded at Sound Emporium studio

BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Steeldrivers, The Steeldrivers on Rounder Records

COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift, Fearless on Big Machine Records

AMERICANA ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Sarah Siskind, Say It Louder on Request/Thirty Tigers Records

URBAN RECORDING OF THE YEAR
April Rucker, Here I Stand [EP] by One Staj Music Group

GOSPEL/CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Jars of Clay, The Long Fall Back to Earth on Gray Matters/Essential Records

JAZZ/BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Take 6, The Standard on Heads Up Records (Telarc)

POP/ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon, Only by the Night on RCA

INNOVATOR
Landmark Digital Services, LLC for BlueArrow Audio Recognition

HERITAGE AWARD
The Fisk Jubilee Singers, accepted by Musical Director Paul Kwami

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Media Sponsor: The Nashville Scene

Event Sponsors:
George P. Johnson
Buffalo Trace, Fireball Whisky, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Lindemans Wine
Oct 8, 2009
Vote NOW for Nashville Music Awards 2009
VOTE NOW!

LEADERSHIP MUSIC AND NEXT BIG NASHVILLE PRESENT
The Nashville Music Awards 2009

Let your voice be heard--The Nashville Music Awards are back!

Recognizing outstanding contributions in all genres of music
Celebrating the diversity and quality of artists and music professionals
who call Nashville their home

FINAL NOMINEES ANNOUNCED (below)

Winners will be announced at a reception kicking off the Next Big Nashville festival on Wednesday October 7th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Cannery Ballroom, followed by a special NBN Kickoff Event featuring the new Ten Out of Tenn.

For more information about the awards and event and a complete list of nominees visit www.nashvillemusicawards.com or Facebook.

For more about the presenters: www.nextbignashville.net and www.leadershipmusic.org

VOTE NOW at http://polls.nashvillescene.com/polls/nvs/musicawards09/

Voting closes at midnight CST on September 30, 2009
2009 FINAL NOMINEES
For voting by the public - one vote per category, one ballot per person

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon
Alison Krauss
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Jack White

BEST NEW ARTIST
Mat Kearney
Lady Antebellum
Erin McCarley
SafetySuit
The SteelDrivers

SONG OF THE YEAR
"The Climb" Miley Cyrus
Writers: Jessi Alexander / Jon Mabe
"Decode" Paramore
Writers: Josh Farro / Hayley Williams / Taylor York
"Give Me Your Eyes" Brandon Heath
Writer: Brandon Heath / Jason Ingram
"I Run to You" Lady Antebellum
Writers: Dave Haywood / Charles Kelley / Hillary Scott / Tom Douglas
"In Color" Jamey Johnson
Writers: Jamey Johnson / Lee Thomas Miller / James Otto
"The Motions" Matthew West
Writer: Jason Houser / San Mizell / Matthew West
"Old Enough" The Raconteurs
Writers: Brendan Benson / Jack White III
"Sex on Fire" Kings of Leon
Writers: The Followills (Caleb, Nathan, Jared, Matthew)
"The Time of My Life" David Cook
Writer: Regie Hamm
"White Horse" Taylor Swift
Writers: Taylor Swift / Liz Rose

NEXT BIG NASHVILLE AWARD (Emerging Artists)
AutoVaughn
Madi Diaz
Mikky Ekko
Those Darlins
Brooke Waggoner

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Brett James
Ashley Gorley
Hillary Lindsey
Bobby Pinson
Liz Rose

SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon (Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill)
Jamey Johnson
Dolly Parton
Taylor Swift
Matthew West

POSTER / ALBUM ARTWORK / PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Dave Barnes Me + You + The World
Leeland Opposite Way
Roy Orbison The Soul Of Rock And Roll Boxed Set
Joel Augé On The Blue
Third Day Revelation

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Bela Fleck
Edgar Meyer
Jeff Taylor
Steve Wariner
Jack White

MUSIC VIDEO / FILM OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean "She's Country" - Directed by Wes Edwards
Justin Townes Earle "Midnight At The Movies" - Directed by Ryan Newman
Jars Of Clay "Two Hands" - Directed by Eric Welch
Rascal Flatts "Here Comes Goodbye" - Directed by Shaun Silva
John Rich "Shuttin' Detroit Down" - Directed by Deaton-Flanigan

MADE IN MUSIC CITY AWARD (for a recording made in Nashville by a non-Nashville artist)
Joan Baez, The Day After Tomorrow

Steve Earle - producer, Sound Emporium studio/Room and Board studio
Cage the Elephant, Cage the Elephant
Jay Joyce - producer, Tragedy & Da House studios
Elvis Costello, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
T Bone Burnett - producer, Sound Emporium studio
John Oates, 1,000 Miles of Life
John Oates & Jed Leiber - producers; Ronnie's Place studio
Trivium, Shogun
Nick Raskulinecz - producer, Sound Kitchen studio


BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley, Don't Turn Your Back, Compass Records
Dailey & Vincent, Brothers from Different Mothers, Rounder Records
The Grascals, Keep on Walkin', Rounder Records
The Infamous Stringdusters, The Infamous Stringdusters, Sugar Hill Records
The Steeldrivers, The Steeldrivers, Rounder Records

COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Eric Church, Carolina, Capitol Nashville Records
Jamey Johnson, That Lonesome Song, Mercury Records
Brad Paisley, American Saturday Night, Arista Records
Taylor Swift, Fearless, Big Machine Records

Lee Ann Womack, Call Me Crazy, MCA Nashville Records

AMERICANA ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Justin Townes Earle, Midnight at the Movies, Bloodshot Records
Chuck Mead, Journeyman's Wager, Grassy Knoll Records
Buddy & Julie Miller, Written in Chalk, New West Records
Sarah Siskind, Say It Louder, Request/Thirty Tigers Records
Todd Snider, The Excitement Plan, Yep Roc Records

URBAN RECORDING OF THE YEAR
All-Star, Starlito's Way, Grind Hard Records
William Davenport, William Davenport (EP), Self Released
FUTURE, Sci Fly Project (EP), Clean Cut Recordings
Kloud9, Enjoy the Ride, Shanachie Entertainment
April Rucker, Here I Stand, One Staj Music Group

GOSPEL / CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Francesca Battistelli, My Paper Heart, Fervent Records
Ashley Cleveland, God Don't Never Change, Koch Records/E1 Entertainment
Brandon Heath, What If We, Reunion Records
Jars of Clay, The Long Fall Back To Earth, Gray Matters/Essential Records
RED, Innocence & Instinct, Essential Records

JAZZ / BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Pat Coil Sextet, Bird House, Liberty Hill Records
Jonell Mosser, Trust Yourself, Better Angels Records
Jason Ricci & New Blood, Done with the Devil, Elexcto Groove Records
Take 6, The Standard, Heads Up Records (Telarc)
Victor Wooten, Palmystery, Heads Up Records (Telarc)

POP / ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Gabe Dixon Band, The Gabe Dixon Band, Fantasy
The Features, Some Kind of Salvation, 429 Records/Bug
Kings of Leon, Only By The Night, RCA
Erin McCarley, Love, Save the Empty, Universal Republic
The Raconteurs, Consolers of the Lonely, Third Man/Warner Bros.

Media Sponsor: The Nashville Scene
Sep 18, 2009
JIM FOGLESONG, ALLEN REYNOLDS AND GARTH BROOKS SHARE THE STAGE AT LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD
For immediate release / August 26, 2009



JIM FOGLESONG, ALLEN REYNOLDS AND GARTH BROOKS SHARE THE STAGE AT LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD

NASHVILLE - Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks were honored with the sixth annual Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award during an all-star musical tribute August 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville.

More than 700 music industry executives, collaborators, friends and family attended the dinner and musical program praising the three country music giants, whose legendary careers intertwined when Brooks was signed to Capitol Records with Foglesong at the helm, and Reynolds produced his groundbreaking albums. The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, presented annually by the educational non-profit organization of music professionals, was created "to recognize music trailblazers who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example."

The salute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Foglesong kicked off the celebration, with remarks by publisher Tom Collins and manager Jim Halsey, and performances by Kathy Mattea ("I Believe in You"), John Conlee ("Rose Colored Glasses") and Lee Greenwood ("Turns Me Inside Out"). Attorney Mike Milom presented the award to Foglesong.

Mattea and songwriter Bob McDill opened the tribute to producer/songwriter/publisher Allen Reynolds, which also included performances by Hal Ketchum ("Five O'Clock World"), Cowboy Jack Clement ("Dreamin' My Dreams") and Crystal Gayle ("Ready for the Times to Get Better"). Producer Jim Rooney and songwriter Dickey Lee made the award presentation.

Steve Wariner ("Longneck Bottle") led the honors to Garth Brooks, followed by Martina McBride ("The Thunder Rolls"), studio owner John McBride (Brooks' former production manager) and Brooks' wife Trisha Yearwood ("To Make You Feel My Love"). Brooks' longtime manager Bob Doyle, Foglesong and Reynolds presented the crystal award to Brooks, who then surprised the audience with performances of "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)," "We Shall Be Free," "Friends in Low Places" and "The Dance." The evening culminated in the trio of Brooks, Reynolds and Foglesong singing "Man of Constant Sorrow."

Brooks' longtime studio band, known as "The G Men," were the event's house band. Garth Fundis was Executive and Tribute Producer. Honorary Chairs of this year's LMDFA were Roy Clark, Cowboy Jack Clement, Crystal Gayle, Bruce Lundvall, Steve Wariner and Trisha Yearwood.

Foglesong, Reynolds and Brooks join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award winners Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007) and the Bradley Family (2008).

About the Honorees
Jim Foglesong - The Country Music Hall of Famer left his mark as a label head (Dot, ABC, MCA, Capitol/Nashville) that advanced the careers of artists such as Roy Clark, Don Williams, Donna Fargo, Barbara Mandrell, the Oak Ridge Boys, Freddy Fender, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker and, of course, country music's all-time sales champion, Garth Brooks, whom he signed to Capitol in 1988.
Allen Reynolds - A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Reynolds has made an indelible impression on popular music through his multi-track career as a producer (virtually every Garth Brooks album, plus Kathy Mattea, Hal Ketchum and Don Williams), hit writer ("Five O'Clock World," "Ready for the Times to Get Better"), studio owner and music publisher.
Garth Brooks - When Garth Brooks was named "the solo artist of the 20th Century" by the RIAA, he responded, "I am most proud that this honor rests under the flag of country music." The RIAA certified him as the Number one selling solo artist in US history with more than 128 million records sold, and he is the only solo artist to earn six Diamond Awards (for six albums with sales in excess of 10 million each).

Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 20 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 740 music industry-related executives.

For additional information or photos, contact:
Caroline Davis, LM Communications Co-chair: (615) 957-5056
ccdavis10@comcast.net

Kira Florita, LM Executive Director: (615) 770-7090
kira@leadershipmusic.org
Sep 3, 2009
PAT COLLINS NAMED LEADERSHIP MUSIC BOARD PRESIDENT
For immediate release – August 26, 2009

PAT COLLINS NAMED LEADERSHIP MUSIC BOARD PRESIDENT

NASHVILLE – Pat Collins has been elected president of the board of directors of Leadership Music, the organization announced today. Since joining the board in 2006, Collins has served as President-Elect and on the Executive Committee.

Collins came to SESAC in 1995 after a 21-year career at ASCAP, where he held various positions in the licensing division, ultimately being named Director of General Licensing and National Sales. At SESAC, Collins served as Senior Vice President of Licensing for several years before being named President & COO.
Collins is a business graduate of Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, and holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Management. He is involved with other music business management initiatives and academic institutions within the Nashville community.

Pat has appeared before various sub-committees of the United States Congress on legislative matters impacting copyrights and, in particular, copyright license guidelines in the United States. He also has given testimony before numerous state legislatures on matters of copyright and has appeared as both guest and moderator on panels focusing on performing rights in the U.S.

Collins is recognized as one of the leading performing rights experts in the United States.

Additional Officers include President Elect - Jamie Cheek, Business Manager/Partner, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.; Secretary - Beverly Keel, Professor of Recording Industry at MTSU, where she serves also serves as President of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music; Treasurer - Tim Wipperman; President and CEO, Wipperman Music Group. In addition to these officers, other members of the Executive Committee are: J. Fred Knobloch, Member, J. Fred Knobloch Music. LLC; Garth Fundis, Record Producer, GMF Music; Lori Badgett, Vice President, SunTrust Bank; Ed Benson; and Erika Wollam-Nichols, Director of Development/Manager, NSAI/Bluebird Cafe.

New board members elected to two-year terms include John Beiter, Attorney, Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes, PLLC; Linda Bloss-Baum, Vice President Public Policy & Government Relations, Warner Music Group; Mark Bright, President & CEO, Word Entertainment; Vincent Candilora, Sr. Vice President/Director of Licensing, ASCAP; Jay Frank, Sr. Vice President Music Strategy, CMT; Bill Lee, Sr. Vice President Licensing Operations, SESAC, Inc; Bruce Phillips, Managing Partner, Lyon & Phillips, PLLC; Thom Schuyler, Songwriter, Bethlehem Publishing Management (who also served on the board from 1991-1995); Larry Stessel, President, Trillium Entertainment; John Styll, President & CEO, Gospel Music Association; Bethel "Bo" Thomas, Vice President for University Advancement, Belmont University; Stacy Widelitz, President, Stacy Widelitz Music, Inc.

Board members serving through June 30, 2010 include Drew Alexander, Director of Publishing, Curb Music Group; Mitch Bainwol, Chairman & CEO, RIAA; Tom Baldrica, Vice President Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; Fred Buc, General Manager, Tuned In Broadcasting/WRLT-FM, Lightning 100; Jamie Cheek; Pat Collins; Garth Fundis; John Grady, President Nashville Operations, Borman Entertainment; Jeff Gregg, Agent, Creative Artists Agency; Kerry Hansen, CEO/Personal Manager, Big Enterprises; Liz Kiley, Vice President Broadcast Affiliations & Operations, MTV tr3s; Pam Matthews, Owner, DuVoyant Music; Mark Montgomery, Entrepreneur, hellomarko.com = ideas and execution; Robert K. Oermann, Owner, R.K.O. Media Products; Randy Wachtler, President, 615 Music Companies.

Board members re-elected to serve through June 30, 2011 include Lori Badgett; Ed Benson; Caroline Davis, Communications Consultant; Beverly Keel; Dave Pomeroy, Bassist/Writer/Producer, Earwave Music Group and President, AFM; Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Tim Wipperman; and Erika Wollam-Nichols.

Leadership Music’s executive director, Kira Florita, continues to serve as an ex-officio member of the board. Wayne Halper, Esq., Bruce Phillips of Lyon & Phillips, PLLC, and Robert Sullivan of Loeb & Loeb, LLP serve as the not-for-profit educational organization’s legal counsel.

For a complete list of the Board of Directors, visit www.leadershipmusic.org.

Leadership Music™ is an educational 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1989; over the past 20 years, more than 784 business and creative leaders have graduated from the annual series of educational segments (the Program.) The mission of Leadership Music is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals. The purpose is to build a community of leaders to cultivate prosperity in the music industry. Leadership Music believes in the value of music, the value of leadership, the importance of music as an industry, and the value of relevance and solutions. The goal of Leadership Music is to create knowledge, understanding and communications; to build relationships and create active connections; to foster inspiration and facilitate empathy, and the prompt new ideas and solutions. This is accomplished through the Program and continued alumni nurturing and education, as well as an annual digital music conference open to the public; the Leadership Music Digital Summit. The organization also recognizes business and creative music industry leaders with its annual Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award. Visit http://www.leadershipmusic.org and http://www.digitalsummit.org or more information.


For additional information, contact:
Kira Florita, Executive Director
615.770.7090
P.O. Box 158010
Nashville, TN 37215-8010
www.leadershipmusic.org
Sep 3, 2009
STEVE WARINER ADDED TO STAR-STUDDED LINEUP FOR AUGUST 23rd LEADERSHIP TRIBUTE
For immediate release / August 17, 2009

STEVE WARINER ADDED TO STAR-STUDDED LINEUP FOR AUGUST 23rd LEADERSHIP TRIBUTE

NASHVILLE - Grammy- and CMA-winning artist Steve Wariner and noted studio owner John McBride are among the music industry notables who will honor Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks at the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award (LMDFA), set for Sunday, August 23, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.

The legendary careers of Foglesong, Reynolds and Brooks intertwined when Brooks was signed to Capitol Records with Foglesong at the helm, and Reynolds produced his groundbreaking albums. Wariner (co-writer of Brooks' hit "Longneck Bottle") joins in the tribute to Brooks with longtime friends Martina and John McBride (he is Brooks' former tour production manager) and Brooks' wife, Trisha Yearwood. Cowboy Jack Clement, Reynolds-produced artists Kathy Mattea, Hal Ketchum and Crystal Gayle, and songwriter Bob McDill will lead the salute to Reynolds. Colleagues celebrating Foglesong include Roy Clark, John Conlee and Lee Greenwood. Among those sending video messages are Emmylou Harris, George Strait, Barbara Mandrell, Dierks Bentley, the Oak Ridge Boys and Bobby Bare.

Honorary Chairs of the LMDFA are Clark, Clement, Gayle, Wariner and Yearwood, and label executive Bruce Lundvall. Garth Fundis is tribute producer. Brooks' longtime studio band, known as "The G Men," will serve as the house band.

Tickets to the Invitation-Only fundraising event are nearly sold out. For more information, contact LM@leadershipmusic.org.

Benefactor level includes a pre-event VIP reception with honorees and special guests, the cocktail reception, best dinner table placement and special acknowledgments; Benefactor Tickets are $500, Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron level includes the cocktail reception and dinner, Patron Tickets are $200 for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499 and include preferred table placement and special acknowledgments. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, a 501(c)(3) educational organization.

The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 "to recognize music industry trailblazers who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example."

Foglesong, Reynolds and Brooks join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007) and The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008).

About Leadership Music
Leadership Music is an educational 501c3 non-profit organization based in Nashville; since its founding in 1989, more than 780 business and creative leaders from around the country have graduated from the series of educational segments (the Program.) The mission of Leadership Music is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals, for the purpose of building a community of leaders to cultivate prosperity in the music industry. The goals of Leadership Music are accomplished through the Program and continued alumni nurturing and education, as well as an annual digital music conference open to the public; the Leadership Music Digital Summit. Visit www.leadershipmusic.org and www.digitalsummit.org for more information.


For additional information, contact:
Caroline Davis, LM Communications Co-chair
(615) 957-5056
ccdavis10@comcast.net

Kira Florita, LM Executive Director
(615) 770-7090
kira@leadershipmusic.org
Sep 3, 2009
GALAXY OF STARS GROWS FOR TRIBUTE TO JIM FOGLESONG, ALLEN REYNOLDS & GARTH BROOKS AT LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD
GALAXY OF STARS GROWS FOR TRIBUTE TO JIM FOGLESONG, ALLEN REYNOLDS & GARTH BROOKS AT LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, August 3

NASHVILLE - Trisha Yearwood, Crystal Gayle, Roy Clark, John Conlee and Lee Greenwood have been added to the list of stars for the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, a gala event honoring Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks on Sunday, August 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.

Brooks' longtime studio band will join a musical tribute to the three county music greats, which will include appearances from previously announced luminaries Martina McBride, Kathy Mattea and Hal Ketchum. The legendary careers of Foglesong, Reynolds and Brooks intertwined when Brooks was signed to Capitol Records with Foglesong at the helm, and Reynolds produced his groundbreaking albums.

Reservation deadline is Tuesday, August 3. For more information or to request an invitation, contact the Leadership Music office at LM@leadershipmusic.org.

Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner table seating and program acknowledgment, are $500 each; Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron Tickets, for the cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, an educational 501(c)(3) organization.

The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 "to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example."

Foglesong, Reynolds and Brooks join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007) and The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008).

About Leadership Music
Leadership Music is an educational 501c3 non-profit organization based in Nashville; since its founding in 1989, more than 784 business and creative leaders from around the country have graduated from the series of educational segments (the Program.) The mission of Leadership Music is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals, for the purpose of building a community of leaders to cultivate prosperity in the music industry. The goals of Leadership Music are accomplished through the Program and continued alumni nurturing and education, as well as an annual digital music conference open to the public; the Leadership Music Digital Summit. Visit www.leadershipmusic.org and www.digitalsummit.org for more information.

For additional information, contact:
Caroline Davis, LM Communications Co-chair
(615) 957-5056
ccdavis10@comcast.net

Kira Florita, LM Executive Director
(615) 770-7090
kira@leadershipmusic.org
Aug 12, 2009
Save the Dates for Three Upcoming LM Events
Leadership Music Alumni Homecoming Reception and Class of 2010 Orientation
LM Alumni: Please join us as we welcome the Class of 2010
Visit with former classmates and salute our sponsors
Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 6:30 pm
Loews Vanderbilt Plaza

Leadership Music 20th Anniversary
LM Alumni: Mark your calendars for a celebration of 20 years of Leadership Music
Evening of Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Hutton Hotel Nashville

Leadership Music Digital Summit 2010
Don't miss our ever-growing digital conference
Monday and Tuesday, March 22-23, 2010
Belmont University
Jul 20, 2009
Deadline Extended to July 24th for Submissions for the Revived Nashville Music Awards
Deadline Extended to August 7th for Submissions for the Revived Nashville Music Awards

July 17, 2009 (Nashville, TN): The deadline has been extended to Friday, August 7th for submissions for the Nashville Music Awards. Revived in a partnership with Next Big Nashville (NBN) and Leadership Music, Inc. (LM), the Nashville Music Awards (NMA), were produced by LM from 1995 through 2000. The NMAs recognized outstanding contributions in all genres of music, and celebrated the diversity and quality of artists and music professionals who call Nashville their home. Winners will be announced during the NBN festival taking place Wednesday, October 7 through Sunday, October 11, 2009, and are chosen by popular vote via online balloting.

Submissions are being solicited from the public at www.nashvillemusicawards.com in nineteen (19) categories, listed below with the Eligibility Requirements. Final nominees will be chosen by committees consisting of experts in the various genres/categories. Eligible recordings or projects must have been active in the marketplace between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Submissions of names and titles may be made via online survey through July 24. Final nominees in each category will be announced and instructions on voting will be publicized in August.

"I am honored and excited to be a part of the revival of the Nashville Music Awards," says Jason Moon Wilkins, Director and Owner of Next Big Nashville. "I was involved in the nominating process for three of the last four years of the original NMA's and I remember how integral the NMA's were in the recognition of the diversity of Nashville's music community. That musical diversity has grown substantially since then and I look forward to working with Leadership Music in rebuilding the NMA's and doing our part to highlight the creative depth of Music City."

The 2009 Nashville Music Award winners will be announced at a reception on the first evening of NBN, Wednesday, October 7 at the Cannery Ballroom (Time TBA) followed by a special NBN Opening Night Showcase. Between 1995 and 2000, the Nashville Music Award shows were held at the Ryman Auditorium and TPAC's Jackson Hall and featured performances by many of the nominees and winners. For a list of previous winners, visit www.nashvillemusicawards.com.

More details will be announced.
* * * * * * * * * *
ELIGIBILITY:
*NMA awards are limited to persons and organizations residing in Davidson County and surrounding counties, including Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Sumner, Robertson, Cheatham, Dickson, Maury, Hickman, Bedford and Montgomery counties encompassing such communities as Franklin, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, Dickson, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Ashland City, Shelbyville, Columbia and Clarksville, as well as Nashville.
*Honorees must have resided in the NMA area for more than half of the eligibility period. Part-time residents are eligible, but must maintain a Nashville-area profile in the judgment of the nominating committee.
*The nomination period is for projects which were active in the marketplace between January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

NOMINATING / BALLOTING PROCESS:
*Nominees are chosen by a select committee of volunteers, who are chosen for their expertise in the specific musical genres and areas represented. Their work begins in July and ends in August. The nominating committees will be overseen by Jason Moon Wilkins, Tracy Gershon and Robert K. Oermann -- the latter two served in this same capacity during the previous incarnation of the Nashville Music Awards.
*Submissions (names, titles) for all categories may be made at www.nashvillemusicawards.com through August 7, 2009. Respondants can nominate more than one item per category. There is no limit to the number of submissions that may be made, however candidates need only be submitted once. There is no advantage to making multiple submissions.
*Final nominees will be announced in August. Winners are chosen by popular vote with balloting information and links running a number of times in print publication and on numerous websites, including www.nashvillemusicawards.com. Winners will be announced at a reception on Wednesday, October 7, the first evening of the NBN festival at the Cannery Ballroom.

CATEGORIES:
1. Artist of the Year
2. Best New Artist
3. Song of the Year
4. Next Big Nashville Award (for Emerging Independent Artists)
5. Songwriter of the Year
6. Poster / Album Artwork / Packaging of the Year
7. Instrumentalist of the Year
8. Music Video / Film of the Year
9. Made in Music City Award: for a recording made in Nashville by a non-Nashville artist
10. Bluegrass / Old-Time Music Album of the Year
11. Country Album of the Year
12. Folk / Americana Album of the Year
13. Urban Recording of the Year
14. Gospel / Contemporary Christian Album of the Year
15. Jazz / Blues Album of the Year
16. Pop / Rock Album of the Year

The last three categories are not voted on by the public:
17. Heritage Award
18. Brian Williams Ambassador Award (formerly titled the "Bridge Award")
19. Innovator of the Year: for a Nashville music-related tech innovator

SPONSORSHIPS: Sponsorships are available for the NMA reception to announce the winners, and for the Next Big Nashville festival. Contact nextbignashville@mac.com.
* * * * * * * * * *
About Leadership Music: Leadership Music, Inc. is an educational non-profit 501c3 organization founded in 1989 whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education, including an annual digital music conference; the Leadership Music Digital Summit. Over the past 20 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 785 music industry leaders. www.leadershipmusic.org and www.digitalsummit.org

About Next Big Nashville: A nationally recognized music festival and conference begun in 2006, NBN serves as an annual destination for artists, innovators and business leaders in the creative community at large and continues to provide a deserving spotlight to the depth and diversity of the music and business "Made in Music City." NBN 2009 will feature over 200 performers ranging from unsigned singer songwriters to major label artists playing at over a dozen of Nashville's most prestigious venues. Over 15,000 people attended the festival in 2008 and 2009 is expanding to include even more daytime events, parties, interactivity and exciting opportunities for the participating artists. www.nextbignashville.net

Contact: info@nashvillemusicawards.com
Visit: www.nashvillemusicawards.com
Jul 17, 2009
JIM FOGLESONG, ALLEN REYNOLDS & GARTH BROOKS TO RECEIVE MUSICAL TRIBUTE WITH LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD
For immediate release: July 13, 2009

JIM FOGLESONG, ALLEN REYNOLDS & GARTH BROOKS TO RECEIVE MUSICAL TRIBUTE WITH LEADERSHIP MUSIC DALE FRANKLIN AWARD

NASHVILLE - Leadership Music will present the organization's prestigious Dale Franklin Award to country music giants Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks during a gala fundraising dinner slated for Sunday, August 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville. Roy Clark, Cowboy Jack Clement, Crystal Gayle, Bruce Lundvall, Steve Wariner and Trisha Yearwood are Honorary Chairs of the event, which will feature an all-star musical tribute with appearances by Martina McBride, Kathy Mattea and Hal Ketchum, among other performers and speakers. Additional tribute artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Invitations to the awards dinner were mailed this week to Leadership Music alumni and special guests; reservation deadline is Monday, August 3.

Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner table seating and program acknowledgement, are $500 each; Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron Tickets, for the cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, a 501(c)(3) organization.

The careers and character of this year's honorees epitomize fairness, impeccable taste, untiring devotion to their craft and, above all else, love for the music. Each man, in his own way, has reshaped the course of music history not only in Nashville but also upon the global music world. Their lives became intertwined in 1988 when Foglesong signed Brooks to a recording contract with Capitol Records; Reynolds joined up as producer a short while later. The three men rarely were in the same room, yet they irrevocably changed popular music and created the biggest superstar Music City has ever launched.

About the Honorees

Jim Foglesong began his career in New York as a professional singer and executive/producer for Columbia, Epic and RCA. He relocated to Nashville in 1970 to direct Dot Records, where he guided the recording careers of Roy Clark, Don Williams and Donna Fargo, among others, and became, in 1973, the first executive on Music Row to be given the title of president of a major record company. After ABC Records purchased Dot, "ABC/Dot Records" signed Barbara Mandrell, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Freddy Fender, and during his tenure at MCA Records, the label signed George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Greenwood. While he was president of Capitol Records/Nashville, the label renewed the career of Tanya Tucker and famously signed country music's all-time sales champion, Garth Brooks. He is a graduate of Leadership Music's 1989 inaugural class and a 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.

Renowned for his production work on virtually every Garth Brooks album, Allen Reynolds also contributed to the lengthy hit streaks of Kathy Mattea, Don Williams, Crystal Gayle and Hal Ketchum. His songwriting credits boast such hits as "Five O'Clock World" (The Vogues, Hal Ketchum), "Ready for the Times to Get Better" and "Somebody Loves You" (Crystal Gayle), "I Recall a Gypsy Woman" and "We Should Be Together" (Don Williams), and "I Saw Linda Yesterday" (Dickey Lee). Winner of four CMA and five ACM trophies, Reynolds - who was also a successful studio owner and music publisher -- was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.

Garth Brooks' music strikes a cord that touches our souls. The RIAA certified him as the Number one selling solo artist in U.S. history with more than 128 million records sold and the only solo artist to earn six Diamond Awards (for six albums with sales in excess of 10 million each). Seven of his albums have debuted at No. 1 on the pop chart, a feat unmatched by any country artist. Signed to Capitol Records in 1988, the Oklahoma native recorded songs that dealt with everyday life in an extraordinary way. Songs about our private talks with God and our plea for tolerance all around the world to honky-tonk to of course the song that touched all of us, "The Dance." To sum it up, Garth Brooks was named "the solo artist of the 20th Century" by the RIAA. When given the award, Garth responded "I am most proud that this honor rests under the flag of country music."

The Dale Franklin Leadership Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 "to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example." Foglesong, Reynolds and Brooks join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award winners Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), and the Bradley Family (2008).

Beginning August 6, a limited number of additional tickets may be available; to request an invitation, contact the office at LM@leadershipmusic.org.

About Leadership Music:
Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 19 years, Leadership Music has graduated almost 800 music industry-related executives.

For additional information, contact:
Caroline Davis, LM Communications Co-chair
(615) 957-5056
ccdavis10@comcast.net

Kira Florita, LM Executive Director
(615) 770-7090
kira@leadershipmusic.org

P.O. Box 158010 * Nashville, TN 37215-8010
www.leadershipmusic.org
Jul 14, 2009
Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong, and Allen Reynolds To Receive Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award Gala set for Sunday, August 23 in Nashville
For immediate release, April 16, 2009

NASHVILLE - Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds have been selected as the 2009 recipients of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, it was announced by the Board of Directors of Leadership Music. The three country music titans, whose legendary careers intertwined when Brooks was signed to Capitol Records with Foglesong at the helm, and Reynolds produced his groundbreaking albums, will be honored at a gala tribute banquet on Sunday, August 23, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.

"On behalf of Leadership Music and its alumni, the Nashville music community and music lovers everywhere, I want to thank these gentlemen for their unique contributions to American music and for agreeing to be a part of what may be one of the biggest celebrations of career achievement in our city's history. The special relationship between these men, their unique accomplishments and the powerful influence their work continues to have on our business make this celebration a night any music fan won't want to miss," said J. Fred Knobloch, President of the Leadership Music Board of Directors.

Garth Brooks' music strikes a chord that touches the souls of his listeners. The RIAA certified him as the Number one selling solo artist in US history with more than 128 million records sold, and he is the only solo artist to earn six Diamond Awards (for six albums with sales in excess of 10 million each). Seven of his albums have debuted at No. 1 on the pop chart, a feat unmatched by any country artist. Signed to Capitol Records in 1988, the Oklahoma native has recorded songs that deal with everyday life in an extraordinary way: from songs about private talks with God and pleas for tolerance all around the world to classic honky-tonk to, of course, the song that touched the world, "The Dance." When Garth Brooks was named "the solo artist of the 20th Century" by the RIAA, he responded, "I am most proud that this honor rests under the flag of country music."

Jim Foglesong -- known as one of the true gentlemen of Nashville's music business -- left his mark on decades of country-music history as a label head that advanced the careers of many important artists and mentored the following generation of industry decision-makers. He began his career in New York as a professional singer and learned the record business as an executive and producer for Columbia, Epic and RCA. He relocated to Nashville in 1970 to direct Dot Records, where he guided the recording careers of Roy Clark, Don Williams and Donna Fargo, among others, and became, in 1973, the first executive on Music Row to be given the title of president of a major record company. After ABC Records purchased Dot, "ABC/Dot Records" signed Barbara Mandrell, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Freddy Fender, and during his tenure at MCA Records, the label signed George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Greenwood. While he was president of Capitol Records/Nashville, the label renewed the career of Tanya Tucker and famously signed country music's all-time sales champion, Garth Brooks. A graduate of Leadership Music's 1989 inaugural class and a 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Foglesong recently completed ten years as director of the music business program at Trevecca Nazarene University. He has been an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music since 1991.

Allen Reynolds has made an indelible impression on popular music through his multi-track career as a producer, songwriter, studio owner and music publisher. Renowned for his production work on virtually every Garth Brooks album, he also contributed to the lengthy hit streaks of Kathy Mattea, Don Williams, Crystal Gayle and Hal Ketchum. His songwriting credits boast such hits as "Five O'Clock World" (The Vogues, Hal Ketchum), "Ready for the Times to Get Better" and "Somebody Loves You" (Crystal Gayle), "I Recall a Gypsy Woman" and "We Should Be Together" (Don Williams), and "I Saw Linda Yesterday" (Dickey Lee). Prior to his recent retirement, he owned the legendary Jack's Tracks recording studio on Music Row (where artists including Brooks, Williams, Gayle, Mattea and Ketchum recorded), and was a partner in the award-winning publishing company Forerunner Music. Winner of four CMA and five ACM trophies, Reynolds was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.

The Dale Franklin Leadership Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 "to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example." Brooks, Foglesong and Reynolds join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award winners Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), and The Bradley Family; Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008.)

Tickets to the invitation-only event will be available in July.

Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 19 years, Leadership Music has graduated 736 music industry-related executives.


For additional information, contact:
Kira Florita, Executive Director: 615.770.7090
kira@leadershipmusic.org

LEADERSHIP MUSIC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization established in 1989
P.O. Box 158010 Nashville TN 37215 LM@leadershipmusic.org (615) 770-7090 Fax (615) 770-7092     



Jul 14, 2009
Music and Technology Converge at Leadership Music Digital Summit 2009
Contact: Caroline Davis
615.385.7796 x31 or 615.957.5056
caroline@performingsongwriter.com


Music and Technology Converge at Leadership Music Digital Summit 2009

March 31, 2009 (Nashville, TN): The fifth annual <http://e2ma.net/go/1861587424/1704562/63499232/goto:http://www.digitalsummit.org/> Leadership Music Digital Summit, staged March 24-25 at Nashville's Belmont University, attracted more than 850 attendees to the expanded conference dedicated to the business, creative and legal issues of digital music, generating a 49% increase in paid registrations and a 40% overall attendance increase from last year.

Through two dozen panels and presentations, more than 90 national authorities addressed such topics as consumer trends and predictions; social networks and applications; the new metrics; reforming the digital copyright system; innovative (B2B) services; games and mobile devices using music; venture capital for music industry innovation; and cultivating the fan relationship.

"Similar to how we focus our Leadership Music Program, we let our alumni guide us in what was featured; what topics and issues as we address the future of music, and which speakers and companies," explains Kira Florita, Executive Director of Leadership Music. "Our collaboration paid off: we were incredibly fortunate to have so many high caliber speakers agree to address our audience. To have such a substantial increase in our attendance reinforced the decision to expand the Summit."

Kicking off the conference was keynote speaker Rio Caraeff, Executive Vice President of eLabs, Universal Music Group, who suggested that music companies' most valuable product is the music experience, and presented the concept of the "living album," a dynamic, interactive experience with user-generated content that stresses access to music over ownership of music.

A panel on "Convergence: The Role of ISPs in the Future of Music" drew international attention from publications including The Wall Street Journal and Wired, as representatives from internet service providers AT&T and Comcast outlined their efforts to work with music companies and trade groups to combat online piracy. As part of an ongoing policy of responding to copyright owners' infringement claims, the ISPs explained they are notifying customers engaging in illegal activities, and they have begun to issue warnings in various forms of escalating responses, potentially to include the temporary suspension of the accounts of chronic offenders as identified by the RIAA via court orders.

Other LMDS highlights included a keynote presentation by Michael Masnick, Editor of Techdirt Blog and President and CEO of Floor64, which explored the unique business models utilized by musician Trent Reznor for his band, Nine Inch Nails. The conference also introduced the Fan ConnecTrack sessions, which related to directly connecting with music fans, and the Innovative Services sessions, which featured leading companies offering a variety of platforms and services.

The Leadership Music Digital Summit was produced in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and host sponsor the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University's Curb Event Center. The event was expanded this year to include an additional half-day of programming and more evening networking opportunities and live music, including a pre-event reception and showcase.

Companies appearing for the first time at the LMDS were AT&T, Bandbox, Bandmetrics, BiggerBoat, Bogard Music, Borman Entertainment, C3 Presents, centresource, Choruss, Colligent, Comcast, Digital Edge, The Echo Nest, eLabs, Emma, General Catalyst Partners, Griffin Technology/Podcamp, Lala, Landmark Digital, Live Nation, Mockingbird Equity, mufin (MAGIX Entertainment), Music Confidential, Nashville Startup Weekend, Nashville Technology Council, Nimbit, MyWerx, The Orchard, Pandora, Promotional Currency, Rightsflow, SanDisk, Southern Capitol Ventures, Special Ops Media, Tapulous, Techdirt/Floor64, Topspin, Trillium Entertainment, and Tunecore.

Among returning corporate participants were BMI, CMT, DiMA, echo: a Ticketmaster Company, Electronic Arts, Eventful, iLike, Motorola, Mozes, Music Row Publications, the NPD Group, NMPA, Passalong Networks, RIAA, SoundExchange, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, William Morris Agency, and Zune.

Ted Cohen of TAG Strategic served as Strategic Chair for the fifth year. Programming advisors included Leadership Music alumni such as Tawn Albright, Linda Bloss-Baum, Michael Deputato, Jay Frank, Hal Hassall, Craig Havighurst, Mark Montgomery, Chris Stacey, and Dave Ulmer. Melinda Scruggs Gales chaired the marketing committee, and AV logistics were overseen by Leadership Music Board President J. Fred Knobloch.

Sponsors of LMDS 09 were Harry Fox Agency, the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), CMT, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Promotional Currency, Musicnotes.com and mxtabs.net, Landmark Digital Services, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mozes, Sam Hill Group LLC, SESAC, and MIDEM. In-kind sponsors included Music Row Publications, Bubbleup.net, BMI, the Horton Group, and the Gales Network.

About Leadership Music:

Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 19 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 736 music industry-related executives.
Jul 17, 2009
UMG's RIO CARAEFF set for Keynote Address at Leadership Music Digital Summit on March 24th
UMG's RIO CARAEFF set for Keynote Address at Leadership Music Digital Summit on March 24: Techdirt's MICHAEL MASNICK Slated for Additional Keynote Presentation

March 4, 2009 (Nashville, TN): Rio Caraeff, Executive Vice President of eLabs for Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, has been tapped for the keynote address of the fifth annual Leadership Music Digital Summit March 23-25 at Belmont University. Caraeff will kick off the conference, which features more than 65 digital experts from across the nation, at 8:45 am on Tuesday, March 24.

As Executive Vice President of eLabs, the division responsible for handling UMG's electronic commerce initiatives, Internet exploitation, and new technology business opportunities worldwide, Mr. Caraeff is responsible for leading the implementation of the company's digital strategy, working closely with all of UMG's subsidiary labels and divisions, and exploring, developing and maximizing all of the new digital opportunities and business models emerging in the marketplace.

Previously, Mr. Caraeff served as General Manager of Universal Music Mobile (UMM). Under his leadership, expanded more than 200%, and became the first company to launch the direct-to-consumer mobile sales. UMM also scored a number of firsts, including becoming the first company to have a mastertone hit double platinum.

Prior to joining UMG, Mr. Caraeffâ's extensive background included working in new technologies in virtually all areas of entertainment including film, television, music and games. He served as Vice President, Wireless Services for Sony Pictures Digital, and Vice President of Business Development and Investments at Sony 550 Digital Media Ventures. Mr. Caraeff also served as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Fabric, a consultancy firm whose client roster included Sony and Miller Brewing Company. His 13+ years in the industry also include positions at Capitol Records Group, Propaganda Films/PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Generator Digital Post, and Crunch Media Group.

A second keynote will feature Michael Masnick, Editor of Techdirt Blog, and President and CEO of Floor64, who will present “Serving Your Fans: The Trent Reznor Case Study,” on Wednesday, March 25 at 8:30 am. Masnick's segment will explore the variety of unique business models utilized by musician Trent Reznor for his band, Nine Inch Nails, to reach and connect with fans.

Techdirt, started by Masnick in 1997, has grown into a group blogging effort, using a proven economic framework to analyze and offer insight into news stories about changes in government policy, technology and legal issues that affect companies' ability to innovate and grow. Masnick also is the founder of Floor64, which has been generating insights and developing insight platforms for the past decade; Floor64, which manages Techdirt, connects companies with the diverse community of participation developed through the blog and its 850,000+ RSS subscribers.
# # #
Registration for LMDS 2009 is still open to the public via www.digitalsummit.org; regular conference rate is $179. A discounted rate of $129 is still available; visit the event website for details. Registration fees remain at or below 2008 prices even though programming has been expanded.

Sponsors include Harry Fox Agency, the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), CMT, the RIAA, Promotional Currency, Musicnotes.com and mxtabs.net, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Sam Hill Group LLC, SESAC, Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, and MIDEM. In-kind sponsors include Music Row Publications, Bubbleup.net, BMI, and the Horton Group. The Leadership Music Digital Summit is presented in partnership with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and host sponsor The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University's Curb Event Center.

The day and a half conference will present sessions on such topics as the latest consumer trends and predictions; social networks and applications; creating, cultivating and monetizing the fan relationship; the new metrics; making the most of data; the role of ISPs in the future of music; reforming the digital copyright system; games using music; mobilizing music; and several sessions on innovative (B2B) services. A series of ConnecTrack sessions will run throughout the event, which relate to directly connecting with music fans.

Companies appearing for the first time at the LMDS include AT&T, Bandbox, Bandmetrics, centresource, Choruss, Comcast, Digital Edge, The Echo Nest, Landmark Digital, MediaGuide, mufin (MAGIX Entertainment), NImbit, The Orchard, Pandora, Rightsflow, SanDisk, Special Ops Media, Tapulous, Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, Topspin, and Warner Music Group. Among the companies returning this year are CMT, DiMA, echo: a Ticketmaster Company, Electronic Arts, Eventful, iLike, Motorola, Mozes, Music Row Publications, the NPD Group, NMPA, Passalong Networks, RIAA, SoundExchange, UMG and ZUNE.

Serving for the fifth year as Strategic Chair of the Leadership Music Digital Summit is Ted Cohen, managing partner of Tag Strategic, LLC. Programming advisors include many Leadership Music alumni, including Tawn Albright, Linda Bloss-Baum, Michael Deputato, Jay Frank, Hal Hassall, Craig Havighurst, Mark Montgomery, Chris Stacey, and Dave Ulmer. The marketing committee is chaired by Melinda Scruggs Gales of the Gales Network.

Sponsorships opportunities are still available. For more information contact Johnny Rose, Consultant / Leadership Music alumnus, johnnyrose@comcast.net, 615.335.5096.

For more information about the Leadership Music Digital Summit including a detailed agenda, visit digitalsummit.org

# # #

About the Leadership Music Digital Summit:
The mission of the Leadership Music Digital Summit is to identify and explore new technology opportunities, innovations, and challenges and to foster a knowledgeable, issue-oriented, vibrant community of music industry professionals.

This is accomplished by:


*     Facilitating understanding and promoting healthy debate
*     Presenting real world context and a vision for the future
*     Producing an entertaining and inspiring program featuring successful innovators and reputable theorists

About Leadership Music:
Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events. This is accomplished through the identification and exploration of topical issues in an annual series of off-the-record educational seminars (the Program), and continued alumni nurturing and education. Over the past 19 years, Leadership Music has graduated more than 720 music industry-related executives.

Press Contact: Caroline Davis
615.385.7796 x31 or 615.957.5056
caroline@performingsongwriter.com
Jul 14, 2009
Leadership Music Digital Summit Announces Over Fifty Speakers for March 23-25 Conference
Contact: Caroline Davis
615.385.7796 x31 or 615.957.5056
caroline@performingsongwriter.com

Leadership Music Digital Summit Announces Over Fifty Speakers for March 23-25 Conference

February 17, 2009 (Nashville, TN): Over fifty digital experts from across the nation have been confirmed for the fifth annual Leadership Music Digital Summit (LMDS), set for Monday, March 23 through Wednesday, March 25 at Belmont University's Curb Event Center. The conference will present sessions on such topics as the latest consumer trends and predictions; social networks and applications; creating, cultivating and monetizing the fan relationship; the new metrics; making the most of data; the role of ISPs in the future of music; reforming the digital copyright system; games using music; mobilizing music; and several sessions on innovative (B2B) services. A series of ConnecTrack sessions will run throughout the event, which relate to directly connecting with music fans.

Companies appearing for the first time at the LMDS include AT&T, Bandmetrics, CBS Records, Choruss, Comcast, mufin (MAGIX), Rightsflow, SanDisk, Tapulous, Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, Ticketmaster and Topspin. Among the companies returning this year are CMT, DiMA, echo, The Echo Nest, Electronic Arts, Eventful, iLike, Motorola, Mozes, NMPA, RIAA, SoundExchange and ZUNE. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Serving for the fifth year as Strategic Chair of the Leadership Music Digital Summit is Ted Cohen, managing partner of Tag Strategic, LLC.

Experts scheduled to participate include (in alphabetical order):
*Tawn Albright, GM, echo; a Ticketmaster Entertainment Company
*Holly Anderson, VP of Artist Marketing & Artist Relations, Eventful
*Linda Bloss-Baum, VP Public Policy, Government Relations, Warner Music Group
*Steve Bogard, Songwriter, President, NSAI Board of Directors
*Susan Butler, Executive Editor, Music Confidential
*Christina Calio, Director, Entertainment Marketing, Zune, Microsoft Corp.
*Jason Caplain, General Partner and Co-founder, Southern Capitol Ventures
*Jim Cicconi, SEVP, External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T
*Russ Crupnick, VP / Senior Industry Analyst, The NPD Group
*Karl Dean, Mayor of Nashville
*Dave Delaney o/b/o Podcamp, Barcamp, Nashville Geek Breakfast
*Michael Deputato, VP New Media, UMG Nashville
*J. Tod Fetherling, President & CEO, Nashville Technology Council
*Bob Fisher, President, Belmont University
*Jay Frank, Senior Vice President, Music Strategy, CMT
*Duncan Freeman, Founder & President, Bandmetrics
*Jim Griffin, President, Choruss
*Markus Gunn, VP Business Development, mufin (MAGIX)
*Hal Hassall, VP Marketing, echo
*Craig Havighurst, Founder/Writer/Producer, String Theory Media
*Bart Herbison, Executive Director, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International)
*Nicholas Holland, centresource o/b/o Nashville Startup Weekend
*Jeremy Holley, VP Consumer & Interactive Marketing, Word Entertainment
*David Israelite, President & CEO, NMPA (National Music Publishers Association)
*Bill Ivey, Director, Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy, Vanderbilt University
*Dave Jaworski, CEO, Passalong Networks
*Larry Jenkins, Head of CBS Records
*Noam Kedem, VP of Product Management, SanDisk
*Jim Lucchese, CEO, The Echo Nest
*Mark Montgomery, Founder, echo
*Elin Eifler Mulron, Digital Edge o/b/o Digital Nashville
*Tim O'Brien, Head of Business Development, Tapulous
*Ali Partovi, CEO, iLike
*Dorrian Porter, Founder & CEO, Mozes
*Jon Potter, Executive Director, DiMA (Digital Media Association)
*Mark Reynolds, MediaMusic USA, Consultant, Lizard King Media
*Ian Rogers, CEO, Topspin
*David Ross, Publisher and CEO, Music Row Publications
*Dan Schmisseur, TTDC (Tennessee Technology Development Corporation)
*Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive Music & Marketing, Electronic Arts
*Greg Scholl, CEO, The Orchard
*Cary Sherman, President, RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)
*John Simson, Executive Director, SoundExchange
*Clint Smith, Co-Founder, Emma
*Tim Smith, Founder, Mywerx
*Chris Stacey, Vice President Music Industry, Mozes
*Patrick Sullivan, Founder, Rightsflow
*Mark Tindle, Business Development, colligent
*Dave Ulmer, Senior Director Multimedia, Motorola
Joe Waz, Senior Vice President, External Affairs & Public Policy Counsel, Comcast
Derek Webb, Singer/Songwriter, NoiseTrade / Ten out of Tenn tour


The expanded conference kicks off Monday evening, March 23, with a networking reception followed by music. On Tuesday, March 24, attendees will receive a full day of keynotes, high level discussions, breakout sessions and demonstrations, followed by another evening of music and networking. The LMDS will conclude on Wednesday, March 25, with a half-day of programming including lunch.

Registration fees remain at or below 2008 prices even though programming has been expanded. Registration for LMDS 2009 is open to the public via www.digitalsummit.org, with a regular conference rate of $179. A discounted rate of $129 is available until March 14 to members or subscribers of affiliate partners; visit the event website for details.

Sponsors include Harry Fox Agency, the National Music Publishers Association, the RIAA, Musicnotes.com and mxtabs.net, MIDEM. In-kind sponsors include Music Row Publications and Bubbleup.net. The Leadership Music Digital Summit is presented in partnership with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and host sponsor The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center.


Sponsorships opportunities are still available, ranging from Gold sponsorships that provide presentation opportunities, attendee receptions, conference meals and breaks, to conference bag insertions and other levels. For more information contact Johnny Rose, Consultant / Leadership Music alumnus, johnnyrose@comcast.net, 615.335.5096, or Kira Florita, Executive Director, Leadership Music, kira@leadershipmusic.org, 615.770.7090.

Besides Strategic chair Cohen, programming advisors include Leadership Music alumni Tawn Albright, Paula Batson, Linda Bloss-Baum, Michael Deputato, Jay Frank, Hal Hassall, Craig Havighurst, Mark Montgomery, and Dave Ulmer. The marketing committee is chaired by Melinda Scruggs Gales of the Gales Network.

For more information about the Leadership Music Digital Summit including a detailed agenda, visit www.digitalsummit.org.
# # #
About the Leadership Music Digital Summit:
The mission of the Leadership Music Digital Summit is to identify and explore new technology opportunities, innovations, and challenges and to foster a knowledgeable, issue-oriented, vibrant community of music industry professionals.
This is accomplished by:
• Facilitating understanding and promoting healthy debate
• Presenting real world context and a vision for the future
• Producing an entertaining and inspiring program featuring successful innovators and reputable theorists

About Leadership Music:
Leadership Music is an educational non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to nurture a knowledgeable, issue-oriented community of music industry professionals through an annual educational program and events
Jul 14, 2009
REGISTER NOW! Leadership Music Digital Summit 2009 ...Music's Future Today
January 26, 2009

REGISTER NOW! Leadership Music Digital Summit 2009 ...Music's Future Today

* Expanded! Two days & pre-event kickoff March 23 - 25, 2009
* World Class Digital Music conference based in Nashville
* Added Networking Opportunities and More Live Music
* Hot Topics: Mobile, ISPs, Social Net, Intellectual Property and Money
* Great Value: All Registration Fees at or below 2008 prices

Registration is now open for one of the most valuable and high impact events in the digital music arena for 2009. Join over 600 artists, ISPs, songwriters, venture capitalists, managers, content aggregators, labels, digital music services, publishers, service providers, mobile operators, consumer product developers, retailers, and media to shape the next generation of music in the marketplace. Early reduced rates available online. You can't afford to miss this powerful event!

Essential sessions include:
* Reforming the Digital Copyright System
* Social Networks, Music Discovery and Recommendation
* Supply and Accessibility of Capital for Music Industry Innovation
* Creating, Cultivating and Monetizing the Artist-Fan Relationship
* The Role of the ISP in Music's Future
* Mobilizing Music and many more...

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

"The Digital Summit remains one of the pre-eminent digital media conferences on the planet. Well run, well staffed, great content and speakers, and I'll have to say one of the smartest and engaged conference audiences around." -Dave Ulmer, Sr. Director, Multimedia Products & Services, Motorola
Jul 14, 2009
5th Annual Leadership Music Digital Summit Expands to Three Days:Monday March 23 -- Wednesday March 25, 2009 at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center
5th Annual Leadership Music Digital Summit Expands to Three Days: Monday March 23 – Wednesday March 25, 2009 at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center

November 12, 2008 (Nashville, TN): An expanded edition of the Leadership Music Digital Summit (LMDS), one of the leading conferences focusing on technology and the many opportunities and challenges it presents the music industry, has been set for March 23-25, 2009 at Nashville's Belmont University. The fifth annual LMDS has added a pre-conference event and a half-day of programming to its schedule, providing more exploration of the latest issues and innovations as well as networking time with an influential group of more than 600 music industry leaders. The Summit audience includes decision-makers who collectively reach a consumer base of millions around the world.

The 2009 conference at Belmont's Curb Event Center will kick off with music and a networking reception Monday evening, March 23. On Tuesday, March 24, attendees will receive a full day of keynotes, high level discussions, breakout sessions and demonstrations, followed by an evening of music and networking. The LMDS will close on Wednesday, March 25, with a half day of programming including lunch.

Recognizing that the music industry's dramatically shifting infrastructure is yielding new opportunities for company formation, growth, and innovation, the expanded LMDS programming will explore key strategic and market issues. Topics will include a comprehensive intellectual property segment, a "state of the industry" on consumer trends with forecasts, a look at the metrics guiding the industry, the latest innovative solutions from entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, news regarding convergence and ISP subscriptions, the accessibility of investment capital, and more. "We re-evaluate and change our programming each year as the industry evolves and always try to look into the future, yet we are also responding to our attendees' requests for more immediate information about the newest opportunities and platforms for selling music and reaching fans," stated Kira Florita, Executive Director of Leadership Music.

The event has grown steadily each year, with the 2008 LMDS attracting almost 650 attendees. Registrants and presenters include leaders from the business and creative sides of all sectors of the music, entertainment, and related tech industries, representatives from consumer electronics, mobile, social networks, as well as those businesses and organizations who provide services and support. Music business majors from Belmont's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business also are in attendance throughout the conference.

Ted Cohen of TAG Strategic returns as strategic chair. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce will once again be a presenting partner for the conference, and Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business is the host sponsor.

Past speakers have included: Mitch Bainwol, RIAA; Rio Caraeff, UMG Mobile; Chris Castle, Christian L. Castle Attorneys; Greg Clayman, MTV Networks; Richard Conlon, BMI; Tamara Conniff, Billboard; Mike Conte, MSN Music; Jay Cooper, Recording Artist Coalition (RAC) and Greenberg Traurig LLP; Russ Crupnick, The NPD Group; Joe Fleischer, Big Champagne; Chris Fralic, First Round Capital; Jay Frank, CMT (formerly Yahoo! Music); Mike Gaumond, Motorola Digital; Justin Goldberg, indie911; Chris Gorog, Napster; Dan Ackerman Greenberg, The Comotion Group; Kurt Hanson, RAIN (Radio and Internet Newsletter); Ellie Hirschhorn, MusicNet; Jason Hirshhorn, MTV Wireless; David Israelite, National Music Publishers Association (NMPA); Bill Ivey, Vanderbilt’s Curb Center for Arts & Public Policy; Peter Kafka, Silicon Alley Insider; Dave Krinsky, Rhapsody America; Adam Lilling, BiggerBoat; Don MacKinnon, Starbucks Entertainment; producer George Massenburg; Geoff Mayfield, Billboard; Terry McBride, Nettwerk Music Group; Mark Montgomery, echomusic; Mark Nagel, Cingular; Ali Partovi, iLike; Michael Petricone, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA); Dorrian Porter, Mozes; Jon Potter, Digital Media Association (DiMA); Bobby Rosenbloum, Greenberg Traurig LLP; Paul Santinelli, North Bridge Venture Partners; Steve Schnur, Electronic Arts; Adam Sexton, Groove Mobile; John Simson, Sound Exchange; and Richard Winn, Microsoft Corporation (ZUNE).

For sponsorship opportunities contact Kira Florita, Executive Director, Leadership Music, kira@leadershipmusic.org or Abby White Plachy, Communications Manager, abby@leadershipmusic.org, 615.770.7090.

The Digital Summit is produced by Leadership Music, a 501c3 educational organization.
Jul 14, 2009