MUSIC ROW MAGAZINE: Snapshots

napshots (11/29/12)

Michelle Ross Stephens • November 29, 2012

Justin Moore recently headlined a benefit concert featuring his friends, Jake Owen, Randy Houser and Thomas Rhett at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. The event raised funds for the Jersey Shore Relief Fund and his publicist Carly Caramanna of PLA Media, whose parent’s home and business were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. The proceeds collected for the Caramanna family and the hurricane victims in New Jersey totaled over $20,000. The Caramanna family was also presented with a charitable donation from Big Machine Label Group and Scott Borchetta. “I was completely blown away by the Nashville community. Their love and support has kept us going through this difficult time,” said Carly.

(L-R): Cindy Salgado, Dakota Caramanna, Nancy Caramanna, Carly Caramanna, Justin Moore, Adam Wurtzel, Photo: Bev Moser

Some of Country's Hippest Share Fashion Reactions to American Music Awards Style

November 18, 2012

With the 2012 American Music Awards just hours away, the buzz is high surrounding this year's event--from the anticipation of Stevie Wonder's musical tribute to the late Dick Clark and Taylor Swift's slated performance, to the recent news of this year's star-studded presenters.
The Sunday, Nov. 18, event's red-carpet arrivals, however, are also on the radar of many music fans, as are the fashion choices that this year's attendees will don with style.
Country-star style,will undeniably be a big focus of the genre's fans, as they--and the rest of the 40th-anniversary show's viewers, tune in to the live broadcast today on ABC-TV from 8-11 p.m. (ET/PT).
Country music, after all, has some of the music world's top fashionistas, and past AMA events have demonstrated these hit-makers' unique sense of style, as illustrated by the fashion-meets-country artist-focused slideshow embedded herein.
Thus, with that in mind, Examiner.com asked some of today's hippest and hottest of the genre--rising newcomer Lisa Matassa, Texas-born country artist Ricky Lynn Gregg, celebrity-photographer Bev Moser and Tobi Lee, the leggy and beautiful leader singer for country act Mustang Sally--to eye a few photos from previous AMA events and give their gut reactions, off-the-cuff feedback and thoughtful commentary regarding the fashion and style of some of the genre's fan favorites.
The following is some of the "Fashion Police"-styled commentary these movers 'n' shakers provided, along with a brief description of the referenced fashion photo. So scroll through the featured slideshow here, if you haven't already, and enjoy the fashion play-by-play of Gregg, Lee, Moser and Matassa.

PHOTO SLIDE SHOW

Country artists and industry pros share their reactions to some of the country stars' past American Music Awards fashion choices.American Music Awards

• Reba McEntire, with Meatloaf and Will Smith at the AMAs.

Bev Moser: "My eyes were not sure what to focus on: the long wrists of Meatloaf’s shirt (or blouse), the air-freshener, flowering neckline of Reba’s dress or the drawstring on Will’s pants. Now there is a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen!
Ricky Lynn Gregg: "All I can say is ... 'Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia!' hair (laughs)."

• Carrie Underwood in an outfit that has been described by some as "sexed up."

Tobi Lee: "Country music can be so emotional and deep that you feel like you have a certain bondage with it!"
Ricky Lynn Gregg: "It actually looks like she lost the bottom half of her dress somewhere."
Lisa Matassa: "Carrie is such a natural beauty and this short jumper showcases her enviable legs! This girl could look great in a burlap bag!"
Bev Moser: "The metallic -mini is definitely 'dated' already; remember 'The Partidge Family'? This makes me think of something they would have worn, including the platform shoes.

• Keith Urban and wife Nicole Kidman arrive at the 2009 American Music Awards.

Lisa Matassa: "These two are up there with the best-looking couples of country music! I love how Keith’s tattoo peeks out from under his shirt and Nicole adds her own little edge with sheer strips across her gown."

• A bearded 'n' bleary-eyed Tim McGraw and wife Faith Hill at the AMAs.

Tobi Lee: "This outfit should be considered foreplay. ...Give to me your leather ... take from me my lace!"
Bev Moser: "I applaud them for keeping it simple and real! They continue to be fashion icons when it comes to dressing for the occasion."

• Dolly Parton in a fitted ensemble at the 1976 AMAs.

Tobi Lee: "Somebody should have told her that the bra goes under the shirt not on the head!"

Ricky Lynn Gregg: "What's not to like? That scarf on her head, and too much rouge."

Bev Moser: "My initial draw on this photo is her eyelashes and how they mimic the pattern of the brads on here shirt (looks like a scarecrow). Then the scarf in her hair makes me think of the muscle woman on the cleaning-powder commercials from back in the day."

• Bow tie-sporting Garth Brooks, with longer locks and facial hair.

Ricky Lynn Gregg: "A slimmed down Garth, yes. But the wide lapels and off-color bow tie, not so much."
Bev Moser: "It's been so long since I saw GB with hair! I will give him kudos for keeping respect and attire together and dressing the part of an award-winning artist. Garth would look good in a burlap bag. ... (sigh)."
Tobi Lee: "The only thing missing from this outfit is a razor and a shotgun!"

• Jason Aldean and wife Jessica arrive at the 2010 AMA in black.

Lisa Matassa: "Both Jason and his wife look great in this picture. I love how her simple black dress complements his casual yet classy style."

• Shania Twain performing a medley of her hits.

Ricky Lynn Gregg: "Good stage outfit, digging the '70s throw-back style, but the hairdo has to go."
Lisa Matassa: "I’m a huge Shania Twain fan, and I don’t know many people that could pull off wearing a jumpsuit like this, but she rocks it!"
Bev Moser: "I see where Cher helped Shania pick out this outfit--a little Indian influence, with the color and fringe. Although Madonna obviously had input with the shiny bra. (This is) not a country fashion statement with this outfit."
About the AMAs
In 1973 Dick Clark created the American Music Awards to pay tribute to popular musicians from various genres of music and to put audiences in touch with the latest phenomena in American music. Since its founding, the AMAs have honored and showcased the talents of some of the biggest names in the music industry. Archived footage and photography are available upon request.
Tickets for the L.A.-based AMAs are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-877-234-8425. For more information about this year's show, or to view it live online, please access the event's official website.

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Ru-dy! Ru-dy! Ru-dy!

Sherod Robertson • October 18, 2012

(L-R): Regions Bank Sr. VP Lisa Harless; Rudy Ruettiger; MR Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser

Regions Bank hosted a meet and greet luncheon earlier this month for members of the industry to shake hands with Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger.
Rudy is best known as the former football player for the University of Notre Dame and the inspiration for the motion picture Rudy. The movie chronicles how Rudy overcame obstacles and rejection to achieve his dream of playing for the legendary team.
At the event guests enjoyed chatting one on one with Rudy and received autographed copies of his book, Rudy: My Story. The soiree, led by Regions Sr. VP, Entertainment & Sports Division Lisa Harless, was held at the bank’s Nashville office on Division Street. Rudy is currently on a tour promoting the new book which details the inspiration behind the film.
I confess, there were others in that room that knew more about Rudy’s story than I did, but on that day it didn’t matter. From our initial handshake I was inspired by his presence. I suddenly had the urge to go out and do something great. Some people are described as “lighting up a room” when they enter, but Rudy opens floodgates of inspiration like few others.

Photo: Bev Moser

Rudy continued sharing stories during lunch in the bank conference room. “When God’s plan works, it’s powerful,” he told the crowd. “At the same time, we know that plan is not about football and it’s not about Notre Dame. We use football as a metaphor, of course, and Notre Dame as the canvas.”
Rudy has shared many experiences with attorney Rusty Jones, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Rudy Foundation’s Board of Directors. “One of the greatest experiences I had was walking down the tunnel of the Tennessee game with Rusty Jones,” said Rudy. “As we were walking, I turned to Rusty and said, ‘you alright brother?’ and Rusty said, ‘This is the greatest moment of my life, Rudy.’”
Rudy’s many interesting stories included how he met Rusty, the time he was kicked off the field at a USC game, and how his tour of the Pentagon was interrupted by a call from the President to the Commodore guiding his visit.
“In the struggles God gives us, there’s a blessing,” Rudy continued. “You’ve got to recognize it so you can pass it on to help people. It’s all about getting hit hard and coming back.” He shared his belief of hard work over entitlement, the importance of respect, and his love for Country Music, noting the mutual respect among members of our industry.
He was quick to point out that he is inspired by stories of people overcoming obstacles, whether it’s about a Country singer or an athlete. “My dad always inspired me and here’s why,” he said. “Not because he was a great achiever in monetary means but because he was a great achiever in life.
“We have a great country. We are not going to fail. This country is not going to go down the tubes like they say. We have some major issues but we always come back because the American Dream is real.”
Now, that’s a dose of Rudy we all needed to hear.

(L-R): Vice Chairman of the Rudy Foundation Board Rusty Jones, and Rudy Ruettiger. Photo: Bev Moser

  Photo Credit: Bev Moser

ole Writer/Artist Charlie Worsham Signs with Warner Bros. Records

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 11, 2012)

ole writer Charlie Worsham, whose development as writer/artist has been guided by ole, has signed a long-term record deal with Warner Music Nashville.
Worsham, whose original masters were financed by ole, a few of which were part of a previously-released EP, will be in the studio in May to put the finishing touches on his debut album project. It is being produced by Worsham and fellow ole writer Ryan Tyndell with Arthur Buenahora, ole General Manager, Creative from ole's Nashville office, at the helm as Executive Producer.
Buenahora marvels at how far ahead of schedule they are with Worsham's development as an artist. "I am very pleased with all the tremendous growth that Charlie has shown since joining the roster," he says. "It is very impressive to hit the ground running like he has and to get the cuts that he has gotten, not to mention the beginning of a recording career."
The official signing was held at the Warner offices on Nashville's Music Row and celebrated with an intimate party attended by Warner and ole staff; songwriters; his manager, Scott Kernahan (Rogue Music); BMI executives and Worsham's parents and friends.
Worsham's association with ole coincides directly with Arthur Buenahora's arrival at the company in 2010. Buenahora, who in the past has had a hand in developing some of country music's most prominent new names including Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Taylor Swift, whose Fearless album, which contained a number of ole cuts would make history as the most-awarded country album of all time, had already been championing Worsham's talents. It was an obvious, natural-progression to have Worsham join the ole family at that point and it has been a one-for-all, all-for-one relationship with the company that he characterized, at the time of his signing, as having "this great, brand-new, doors-are-wide-open, everything's-looking up, kind of feel."
Since that time, Worsham has gone from strength to strength as a writer and performer. He has seen his fan-base continue to grow following tours with country stars like Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift, for whom he opened a number of arena dates on her Speak Now North American tour last fall, and the release by ole of his well-received, self-titled EP. "I'm basking in the glow of ole's generosity, that's what I'm doing," Worsham said at the time. "It has been a year of growth for me and I owe a lot of that to ole for fostering my development. ole was there with me when nobody else was..."
Worsham, a native of Grenada, Mississippi, was a bit of a music prodigy. At the age of 10, he was playing banjo with bluegrass legend Jimmy Martin at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Two years later, he played the Grand Ole Opry with Opry member Mike Snider, which led to a short profile on The Nashville Network (TNN). In 2004, he headed for Boston to study at the renowned Berklee College of Music where, in 2006, he was the recipient of the Billboard Endowed Scholarship presented each year to the most promising student. Worsham moved to Nashville in the fall of 2006 and was pursuing a solo career at about the same time he met Arthur Buenahora.
To view the photo associated with this press release, "ole writer/artist Charlie Worsham - and now also Warner Bros. recording artist - performs at ole's recent Tin Pan South Preview Party in Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser," please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120411-Charlie_Worsham_ole1104.jpg.
About ole:
ole is one of the world's largest independent music publishers. Founded in 2004, and with offices in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles, ole boasts a team of 40 experienced industry professionals focused on acquisitions, creative development and worldwide copyright administration. ole has recently entered the Production Music space with operations in the U.S. (MusicBox) and Canada (clear).
ole has been named Canadian Country Music Association's Music Publishing Company of the Year for the past five years and earned its first Grammy Award in 2009 for Best Country Song, "White Horse." Other recent notable ole awards include: SESAC 2011 Country Performance Activity Award for "Til Summer Comes Around" (Monty Powell/Keith Urban); three BMI 2011 Most Performed Songs Awards for "Fearless" (Liz Rose, Taylor Swift); "Why Wait" (Jimmy Yeary, Tom Shapiro) and "Let Me Down Easy" (Marty Dodson, Jennifer Hanson, Mark Nesler) ; 2011 SOCAN Country Music Award for "Make Hay While The Sun Shines" (Steven Lee Olsen, Bruce Wallace); 2011 SOCAN Domestic Television Series Music Award "Busytown Mysteries" (Peter Coulman, Carl Lenox, David Tedesco); and 2011 SOCAN Award for 100,000 Radio Performances of Lighthouse's "Sunny Days" and "Pretty Lady" (Skip Prokop).
The ole catalog includes over 45,000 songs and 40,000 hours of TV music across all genres. ole has completed over $115MM USD in acquisitions, including purchases of music catalogs: Blacktop, Jody Williams Music, Rami Yacoub, Chris Wallin, Rick Giles, Balmur, Keith Follese, Lighthouse, Frank Myers, Dream Warriors, Encore, David Tyson, and Marsfilm Music. ole has also purchased the worldwide music rights for TV catalogs such as WGBH, Cookie Jar, Cineflix, CCI and recently, "The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That."
ole is committed to the creative development of its 60+ staff songwriters, legacy writers and composers and the cultivation of our catalogs and client catalogs. ole has ongoing co-ventures with Last Gang Publishing (Alt Rock), Roots Three Music (Country) and tanjola (Pop/Rock/Urban).
ole is an expert in administrating and sub-publishing music copyrights and has concluded worldwide publishing administration agreements with some of the world's leading songwriters, publishers and film and television producers. adminow, ole's online client account transparency portal, was launched recently and demonstrates ole's commitment to modernizing its client services and to leading-edge IT.
Notable copyrights for ole include Taylor Swift singles "Fearless," "White Horse," "Tim McGraw," "Picture To Burn," "Teardrops On My Guitar"; Rascal Flatts' "Why Wait"; Kelly Clarkson's "Miss Independent"; and "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" by Britney Spears; Pink's "You and Your Hand"; "It's Gonna Be Me" from 'N Sync'; "Shape of My Heart" by Backstreet Boys; iconic Canadian Olympic theme "I Believe"; "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles; Tim McGraw's "Something Like That."
ole owns or represents up to 150,000 production music tracks within its MusicBox and clear libraries. With 9 staff in North America, ole's Production Music division delivers excellent customer service and quality Creative on a leading edge IT platform. Our production music division leverages ole's established Administration, Finance and IT services.
ole is committed to being the best and most innovative global destination for world-class songwriters, composers, and management talent, and the first choice music source for creators in all media.

SESAC Hosts Tin Pan South 2012

SESAC hosted an incredible night of music during the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) annual "Tin Pan South" music conference in Nashville.  Held at Nashville’s hot Listening Room Café, SESAC songwriters Victoria Shaw (“The River”), Gary Burr (“Nobody Wants To Be Lonely”) and Billy Mann (“Glitter In The Air”) were joined on stage by special guest Mark Hudson (“Livin’ On The Edge”) for a hit-packed night of music.
Pictured (left to right): SESAC’s John Mullins, Victoria Shaw, SESAC’s Tim Fink, Mark Hudson, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Billy Mann and Gary Burr.

Victoria Shaw, Mark Hudson, Gary Burr & Billy Mann perform at SESAC’s Tin Pan South Showcase.

Gary Burr performs one of his many hits.

Victoria Shaw plays her Jim Brickman hit, “Never Alone”.

Billy Mann plays his Pink hit, “Glitter In The Air”.

Mark Hudson entertains the crowd.

Photos: Bev Moser

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE: Backbeat: George Strait, Bob Pittman, Gary Overton at Country Radio Seminar Day One

Backbeat: George Strait, Bob Pittman, Gary Overton at Country Radio Seminar Day One

By Vernell Hackett | February 23, 2012 1:44 PM EST

Backbeat: George Strait, Bob Pittman, Gary Overton at Country Radio Seminar Day One

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The Ryman Room was overflowing with CRS attendees when Tenacity Records threw its first CRS bash. Keeping it all about the music, Tenacity artists Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley performed their new music and kept the party going well into the night. (L-R): Tenacity National Promotion Directors Gary Greenberg and Anne Sarosdy, Darryl Worley, Tenacity label president Mike Kraski, Bill Gentry, Tenacity Senior VP of Promotion David Haley and National Promotion Director Jeff Davis. (Photo: Bev Moser)
From George Strait's surprise appearance at the UMG luncheon at the Ryman to numerous showcases in the downtown area, the first day of Country Radio Seminar 2012 kicked off in high gear in Nashville.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner kicked off the seminar on Tuesday (Feb. 21). Beverlee Brannigan, Ron Rogers and Rusty Walker were inducted in the 2012 Radio category while Moby, Eddie Stubbs and Bill Whyte received honors in the On-Air category. That same evening, The Mavericks performed for an invitation-only audience as confirmation that they are indeed back as a band, signed to Valory Music Group.

Soaking in the Stars: Sony Music Nashville and Sea Gayle Records hosted the Official Country Music Radio Hall of Fame After Party with (L-R) Liz O'Sullivan (Sea Gayle Senior VP of Creative); Lesly Tyson (Arista Nashville VP National Promotion); Frank Rogers (Sea Gayle Partner); Wade Bowen; Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO); Chris DuBois (Sea Gayle Partner); Brent Anderson; Norbert Nix (Columbia/BNA Records VP National Promotion); and Jerrod Niemann. (Photo: Bev Moser)
Bob Pittman, CEO of Clear Channel Media (and no. 23 on Billboard's Power 100), gave the keynote address Wednesday morning (Feb. 22). He noted country radio's strength at reaching 65 million listeners each week. He also told the room of men and women who work in the industry that "Radio is still America's companion." He went on to say that radio is a social experience between the listener and the personalities, something that doesn't happen with audio streams or music collections.

Clear Channel Acquires Stake in Ryan Seacrest Productions

Veteran CRS attendee Charlie Monk had a new slogan - "The good ole days are tomorrow." He complimented Pittman on his keynote address, agreeing that people are still listening to radio. As a publisher, Monk says he is observing that songwriters are "trying to write great songs and not just make great records." He adds that it has always been the song that saves country music.
Another trend Monk has seen since the economy has caused so many layoffs is that the independent labels now have a growing group of men and women who once were at major labels who are now guiding those independents through their contacts and expertise. "The independent labels now have better opportunities as people are joining them to work with the new artists in various capacities."

Backbeat: Lionel Richie, George Strait, Play Surprise Sets At UMG Nashville CRS Showcase

Monk said the most exciting buzz at the convention so far was that The Mavericks were getting back together.
On the other end of the spectrum, Tiffany Sinder, program director at Music Choice, was attending her first CRS. "This is a great opportunity to connect with people who I only know over the phone," she says. "I am finding that people are very friendly and I feel lucky to be here."

Check Out All Our Backbeats Right Here

Sinder also noted that country entertainers seem more appreciative of radio and their fans than artists in other genres. "They have different values and beliefs and know what got them where they are," she says. "Just the fact that they are here, participating in CRS and doing interviews and liners, shows how much they care about the people who support their career."
Bucky Covington confirmed Sinder's observation, saying "I love CRS because I can come here and in three days see so many of the people who are responsible for playing my songs on radio. And I get to catch up with all my buddies who are always out on the road and I never get to see when we're all touring."
Bucky's Buds: Bucky Covington poses after talking about meeting up with all his buddies in the radio business every year at CRS. (Photo: Vernell Hackett)
CRS presented its Artist Humanitarian award Wednesday to Rascal Flatts, who support many charitable causes throughout the year, including their tireless support of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Radio Humanitarian awards went to Ida-Vend's KMOK/Lewiston, ID (small market), Cumulus' WIVK/Knoxville (medium market) and Emmis' WLHK/Indianapolis (large market).
George Strait's appearance at the UMG/Nashville CRS luncheon at the Ryman was kept a total surprise. The singer performed two songs "I'll Always Remember You" and "Troubadour." ASCAP presented him with his first number one plaque and an acoustic guitar for writing his hit "Here For A Good Time." Others appearing on the luncheon show included Lionel Richie with Luke Bryan, Lee Ann Womack, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Randy Montana, Vince Gill, Josh Turner, Mallory Hope, Josh Kelley, Randy Rogers Band, Drake White, Laura Bell Bundy, Canaan Smith, Kip Moore, David Nail, Easton Corbin, Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves.

George Strait Scores 85th Hot Country Songs Top 10

Surprise appearances continued at the Lady Antebellum concert Wednesday night. Luke Bryan joined the trio in singing "Do I," a song he wrote with Charles Kelley and David Haywood and which Hillary Scott sang on. The trio also forced Bryan into singing a little bit of his hit, "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)." Next on the stage was Sara Evans, who came out to perform "Stronger," which was co-written with Scott. Thompson Square and Darius Rucker are special guests on Lady Antebellum's "Own the Night" tour.
(L-R): Royce Risser (SVP, Promotion, MCA Records Nashville), Luke Lewis (Chairman, UMG Nashville), George Strait, Tony Brown and Erv Woolsey (Photo: Peyton Hoge)

Loftin Creek Records showcased their new artist Kelly Parks at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. Prior to the performance they held a dinner at Merchant's, where Philip Gibbons was already a fan of the new singer. Gibbons works at WGSQ The Country Giant in Cookeville, Tennessee, and says Kelly has visited his station several times. He also cites Amber Hayes as another new artist to watch. "Most of the larger stations are heavily consulted but we have the opportunity to have a little larger play list which allows us to play some of these new artists," Gibbons notes.
Mike Borchetta, CEO of Loftin Creek Records, also brought up tight playlists when asked about trends in music today. "Until Billboard loosens their charts it's going to be tough to break any new acts," he says. "We're doing it the old fashioned way with Kelly, by visiting stations to establish that personal contact between Kelly and radio. Nothing beats that one-on-one contact when it comes to establishing a new act."
Darryl Worley and Bill Gentry posing before the Tenacity Records logo at the label's CRS party. (Photo: Bev Moser)

Bob Kingsley's Acoustic Alley presents hit songwriters singing their tunes and is a popular after hours venue. "There is no better way to hear a song than from the person who wrote it," Kingsley affirms. While introducing Wendell Mobley, Brett Beavers, Casey Beathard and Marv Green the syndicated radio host told the audience, "None of us would be here if it weren't for these guys."
Darryl Worley and Bill Gentry rocked Tenacity Records' after-hours party and Tracy Lawrence presented the Operation Troop Aid benefit concert. Craig Morgan celebrated the upcoming release of his album on Black River Entertainment along with Due West, Glen Templeton and Sarah Darling. Stoney Creek showcased Randy Houser and Parmalee. Warner Music Nashville presented their "Attack of the 80's," featuring Big & Rich, Brett Eldredge, Dirt Drifters, Frankie Ballard, Gloriana, Jana Kramer, Hunter Hayes, Jason Jones, The Farm, Blake Shelton, Ty Stone, The JaneDear girls and Her & Kings County.
Today's activities include a variety of panels as well as more showcases and meet-and-greet events. Alan Jackson performs at the Sony/BMG Luncheon.

MUSIC ROW MAGAZINE: CRS Presents 2012 Humanitarian Awards

CRS Presents 2012 Humanitarian Awards

Eric T. Parker • February 22, 2012

(L-R) DeMarcus, Clarence Spalding, Bill Mayne (CRS Executive Director), LeVox, Chooljian, Culotta, Rooney. Photo: Bev Moser

The CRS 2012 Humanitarian Awards were distributed this morning (Feb. 22) by CRS President Mike Culotta and Radio Ink’s Lois Chooljian immediately following the CRS Keynote Address. Humanitarian awards are presented for notable public service initiatives that improve the quality of life for the communities they serve.

Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney received the previously announced Artist Humanitarian Award for their exceptional humanitarian efforts. The Trio donated $3 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in 2010 and currently serve as celebrity spokespersons for the national suicide prevention organization, The Jason Foundation, and have been members of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet for the past seven years.

“It’s a little uncomfortable to be recognized for something we feel we should be doing,” remarked DeMarcus after the band received their award on stage. “We have been so blessed with an amazing career, to pay the blessings forward seemed the most natural thing to do.”
Small Market Winner: 106.9 KMOK/Lewiston, ID was instrumental in local humanitarian efforts in 2011, including National Night Out Against Crime, Pet of the Week, Lewis Clark Animal Shelter’s Dog Swim, Coats for the Cold, Annual Life Safety Day, United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Earth Day, Jackson Baldwin Foundation, Jog for Jugs, Wounded Warriors Project and Cruising to Clarkston.
Medium Market Winner: 107.7 WIVK/Knoxville, TN contributed to fundraising efforts helping raise more than $12.9 million in 2011. Campaigns included the HonorAir Radiothon, Voices from the Front, Coats for the Cold, Stuff the Bus, a Susan G. Komen benefit concert and the Teddy Bear Round Up, Real Steel movie premiere, Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, Fantasy of Trees for Children’s Hospital, Great Rubber Duck Race for Boys & Girls’ Club, ADA Step Out Walk and Knoxville Zoo.
Large Market Winner: 97.1 WLHK/Indianapolis, IND continued support for Habitat For Humanity in 2011 with a five bedroom house build at the Indiana State Fair, hosted a Santa’s Secret Star benefit concert for the Salvation Army, debuted its Christmas Angel Cheri’s Chores program, partnered with the Colts for the Big Blue Drive-Through for tornado relief and was instrumental in efforts supporting the victims at the Indiana State Fair tragedy.

SESAC Signs Jon Stone

SESAC is proud to announce the signing of songwriter/producer Jon Stone for representation.  Stone, a hit songwriter with cuts by Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, produced the upcoming album by Lee Brice and co-wrote his current single “A Woman Like You”.
Pictured (left to right): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Stone & SESAC’s Shannan Hatch.
PHOTO: Bev Moser