Music News 3/24/11

>>>No longer dreaming they’ll be her partner, the North American division of music rights giant BMG Chrysalis has signed an exclusive agreement with singer/songwriter Carly Simon. This agreement will extend to all of Simon’s administration, collection, and exploitation in the US and Canada for both catalog and futures.

Simon’s remarkable career includes being inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame as well as becoming the first person to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Grammy for a song composed and performed by a single artist. Her body of work also includes the enduring hits “Anticipation,” “You’re So Vain,” “Loving You’s The Right Thing To Do,” and many more.

“Over the years, Carly Simon has taken us on an irresistible musical journey,” says Richard Blackstone, Chief Creative Officer, BMG Chrysalis North America. “She has captured our hearts through so many of her soulful hits and we are thrilled that she has chosen to continue that journey with BMG.”

Since late 2008, BMG Chrysalis has acquired numerous publishing catalogs including those of Crosstown Songs, Cherry Lane, Stage Three Music and Evergreen.

>>>The CMA is seeking volunteers for the 2011 CMA Music Festival, beginning with the Kick-Off Parade on Wednesday, June 8, and running through the event’s close on Sunday, June 12. Volunteers who can work all five days are in high demand. If you are interested, Volunteer Fairs will be held Thurs., April 7, 4-7 PM and Sat., April 9, 10AM-2PM. Both fairs will be at the CMA offices at One Music Circle South, Nashville, TN 37203. If you have questions or are interested in volunteering but cannot attend the fairs, email volunteers@cmaworld.com.

>>>Applications are being accepted through April 1, for the 2011-2012 CRS Agenda Committee. The committee of music business volunteers is tasked with planning events for the following year’s Country Radio Seminar. Prospective applicants must be available to attend agenda meetings in Nashville on June 23-24, 2011. Applicants are also expected to attend CRS 2012, set for Feb. 22-24, 2012. Visit www.CRB.org to download the Agenda Committee application.

>>>Little Champion Music LLC and principals John and Martina McBride have signed Jennifer Kennard to Songs Of Blackbird (BMI). Senior Creative Director, Glenn Middleworth, says “We’re looking forward to a long term relationship with Jennifer and expect great songs to come from her skill set of creativity, energy, enthusiasm and networking. Jennifer comes to Songs Of Blackbird with a proven track record, including a cut, ‘Virginia Bluebell’ on the current platinum selling Miranda Lambert album, among many others.”

Little Champion Music (ASCAP)/Songs Of Blackbird (BMI) is the publishing arm of Blackbird Studios. The three-year old company also includes award winning songwriter Rachel Thibodeau, who co-wrote the current chart-climbing Steve Holy single, “Love Don’t Run,” and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Jason Sever.

(L-R): Martina McBride, Jennifer Kennard, Glenn Middleworth and John McBride