Music News 3/3/2011

Doug Morris

>>Doug Morris, one of the most influential executives in the global music industry, has officially exited his post as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group to join Sony Music Entertainment in the same role. He will be in office at Sony effective July 1, 2011.

Morris will succeed Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, who will be departing the company concurrent with the end of his contract on March 31, 2011. Until July, Sony Corporation Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Sir Howard Stringer will oversee the executive decision-making at SME.

Morris, who became Worldwide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UMG in 1995, revealed last year that he would step down from that role at the end of 2010. Morris began his music career as a songwriter with credits including the Chiffons’ 1966 hit, “Sweet Talkin’ Guy,” and as producer of hits including Brownsville Station’s “Smokin’ in the Boys Room.” He transitioned to the label world, joining Laurie Records in 1965 and later launching his own Big Tree Records. His career has gone on to include top-tier executive positions at Warner Music, Atlantic Records, MCA Music Entertainment Group and Universal Records.

For more details, please visit the story on www.MusicRow.com.

>>Songwriter/producer Joey Moi has signed a publishing deal with Big Loud Shirt Industries. The Vancouver, BC native has garnered success working with rock acts Hinder, Daughtry, My Darkest Days, Theory Of A Deadman, Default, Santana and most notably, Nickelback, including the current album, Dark Horse, which was co-produced with Mutt Lange. Most recently, Moi has produced RCA Nashville’s Jake Owen and 604 Records/Universal Canada’s Dallas Smith. Moi’s notable hits include Tim McGraw’s, “It’s A Business Doing Pleasure With You”, Daughtry’s “No Surprise” & “Life After You”, and the #1 hit “Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days featuring Ludacris and Zakk Wylde. Moi co-owns Mountain View Records & Mountain View Studios in Vancouver, BC with Chad Kroeger (Nickelback).

(L-R) Seth England, Joey Moi, Craig Wiseman & Kevin ‘Chief’ Zaruk. Photo: Amy Allmand

>>Savannah Music Group has signed Jack Williams. Williams has had a multitude of hits with both country and rock artists. His first cut was by Richie Havens in 1971. He has lived in Atlanta, Nashville, Seattle, St. Augustine Florida and has now returned to Nashville. Rock band Two Choices is about to release a single in the UK and US written by Williams and Travis Meadows called “My Side Of The Street.”

Dale Turner

>>Executive Dale Turner has joined Skyville Records as National Director, Radio Marketing and Promotion. This re-teams Turner with Skyville Pres. Kevin Herring, the two previously worked together at Lyric Street.

Turner brings to the table experience in both radio and promotion. For 14 years he served at RCA Label Group, ending as VP Promotion. In 1998 he joined Lyric Street as VP, National Promotion, where he worked for 12 years.

Skyville, launched last year by Paul Worley, Wally Wilson and Glen Morgan, is focusing on flagship act Stealing Angels.

“There is no better utility player on a record label staff than Dale Turner! He does it all,” says Herring. “We are so lucky to have him at Skyville!”

“In lieu of early retirement, I’m delaying my 139 bowling average to hook up with my former colleague Kevin Herring,” jokes Turner. “In all seriousness, I’ve worked some great music that was produced and/or written by Paul Worley and Wally Wilson over the years. This will be a fun adventure in a new business model!”