Music News 7/21/11

“American Picker” Turns Songwriter
Mike Wolfe, known for his role in the History Channel series American Pickers, owns a home in Nashville and recently opened the second of his Antique Archeology retail stores in Music City—the first is in LeClair, Iowa. He has been working with producer Brian Ahern on a project called Music to Pick By. They’ve been collaborating with songwriter Dale Watson, one of Wolfe’s favorites.

(L-R): Mike Wolfe; producer Brian Ahern; and BMI's Jody Williams, welcoming Wolfe to the BMI family. Photo: Drew Maynard

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Spotify Taps HFA

The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA) has entered into a publishing licensing, administration and management agreement with Spotify, which is in the middle of its US launch following much success overseas. HFA will clear mechanical publishing rights for Spotify, licensing certain rights in millions of musical works.

Under the agreement, Spotify will utilize HFA’s end-to-end publishing licensing, reporting, and royalty services. HFA’s state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive database make the organization uniquely qualified to provide these services.

Headed by President & CEO Gary Churgin, HFA has more than 46,000 affiliated publishers.

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Organizers of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament are promoting the event by placing pink flamingos in front of local businesses.

Ladies Golf Tourney Tees Up For 25th Anniversary
As reported earlier on MusicRow.com, the 25th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament will hit the links July 25 at Old Natchez Country Club. Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney have signed on with support. Artists set to party on the golf course include Laura Bell Bundy, Randy Montana, Kellie Pickler, Joanna Smith, Dani Flowers, Josh Thompson, and Kristen Kelly.

All proceeds from the event go to United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. During its 25-year history, MRLGT has donated over $1.5 million for the organization. With a 30% increase in money raised from 2009 to 2010, the tournament is UCP’s biggest fundraiser.

Over 200 of Music Row’s female professionals are expected to participate, with their male colleagues serving as caddies. At the zany tournament there is plenty of fun, plenty of libations, and participants dressed in costumes.

The event is sold-out for this year, but sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors include ASCAP, City National Bank, McGhee Entertainment, UBS Financial Services, UMG Nashville and MSO PR. Contact mrlgtnash@gmail.com for details.