Music News 10/4/12

(L-R): BBR Music Group President/Owner Benny Brown, David Fanning, Magic Mustang Music Sr. Creative Director Juli Newton-Griffith

Magic Mustang Music has expanded its writer roster with the addition of songwriter, artist, and producer David Fanning.

As one of the members of Nashville-based production team New Voice (Thompson Square, Kristy Lee Cook, Parmalee), Fanning has songwriting credits with Thompson Square, Bonnie Tyler, Tracy Lawrence and more. He also co-wrote Parmalee’s current single “Musta Had a Good Time.”

“David is a fantastic songwriter, producer and artist,” said Juli Newton-Griffith, Sr. Creative Director of Magic Mustang Music. “He’s a triple threat and I foresee great things for him in the years ahead. We’re ecstatic to have landed him.”

Also on the Magic Mustang roster are Jason Aldean, Thompson Square, Steve Bogard, Sherrie Austin, and more.

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Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett will be honored with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award during the 50th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards. The invitation-only gala will take place Mon., Oct. 29 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, and will also salute the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed Country songs from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012.

The ASCAP Creative Voice Award is presented to ASCAP members whose significant career achievements are equally informed by their creative spirit and their contributions to the greater community. Lovett joins a diverse group of previous honorees including Wyclef Jean, Green Day and Metallica.

“Lyle Lovett has forged a decades-long, award-winning career by committing to his own unique creative vision: in his songwriting, in his roles in film and television, and as a performer. He is often backed by his ‘Large Band,’ a musical collective that brings his singular fusion of American musical styles to life in grand fashion,” said ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams. “His passions also extend to advocating on behalf of his fellow music creators, and Lyle has often journeyed to Washington, DC to talk with legislators to help protect copyright. He is a musical hero in more ways than one, and we are thrilled to present him with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award.”

A four-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer and actor, Lovett has a career spanning more than three decades and fourteen albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues. His accolades include the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award.

The 50th ASCAP Country Music Awards will include the announcements of the Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter/Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. The evening will feature live performances of the top five most performed songs of 2011 by the award-winning songwriters and special guests. As previously announced, ASCAP will present legendary Country music songwriter Bob McDill with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award.

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Debbie Zavitson

Music industry vet Debbie Zavitson has opened Debbie Z Entertainment, a full service publishing, management, artist development and independent song plugging company.

Her first signings are award-winning songwriter Vip Vipperman (Reba, Trace Adkins), Phillip Lammonds (Josh Turner, Blake Shelton, Hootie & the Blowfish), Curb Music Publishing, Jay Lazaroff (written music for over 100 film and TV shows including Survivor and The Apprentice), award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Jess Moskaluke and emerging group Rocket Club.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new company,” says Zavitson. “Pitching songs today is more of a challenge than ever, but the writers I’m working with bring such a passion and professionalism to it that it couldn’t be more rewarding.”

She began her career in the entertainment business as a singer performing throughout the country. She moved to Music City and landed a job with then independent producer Doug Johnson running his publishing company. Zavitson has discovered No. 1 hits including ACM Song of the Year “I Love the Way You Love Me,” and Blake Shelton’s “Austin.” She has worked in A&R at Sony and Giant Records, and in artist management with Shelton as her first artist.

She can be reached at debbiezavitson@me.com.