Music News (8/28/13)

Clockwise from Top Left: Randy Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Will Jennings and Layng Martine, Jr.

Will Jennings, Layng Martine, Jr., Randy Owen (Alabama) and Jeffrey Steele will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October, according to an announcement made today by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF).

The four new inductees will join the 188 existing members of the elite organization when they are officially inducted during the 43rd Annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 13th at the Music City Center. AT&T will again be a sponsor of the event.

Read more at MusicRow.com.

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Katie Alphonso

SESAC promoted Katie Alphonso to Manager, Royalty Distribution. Alphonso will supervise royalty distribution functions and related staff, including the processing, calculation and analysis of royalty distribution for broadcast and live music, as well as the compilation and distribution of royalty statements for all SESAC affiliates.

Curtis Hall

The PRO additionally promoted Curtis Hall of Sales Manager-Licensing. Hall has been with SESAC for six years, previously serving as Licensing Specialist. He will be responsible for recruiting, training and managing the company’s Licensing representatives.

Singer/songwriter Greg Crowe signed with the PRO for representation. Crowe has penned cuts for Montgomery Gentry, Sammy Kershaw, and Lonestar, and his song “We’re Fired Up” is the official song of the Tennessee Titans Radio Network.  Crowe has also signed with publishing company Swat Music Group.

Pictured (L-R): Swat Music Group/Busy At Play Publishing’s Johnny Garcia, SESAC’s John Mullins, Greg Crowe, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Swat Music Group’s Jamin Swantner. Photo: Peyton Hoge

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BMI singer-songwriter Mike Walker has signed a deal with HoriPro Entertainment. Walker is part of the bluegrass ensemble The Westbound Rangers.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Petree Law’s Chip Petree, Mike Walker, and HoriPro’s Lee Krabel, Butch Baker and Tim Stehli. Photo: Drew Maynard.

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The Combustion Music staff and “Don’t Ya” co-writer Ashley Gorley gathered at the Grand Ole Opry on Aug. 13 to celebrate Brett Eldredge‘s first chart-topping single. After a three-song performance Eldredge and the Combustion crew visited backstage with “Don’t Ya” co-writer Chris Destefano and Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. “Don’t Ya” is Gorley’s 11th No. 1 as a songwriter.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Chris Destefano, Chris Van Belkom, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn.

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Songwriter Charley Stefl has signed with Eleven Eleven Music Group for representation. The award-winning singer-songwriter-producer stopped by SESAC’s Nashville headquarters to celebrate the signing with Eleven Eleven execs.

SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Eleven Eleven’s Jason Morris, Charley Stefl, Eleven Eleven’s Jewel Coburn and SESAC’s Tim Fink.

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Pictured (Front row, L-R): NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller, Paul Jenkins, Connie Harrington, Natalie Hemby, Jessi Alexander. (Second row, standing, L-R): Luke Laird, David Lee Murphy, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Yeary, Andrew Dorff, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, Mark Bright, Tim James, Craig Wiseman, President’s Choice Award recipient Gerry House, Jason Sellers, Tom Shapiro

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) hosted a No. 1 Party on Aug. 13 to honor the writers of songs reaching the top spot between April and June 2013. The event, sponsored by Bill Lynch of Lynch Wealth Management, also featured several make-up presentations to writers who were unable to attend when their songs were previously honored.

The NSAI President’s Choice Award was presented to Nashville radio icon and hit songwriter Gerry House, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the protection and betterment of the songwriting profession.

Read more at MusicRow.com.