Music News 9/30/2010

Alex Heddle has recently been added to the team at Writer’s Den Music Group as Catalog Manager/Song Plugger. Heddle formerly oversaw all creative aspects at Propel Music, where he spent the past two years.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Alex’s experience and enthusiasm as a part of our group,” says Head of Publishing, Bobby Rymer. “We look forward to working together as we continue to grow the company.”
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Influential and beloved music executive Frances Preston will be presented with the Mentor Award during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony on October 17.

“Frances is the consummate mentor,” said Roger Murrah, Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “She has mentored an industry of dreamers and professionals. The award could not be going to a more deserving person.”

Preston influenced and nurtured the careers of thousands of songwriters, performers and publishers in all genres of music during her five-decade career at BMI, which began with opening the organization’s Nashville office in 1958. Her numerous awards and accolades include induction to the Country Music and Gospel Music Halls of Fame, CMA’s Irving Waugh Award of Excellence, a National Trustees Award from the Recording Academy, Person of the Year at MIDEM, and the President’s Award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Recognized around the world as a vigilant defender of the rights of music creators, she is also known for her philanthropic activities including work with the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, and the namesake Frances Williams Preston Research Laboratories at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony is one of the music community’s favorite annual events. The evening features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. NSAI will presents its awards for the year’s Best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by professional songwriters.

The 40th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony is presented by AT&T, and will take place at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Tickets for the event are $200 each. A limited number of seats are available to the public this year and may be purchased by contacting event director Mark Ford at 615 256 3354 or hoftix@nashvillesongwriters.com.
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Melissa Spillman

Capitol Records Nashville has promoted Melissa Fuller Spillman to A&R Manager, where she will act as the A&R department’s liaison with producers, publishers, management and artists. She joined Capitol Nashville in May 2006 as a marketing coordinator.

“Melissa has always kept her ears to the street and her eyes on the goal-line,” says Capitol Pres./CEO Mike Dungan. “I am happy to recognize her contribution with this promotion to A&R Manager.”

Prior to working at Capitol, Spillman was a management assistant at Dreamcatcher Entertainment with artists Kenny Rogers, Jo Dee Messina, and others. The University of Texas at Austin graduate is also active with philanthropic causes and coordinating fundraisers with songwriters for charitable initiatives.