Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced the signing of Eagles founding member Bernie Leadon to a long-term, worldwide publishing agreement.
“I have been associated with Warner Chappell and the rest of Warner Music since 1971,” said Leadon in a statement. “I am delighted to renew my connections with them now at this point in the 21st Century. Warner Chappell and Warner Music have always been at the pinnacle of support for songwriters and other music creators, and that reality is still very evident in the current leadership and staff. My sincere thanks go to all of them.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is slated to release his first solo album in more than two decades,” Too Late to Be Cool,” on Oct. 10. Most recently, Leadon was a headliner at the AmericanaFest in Nashville, Tennessee.
WCM’s Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO, said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that much of the music we call Americana today owes a deep debt to Bernie’s boundary-crossing inspiration. He has helped shape a canon of iconic music, from his early years with genre-defying groups like The Flying Burrito Brothers and Dillard & Clark to his generation-defining work with the Eagles to his countless collaborations with other artists. His creativity, musical brilliance, and pure devotion to his craft have made him a true American treasure, with six decades of extraordinary songs and sounds to his credit. We’re honored and excited to welcome him into the Warner Chappell family.”
Greg Sowders, SVP, A&R and Catalog, WCM added: “As a master musician, songwriter and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bernie inspired me to start my first real band. And now as his music publisher, I continue to be inspired by his writing and playing, particularly by his new album Too Late To Be Cool. His legend continues.”
+ A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music), today announces that Ian Harrison has been appointed as chief executive officer effective Oct. 1. Harrison succeeds Dr. Richard James Burgess, who will step down at the end of this year.
Harrison brings more than 20 years of leadership in the independent music sector, most recently as executive VP of Hopeless Records. Over two decades, he helped transform the label from a small independent into a globally recognized powerhouse. His work as part of the Hopeless Foundation (Sub City) has raised over 3.5 million dollars for a variety of music and mental health charities.
In addition to his label leadership, Harrison has been a longstanding contributor to A2IM and the broader indie community. He has been actively involved with A2IM since 2012 as an Indie Week committee member, five-time speaker and mentor.
“The independent community is stronger and more dynamic than ever, yet also facing accelerating challenges that will test our resilience and adaptability. A2IM exists to ensure our members can grow independently in the face of these changes and thrive on their own terms.
+ Carlos “Charly” Pérez has announced the launch of Studio VII, his new firm specializing in communications, public relations, entertainment, as well as the production of experiences and events. The project launches alongside an active strategic alliance with Warner Music Latina, focused on developing new talent and strengthening the company’s artist roster. This collaboration remains non-exclusive, allowing room for new opportunities and partnerships.
The firm is based in the United States, Puerto Rico and is also operating across Mexico, the rest of Latin America and Spain. Studio VII supports artists, brands, and cultural projects from concept to execution, delivering high-impact campaigns, customized events and strategic activations in key markets.
“Studio VII represents a new professional chapter that allows me to continue developing projects through an independent structure, while maintaining my collaboration with Warner Music Latina on strategic initiatives,” said Pérez.
+ Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) today recognized Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and the Scarlett Family Foundation for their long-standing support at its “All in For Kids” fundraising breakfast.
CAA, the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency, received the “All in For Kids Award,” which recognizes a CISTN supporter or organization that has generously given time and resources to significantly advance the nonprofit’s mission to ensure all students have the support they need to succeed in school and in life. John Huie, music agent and founding partner of CAA Nashville, accepted the award on behalf of the agency.
“20 years ago, our CAA Nashville founders not only recognized but acted upon the importance of leading and providing support for initiatives aimed at creating a more resilient and equitable public education system in Nashville,” said Colby Gallahar, manager, CAA Foundation. “Through our partnership with CISTN, we remain committed to volunteering time and resources to ensure students are provided with the best education possible, protecting their dreams of becoming future community leaders, educators, first responders, and more!”
The Scarlett Family Foundation was recognized with the Alice Chapman Advocacy Award, named in honor of the leadership and legacy of the late Alice Chapman, a member of CISTN’s founding task force who went on to serve as chair of the board. Tara Scarlett, the immediate past chair of CISTN’s board, accepted the award on behalf of her family.