Enjoy breakfast sponsored by the Country Music Association (CMA). They will celebrate the 50th anniversary of honoring Country music’s top stars — from legends to breakout artists — through their CMA Awards, the longest running annual music awards program on network TV.
At the start of the Awards Breakfast, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry will welcome Music Biz back to Music City. With the highest concentration of music jobs in the country, Barry will discuss how she and the Music City Music Council work to attract and retain music industry professionals in Nashville. Music Biz President James Donio will give an update on the state of the industry and highlight Music Biz’s top initiatives of 2015 and what to expect from the Association in 2016. Music Biz Chairman Fred Beteille of YouTube will welcome the 2016-2017 Music Biz Board of Directors and announce the Scholarship Foundation Class of 2016.
Music Biz will also recognize this year’s business award winners. The Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement, recognizing individuals for their exceptional vision, leadership, and commitment, will be presented to John Esposito, President and CEO of Warner Music Nashville and Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. The Independent Spirit Award, recognizing significant contributors to the independent music community that embody the spirit of new thinking, entrepreneurship, and success in the industry, will be presented to Redeye’s Glenn Dicker and Tor Hansen.
Rounding out the morning will be a featured performance from Country music star Brett Eldredge. Eldredge has had four combined #1 singles from both of his albums, and his latest album, Illinois, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart, and #3 on the all genre Billboard 200 Album Chart.
