Nashville Scene

ON THE ROW: David Conrad joins Mercury Records and MCA Nashville as executive VP of A&R. Conrad previously was senior VP of Almo/Irving Music, where he worked for more than 20 years. In related news, Mercury executive VP of A&R Keith Stegall exits the label, for which he was also a recording artist. Also out is Mercury VP of A&R Mary Martin. Mark Wright remains on board as executive VP of A&R at MCA Nashville, reporting to Conrad. Look for several more new hires at the Universal labels in the coming weeks.

Rob Dalton exits his position as VP of national promotion at Epic/Monument after 15 years with the company.

Independent publishing company Cal IV Entertainment has acquired the publishing rights of songwriter Liz Hengber's Glen Nikki Music. The catalog includes such hits as Reba McEntire's "Forever Love," Clay Davidson's "Unconditional," and Andy Griggs' "She's More." Also, Cal IV has re-signed Kerry Harvick to a songwriting agreement. Harvick is set to record her Lyric Street debut album this fall.

Sheri Warnke joins TBA Entertainment as senior VP. Her duties include creating, marketing, and selling sponsorship programs for TBA's artist management, fair, festival, entertainment marketing, and corporate clients. Warnke previously was VP/group publisher of Country Weekly and Country Music magazines, published by Country Music Media Group (CMMG).

In related news, group editor Neil Pond is promoted to VP/editorial director for CMMG. Tori Hughes is upped from associate publisher to group publisher, and marketing and promotions director Tracy Rogers has been named associate publisher of marketing and promotions.

Carole Ann Mobley has been promoted to senior director of A&R at RCA Label Group. She previously was the company's director of A&R.

Kerri Edwards joins Murrah Music as creative director. She previously was with Arista Nashville.

Nancy Quinn has been promoted to senior director of artist development at Dualtone Music Group, where she was director of artist development. Prior to joining Dualtone, she spent seven years at BMG Distribution.

CMT recently relocated to downtown Nashville from the network's longtime home in studios and offices adjacent to the Grand Ole Opry House on Opryland Drive.

Enzo DeVincenzo is promoted from director to senior director of Southwest regional promotion for MCA Nashville, where Marlene Augustine is upped from director to senior director of West Coast regional promotion. Shane Allen is promoted to director of secondary promotion for MCA and Mercury. He previously held a similar position at MCA.



SIGNINGS: Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel has been signed to Audium Records to record a solo album, due next March. Also, Tony Joe White is no longer on the label.

Lisa Brokop has signed a recording deal with Curb Records, according to her fan club newsletter. She previously recorded for Capitol and Columbia. Brokop was already signed as a writer to Curb's publishing division. A new album is due next year.

BlackHawk has signed with Buddy Lee Attractions for booking representation.

Mel Tillis has signed with Music City Artists for booking and will resume touring in 2003. Music City will also book an upcoming Mel Tillis/Pam Tillis package tour that will play a limited number of dates in support of Pam's new It's All Relative set, a tribute to the songs of her father, Mel.



ARTIST NEWS: Look for Steve Wariner to launch his own label next month with an album containing 10 new songs and seven of his hits. Wariner previously recorded for RCA, MCA, Arista Nashville, and Capitol.

Dolly Parton has been appointed Tennessee's ambassador for film and music. Her new role will include working with the state's Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission to market the advantages of doing business in Tennessee.

Sheryl Crow was behind the boards for a remixed version of Dixie Chicks' "Landslide," which was digitally delivered to country radio Sept. 30.

Singer Collin Raye and Lisa Ryan, the co-anchor of Christian Broadcasting Network's 700 Club, will co-host the Christian Country Music Assn. Awards Nov. 5 in Nashville.

Kenny Rogers and screenwriter Donald Davenport have written a novel, Christmas in Canaan, which will be published by Harper Children's this month.