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| NASHVILLE ASSOCIATION OF TALENT DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES 2004 AWARD WINNERS
"NATD's annual breakfast at the Wildhorse Saloon is always a highlight for entertainment industry professionals" said Ed Bazel, President of NATD. "We are proud to have a long standing history with our sister organization - the International Entertainment Buyers Association - and our breakfast has become a tradition of capping off their annual 4 day conference in Nashville." Moore & Moore started the morning off by treating the crowd to a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Bazel served as the master of ceremonies and began the breakfast by welcoming everyone and giving a brief history of the NATD. Starting out in 1958 over a bottle of whiskey, NATD today has become a continuing education organization for elite Nashville entertainment professionals featuring once a month luncheon meetings with cutting edge speakers and networking. The Board of Directors were brought to the stage to be recognized and receive plaques for their contribution to the organization. The NATD Board of Directors includes an impressive list of industry pros: Rod Essig, Tony Conway, Bonnie Sugarman, Ed Bazel, Steve Tolman, Steve Lassiter, Steve Thurmon, Robert Swope, Rod Harris, Carrie Moore and Barry McCloud. The legendary rock group Air Supply then took to the stage and wowed the crowd with a live performance of their greatest hits. The show brought the entertainment industry crowd to their feet for 2 rare morning standing ovations. Surprise guest Faith Hill presented the Talent Director of the Year Award to John Huie, agent for the Creative Artists Agency. John has been Faith’s agent for 12 years and has been with the company since 1991. He also represents Alan Jackson, Deana Carter, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman. The Hubert Long Award was presented by Jamie O’Neal to CAA agent, Ron Baird. He is a 30-year booking veteran coming through the ranks of The Jim Halsey Co. and William Morris Agency. Baird, who is retiring this year, has been with the Creative Artists Agency for 13 years and opened the Nashville office in 1991. He has been the responsible agent for Jamie O'Neal, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Olivia Newton John, Joe Nichols, Julie Roberts, Jennifer Hanson, Steve Wariner, James Otto and others. During an emotional acceptance speech Baird mentioned that life has been good to him in terms of his music career and that he is truly blessed by God. He said, “One of the best parts of receiving the award was hearing my grandson say, ‘Congratulations, papa.’” A surprised Lou Robin received the highly coveted Colonel Tom Parker Award. This award is bestowed at the special discretion of the NATD Board for recognition of lifetime service and achievement. Robin began his career in 1957 and became a major concert promoter, working with such artists as the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Bill Cosby, Duke Ellington Orchestra and a long list of entertainment luminaries. He then became the personal manager for Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and handled their careers for over 35 years. After a video documenting various highlights of his storied career, the award was presented to Lou by Johnny and June’s only son, John Carter Cash. Scholarships from the Billy Deaton Scholarship Fund were awarded to two deserving Belmont students; Kimberly Howell and Melissa Rau. Bazel wrapped the morning up by saying: "We are so blessed to be in an industry that brings so much joy to so many people. And this morning - good food, good friends, good music - what a prefect way to wrap up the International Entertainment Buyers Association conference!"
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(Nashville, Tenn.) - The Nashville Association of Talent Directors hosted their annual breakfast at the Wildhorse Saloon. The breakfast, in honor of the International Entertainment Buyers Association iebalive! 2004 conference which was wrapping up in town, featured a packed house and included surprise guest appearances by Faith Hill, Jamie O’Neal and John Carter Cash. 