Howard T. Ownens

Co-Executive Producer-Nashville Star 

We welcomed our guest speaker - Howard T. Owens - who serves as Co-Executive Producer for Nashville Star , USA Network's original grassroots talent search series to find the next country music superstar.

Ralph Emery

Artist/Television Show Host 

We welcomed our guest speaker - a legendary figure in country music - Ralph Emery. Through 40 years at the most powerful broadcast outlets in country music and all of America - Ralph is beloved and respected by Country Music's elite, his fans and his thousands of guests.

David Bennet

Executive Director-Tennessee Film & Music Commission 

We welcomed David Bennett - Executive Director Tennessee Film & Music Commission.

Bill Anderson

Songwriter/Artist 

There's an old saying: "If you want someone's attention, whisper." Bill Anderson has been using that philosophy for over forty years to capture the attention of millions of country music fans around the world, en route to becoming a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and one of the most popular, most enduring entertainers of our time.

NATD Holiday Party 

It was the season for good cheer as The Nashville Association of Talent Directors cordially hosted our annual holiday party. It was an evening of good food and good friends - did we mention good spirits and music too!

Annual NATD Breakfast 

We hosted our annual NATD 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 performances by Air Supply, Moore & Moore and surprise guest appearances by Faith Hill, Jamie O’Neal and John Carter Cash...more

Jack D. Johnson

We welcomed a legendary figure in country music circles - Jack D. Johnson. This statement "legendary" was not based on media hyperbole, but on a career of concrete accomplishments spanning five decades, the abundant stories about him, and the fact that, in the music business, "he's seen it all and/or done it all."

Tandy Rice

President/CEO Top Billing International 

In August a packed house welcomed the esteemed Tandy Rice as our guest speaker. Rice is President and CEO of Top Billing International, a Nashville-based entertainment organization specializing in booking and management of some of the biggest names in Country Music. Tandy's long career includes being featured on ABC TV's 20/20 and in People, Playboy, Newsweek, The NY Times as well as a host of other publications.

David Ross

Editor/Publisher of Music Row Magazine

joined us to give his views on today's music industry and technology. Like no other resource, Music Row Magazine is focused exclusively on Music City's inner workings.

NATD Picnic in the Park 

Our annual NATD Picnic In The Park was a huge success. Lunch was compliments of the Iron Chef's of NATD. (Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch!) We all enjoyed good food, good friends, and good music under the shelter at Fannie Mae Dees Park. The picnic was a great way to get to know our fellow Nashville entertainment professionals.

William Wade

Economist 

Economist William Wade shared his views at our May NATD meeting. According to Wade, Nashville has lost over 14,500 jobs matched with lost personal income of $1.4 billion due to the decline in sales of Country Music. Wade discussed the fact that the economic health of Nashville and Music Row could be had for a song -- if you could get your song on the radio.

Jack Clement

Producer/Songwriter/Artist 

Not too many people can claim to have worked with a range of artists that includes legendary rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, jazz icon Louis Armstrong, Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride, polka king Frank Yankovic and socially conscious Irish rockers U2. But producer/songwriter/artist and all-round character Jack Clement can and he was our guest at the April NATD meeting.