Catherine Brewton, Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations at Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), has announced the promotion of Wardell Malloy to Senior Director of Writer/Publisher Relations.

“Wardell is passionately involved in New York’s urban music scene and has enhanced BMI’s visibility in the urban community through his relationships with industry leaders,” commented Brewton. “He continues to show great leadership in all creative aspects of his job and manages to always identify great new talent.”

In Malloy’s new role, he will continue to sign and work with a multitude of talent (songwriters, publishers, and producers) in the genres of urban and gospel music. Some of Malloy’s signings have included Claude Kelly (Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears); Donald Lawrence (The Clark Sisters, Tri-City Singers, Mary J Blige); Trey Songz; Chris Brown; Kevin Cossom (Keri Hilson, Rick Ross); Mario; Frankie Storm (Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias); Makeba Riddick (Beyonce, Rihanna, T.I.); and Kierra Sheard.

As Sr. Director of Writer/Publisher Relations, Malloy will remain active in overseeing the performing rights organization’s creative and educational programs such as the Know Them Now Showcase, Conversation With, and BMI Urban Sampler. In addition, Malloy will continue coordinating BMI’s annual Urban Awards gala, as well as serving as a co-producer of the annual gospel awards show, Trailblazers of Gospel Music, which airs on The Gospel Channel.

Prior to the promotion, Malloy held the title of Director of Writer/Publisher Relations. He is based out of BMI’s New York office and reports directly to Brewton.

On October 29th, R&B crooner Eric Benet will hit the road for his 19-city “Sexy Soul Tour,” beginning in Houston, Texas at the Verizon Wireless Theatre. Other acts joining Benet on tour are Mint Condition and Ledisi.

Last year, Benet collaborated with his longtime production partner Demonte Posey for his fourth studio album, Love and Life, released via Friday/Reprise Records.

Sexy Soul Tour Dates Below:

 October 29                        Houston, TX                  Verizon Wireless

October 31                         Atlanta, GA                     Fox Theatre

November 1                      Charlotte, NC                   Ovens Auditorium

November 5                      Cincinnati, OH               Music Hall

November 6                     Cleveland, OH                  Palace Theatre

November 7                     Detroit, MI                        Masonic Temple Theatre

November 8                     Milwaukee, WI                Riverside Theatre

November 12                   Minneapolis, MN            State Theatre

November 13                   Chicago, IL                        Arie Crown

November 19                   New York, NY                  Beacon Theatre

November 20                  Philadelphia, PA             Academy Of Music

November 21                   Norfolk, VA                       Chrysler Theatre

December 3                     St. Louis, MO                     The Pageant

December 4                    Kansas City, MO                The Midland

December 5                    Memphis, TN                      Orpheum Theatre

December 6                    Dallas, TX                            Nokia Theatre

In honor of the legendary pop icon, Michael Jackson, who died tragically on June 25th, Universal Motown Records is releasing Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite on October 20th.

The project is a tribute CD comprised of a collection of top producers commissioned to remix 12 of their favorite songs from the Jackson 5’s catalogue during the Motown era, including popular tunes by the group such as “ABC and “Dancing Machine,” as well as more obscure records like “Maria” and “Skywriter.”

“It’s no secret that Michael Jackson’s phenomenal talent inspired countless entertainers,” says Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone. “But his music also inspired many of today’s finest producers. That’s why we thought it would be exciting to invite them to put their own unique spin on his work.”

Enlisted on the project are top-notch producers such as Akon, Polow (Da Don), The Neptunes, Stargate, Dallas Austin, Salaam Remi, and Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), just to name a few.

“We jumped at the opportunity to be involved with this project because Michael is a legend who influenced our entire career and redefined the world of music,” says Pharrell Williams (of The Neptunes), who remixed “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

Producer Salaam Remi, who has worked with Nas, The Fugees, and Amy Winehouse (amongst others), remixed the classic “ABC” by adding a reggae vibe to the song. Commenting on the new version, Remi says he “imagined the Jackson’s taking a trip to Jamaica in the early ’70s with a Jamaican band playing behind them.”

For Polow (Da Don), the challenge he faced in re-creating “Dancing Machine” was “to mix what the Jacksons had done in 1974 with today’s music to create something new that sounds just as good now as it did back in the day.”

The release of Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite follows the model of Universal Motown’s bi-weekly four-part digital suite series, which started online on August 25th until it ended on October 6th.

Atlantic Records Group Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman/COO Julie Greenwald have announced the promotion of Kevin Weaver as Vice President of the iconic label. 

In his new position, Weaver is responsible for overseeing the creation and placement of music and artists affiliated with Atlantic Records in all visual media formats, including film, television, and video games. Furthermore, Weaver is also in charge of developing and overseeing soundtrack projects, strategic alliances, licensing opportunities, and marketing initiatives. 

“Kevin has long been at the leading edge of exploring fantastic new avenues for our artists and their music. In the process, he has developed great relationships with the film, TV, and gaming communities, while at the same time expanding his A&R and creative responsibilities. Craig and I are very pleased to announce this much-deserved promotion.” 

“After a decade and a half with the Atlantic family, I am more energized than ever by the innovative company I am privileged to work for, and by the exciting new opportunities that are continually opening up for our artists,” said Kevin Weaver. “I want to thank Craig and Julie for their passionate commitment to the music, their visionary approach to the business, and their great support over the years.”

Prior to being named Vice President of Atlantic Records Group, Weaver recently launched a music publishing co-venture with Atlantic, where he signed and developed new artists, such as Sofi Bonde, who he also secured a multiple rights (360°) deal with Atlantic, as well as a co-publishing deal with the label and Warner/Chappell. Bonde has had his songs featured on various television programs, including Melrose Place, 90210, The Vampire Diaries, The Beautiful Life, and The Hills, amongst others. 

Most recently, Weaver was the Senior Vice President of the Atlantic Records Group. He started his career with the company in 1994.