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"[Grady’s] dedication to the artists he works with has earned him many admirers throughout the creative community, and his proven ability to craft and implement highly effective strategies for his projects has earned him the respect of the entire industry."
——Don Ienner, Sony Music U.S. President

GRADY NAMED PRESIDENT
SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE

Former DMZ Topper to Oversee Columbia Nashville, Epic Nashville, Lucky Dog and Monument
As expected, John "The Blue and the" Grady has officially been named President, Sony Music Nashville, it was announced by Sony Music U.S. President "Been There" Don "That" Ienner, to whom he reports.

Grady replaces ousted Nashville President Allen Butler, who was let go last week. In addition, Exec. VP/GM Mike Kraski and Senior VP of A&R Blake Chancey have also left the company. Expect Mark Wright, Exec. VP of A&R at MCA Nashville, to take over for Chancey.

Based in Nashville, Grady will oversee all aspects of operations for the Sony Music Nashville family of labels, which include Columbia Nashville, Epic Nashville, Lucky Dog and Monument.

Most recently, Grady served as President, DMZ Records, a joint venture between Columbia and recording artist/producer T Bone Burnett and filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen. During his tenure with DMZ he oversaw a broad range of projects, including a Grammy nominated release from Ralph Stanley, a soundtrack release for the television series Crossing Jordan, and movie soundtracks for The Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood and the recently released, A Mighty Wind.

"With his eclectic tastes, passion for music, dead-on marketing sensibilities and vast business acumen, John Grady is one of the most talented guys in the business," said Ienner. "His fierce dedication to the artists he works with has earned him many admirers throughout the creative community, and his proven ability to craft and implement highly effective strategies for his projects has earned him the respect of the entire industry. I've known John for many years, and I have enormous faith in his talents and abilities.

"I thank T Bone Burnett for generously agreeing to have John take on these new responsibilities," he continued. "I know that with John in place, and the support of all of the talented and creative people on the Sony Music Nashville team, particularly Larry Pareigis in promotion and Dale Libby in sales, we're perfectly positioned to further intensify our efforts in the Country music market, as well as to bring our Nashville artists to broader audiences than ever before."

Grady added, "I'd like to say that working with T Bone Burnett, Don Ienner, and the Columbia Records family has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my professional life, and as I make the transition to my new role I know that everything I've learned in my most recent post will stand me in good stead. Moving forward, it's an honor to be chosen to work with Don Ienner, as well as with such talented executives as Andrew Lack and Michele Anthony. With the many strengths of the Nashville roster, the support of the entire Sony Music Entertainment team, and access to the resources of the parent company we have everything we need to establish the Nashville operation as the leader in Country music."

From 1993 to 2002, Grady was Senior VP of Sales, Marketing and Promotion for Mercury Nashville and Lost Highway Records. During his tenure with Mercury he worked on a wide array of multi-platinum selling artists and projects, including Shania Twain, Toby Keith, Teri Clark, Sammy Kershaw and the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

In 1989 he was named Regional Marketing Director, Midwest, Capitol, and in 1991 he was promoted to National Director of Field Marketing, Capitol. At Capitol he worked with such artists as Bonnie Raitt and MC Hammer. Prior to joining Capitol he worked at Arista, serving as Regional Director of Promotion, Arista and Regional Director Sales and Marketing, Arista. While with Arista he contributed to the development of such artists as The Grateful Dead, Whitney Houston and Kenny G. From 1982 to 1983, he worked with MCA as Regional Director of Promotion.

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