Kennett native appointed to head Lyric Street Record's newly created Disney Music Publishing in Nashville

Howard

Doug Howard, a Kennett native, and current Senior Vice President of A&R, for Lyric Street Records in Nashville, Tenn., has just been named senior vice president and general manager of the newly created Disney Music Publishing in Nashville.

"There was only one choice when it came to launching our music publishing efforts in Nashville. A consummate 'music man,' Doug is respected by songwriters, producers and artists alike," David Agnew, executive vice president and general manager of the Buena Vista Music Group, to whom Howard will report to in his new capacity.

"Given his existing role at Lyric Street, he is perfectly situated to exploit the special affinity which exists between Disney and the Nashville songwritting community," Agnew said.

Both Disney Music Publishing and Lyric Street Records are a part of the Buena Vista Music Group. The Buena Vista Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Company.

Headquartered in Burbank, Cali., and overseen by Julie Enzer, Disney Publishing controls thousands of copyrights to songs representing the musical legacy of the Walt Disney Company.

Howard will continue to serve in his A&R role at Lyric Street, while his publishing duties will include talent and catalogue acquisitions.

Disney Music Publishing/Nashville will open in early May with additional staffing announcements forthcoming.

"I am ecstatic to know that I have the opportunity to start another Disney operation in Nashville," Howard said, "and to work daily and directly in a publisher role with some of the best songwriters in the world."

"I am really thrilled to hear this about Doug," said long time friend Brad Carter. "Disney could not have picked a better person for this, because I personally know how dedicated Doug is to his work," Carter said. "He has always worked hard and deserves this opportunity," he added.

Jim Baker is another who strongly agreed with Carter. "Back when Doug first got into publishing, he described it as his first love," Baker said. "Disney could have picked anyone in the world to fill this position, so that alone should decribe Doug's hard work. It speaks for itself," Baker added.

Howard has been with Lyric Street since the Disney country imprint's inception in 1997. Since opening its doors eight years ago, Lyric Street Records has experienced success with breakthrough debut albums by Rascal Flats, SHeDAISY and Josh Gracin.

"A few years back, Gary Wilcoxson and I got the opportunity to meet Aaron Tippin, and when we mentioned Doug's name, Aaron cut us off and said 'That man saved my career.' So, everyone who knows him and has the pleasure of being in the business with him, respects him," Baker said.

Additionally on the Lyric Street roster are Aaron Tippin, Kerry Harvick, Ragsdale, Trent Tomlinson, and Sarah Buxton. Prior to Lyric Street, Howard served as vice president/general manager of Ploygram International Music Publishing in Nashville.

Howard is currently the president of the Nashville Chapter of NARAS and chairman to the advisory board for the Belmont University Music Business Program.