(CelebrityAccess News Service) – The 33rd annual convention of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) in Nashville presented awards October 7 to a field that include top entertainment industry professionals as well as a trio of artists of legendary influence within the music industry.
Capping off the night, emceed by Neal McCoy, was the presentation of the IEBA Lifetime Achievement Award to Kenny Rogers for stellar contributions to the entertainment industry, through a career that has spanned more than 6 decades and international sale of his music in excess of 100 million albums. Rogers was presented the award by Country Music Hall Of Famer, Eddy Arnold, who like Rogers has taken his music to a world of listeners in and beyond the realm of country music.
IEBA Humanitarian Award was presented to Wayne Newton, who has recently followed in the footsteps of the late Bob Hope in becoming the major entertainment presence for the USO around the world and has long been recognized for charity interests and humanitarian work that has spanned the globe.
IEBA’s 2003 Pioneer Award was bestowed on Freddy Fender—the most significant artist of Mexican-American heritage ever to find his voice in country music. His major breakthrough came in 1974 when his recording of “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” topped both country and pop charts.
Other highlights of the evening included the presentation by the Oak Ridge Boys of The Founders Award, a tribute given by the organization to individuals who have exemplified business excellence in standards and professionalism within the entertainment industry. The 2003 award was presented to Paul Moore, Sr. vice president of the William Morris Agency in Nashville.
The President’s Award was delivered by IEBA President John Juliano to Sonny Anderson. Long respected as a major entertainment buyer, Anderson served as a talent executive with the Disney organization for more than 38 years. Juliano noted in honoring Sonny Anderson that he was a “founding member” of IEB having supported the organization for more than thirty years.
Dale Morris, founder of Dale Morris &Associates talent firm in Nashville, and long time manager of Alabama, was presented IEBA’s Industry Achievement Award.
Other major awards were:
Talent Agent Of The Year: Rod Essig—Creative Artist Agency
Talent Buyer Of The Year: Lori Renfro—Rodeo Houston
Artist Manager Of The Year: Scott Kernahan—Erv Woolsey Company
Concert Promoter Of The Year: Glen Smith—Glen Smith Presents
Event Producer Of The Year: Randy Wright—Integrity Events
New Agent Of The Year: Scott Galloway—William Morris Agency
Fair, Festival Or Special Event Tour of the Year–Kenny Chesney; No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem
Special opening tributes were paid at the dinner with a moment of silence for longtime IEBA member and noted country booking executive, Henry Ade, who died last December, as well as for Johnny &June Carter Cash. Johnny Cash was honored last year at this time at IEBA’s Nashville conference with the coveted Pioneer Award. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
